2-year clinical evaluation of a gallium restorative alloy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical performance of 2-year old gallium alloy restorations. Parameters evaluated include: (1) fracture at the margins, (2) tarnish, (3) surface roughness, (4) tooth fracture, (5) fracture through the body of the restoration, and (6) any medical or dental conditions arising during the study.


METHODS
Nine patients received 30 Class I restorations of Galloy gallium alloy. These were placed as conservatively as possible under a rubber dam. Fifteen of the preparations were lined with a Bis-GMA resin to seal the restoration from moisture. The other 15 preparations were sealed with Amalgambond. After placement of the gallium alloy, the exposed surfaces of all restorations were sealed with the Bis-GMA resin, and the occlusion was checked. The restorations were examined at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years.


RESULTS
At the 2-year recall, all restorations were intact with the exception of one tooth fracture (cause unknown). Forty-five percent of the restorations exhibited tarnish and 60% had a rough surface. The fracture at the margins of these restorations was minimal, and no significant difference could be found between those using Amalgambond and those sealed with the resin system. No medical problems were reported by the patients, and postoperative sensitivity was minimal.
Osborne
J W
JW
Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA.
Summitt
J B
JB
D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000009:adverse effects; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining; D019554:Dental Restoration Wear; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005708:Gallium / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates
C070606:Amalgambond; D003722:Dental Alloys; C100747:Galloy; D008689:Methacrylates; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D005708:Gallium