Corrosion pattern of silver points in vivo.
The purpose of this study was to examine the electrochemical behavior of silver points in vivo. The apices of silver points removed from teeth with successful or failed endodontic treatments were subjected to complete surface characterization by small-area ESCA, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalyzer. Cross-sections of the points near the apex were examined with scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalyzer to identify the depth of corrosion involvement. According to the results, all silver points manifested evidence of corrosion attack. Electron probe microanalyzer showed no difference in the elemental distribution found on the points. ESCA analysis of the uppermost 5-nm point layer revealed the presence of N on silver points removed from failed treatments. The examination of cross-sections manifested deep S penetration in the bulk of the points removed from failed treatments. Considering the results of this study, no direct association seems to exist between the extent of the corrosion involvement and the prognosis of the treatment. Handling factors and the presence of bacteria are probably the parameters determining the outcome of a treatment.
Research Center for Biomaterials, Athens, Greece.
J
J
Margelos
G
G
Eliades
G
G
Palaghias
D003343:Corrosion; D004563:Electrochemistry; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D012834:Silver
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012834:Silver