title: Gamalgamation: current situation.
abstract: A review of the historic evolution of gallium alloys and their manipulation characteristics is presented. Although they have similar, or even better, mechanic properties than modern silver amalgams, their use is restricted. This restriction is due to difficulties in their manipulation, their tendency to corrosion, their controversial biocompatibility and the lack of knowledge about gallium's environmental impact. However gallium alloys are still considered as improvable alternatives to silver amalgams.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Basque Country U.P.V./E.H.U.
authors.forename: J I Soler
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.forename: G Rodriguez
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Baciero
authors.forename: E Consolin
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Gonzalvo
authors.forename: B Gorritxo
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Gil
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003343:Corrosion; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000737:chemistry*; D004777:Environment; D005708:Gallium / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003722:Dental Alloys; D012834:Silver; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D005708:Gallium