Retention of complex amalgam restorations using self-threading pins, amalgapins, and Amalgambond.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the shear fracture resistance of complex amalgam restorations retained by four regular TMS pins, four amalgapins, Amalgambond, or four amalgapins in conjunction with Amalgambond.


METHODS
Sixty maxillary molars free of caries were mounted in acrylic resin and the occlusal surfaces were ground flat to within 2 mm of the CEJ. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups of 15 teeth. Each group provided one of the four different methods of resistance. Dispersalloy was condensed into the prepared specimens. The specimens were adjusted to provide 4 mm height of amalgam. After 1000 thermocycles, the specimens were loaded at a 45 degree angle to the occlusal surface at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/second.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis revealed that Amalgambond, four amalgapins and four amalgapins in conjunction with Amalgambond provided more resistance to shear force than four regular TMS pins.
Imbery
T A
TA
AEGD Program, Langley AFB, Virginia, USA.
Hilton
T J
TJ
Reagan
S E
SE
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003772:Dental Pins; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008689:Methacrylates
C070606:Amalgambond; D003722:Dental Alloys; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D008689:Methacrylates; C033470:Dispersalloy; D003723:Dental Amalgam