Histological evaluation to study the effects of dental amalgam and composite restoration on human dental pulp: an in vivo study.
OBJECTIVE
To study and compare the effects of dental amalgam and composite restorations on human dental pulp.


METHODS
One hundred sound premolars scheduled for orthodontic extraction were divided equally into two groups: group A, teeth restored with silver amalgam, and group B, teeth restored with composite resin. Each group was equally subdivided into two subgroups [extracted after 24 h (A-1 and B-1) or 7 days (A-2 and B-2)], and the histological changes in the pulp related to the two different materials at the two different intervals were studied.


RESULTS
It was found that after 24 h, the inflammatory response of the pulp in teeth restored with amalgam and composite was similar (p = 1.00). However, after 7 days, the severity of the inflammatory response of the pulp in teeth restored with amalgam was less compared to that in teeth restored with composite (p = 0.045).


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed that amalgam continues to be the mechanically as well as biologically more competent restorative material. Composite could be a promising restorative material to satisfy esthetic needs for a considerable period of time. However, its biological acceptance is still in doubt.
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Neelam D
ND
Chandwani
Mansing G
MG
Pawar
Jagdish V
JV
Tupkari
Monal
M
Yuwanati
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001641:Bicuspid; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C029012:Composite Dental Resin; D003188:Composite Resins; D011140:Polyurethanes; D003723:Dental Amalgam