scholarly journals Should dental amalgams be used in dental training? The perspectives of dental academics at a university in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (09) ◽  
pp. 524-531
Author(s):  
Sharmila Bissoon ◽  
Rajeshree Moodley
Keyword(s):  
Resin Composite ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Restorative Dentistry ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Clinical Supervisors ◽  
Dental Amalgams

Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for the last 150 years to restore posterior teeth. Concerns regarding the safety issues with amalgam due to its mercury content have lead to the introduction of composite dental material to restore posterior teeth. This has transformed the teaching and training trends of direct restorative materials for posterior teeth. This descriptive study aimed to gain insight into academic staff and clinical supervisors’ perceptions regarding the use of dental amalgams in the teaching of restorative dentistry. This study used a qualitative method of data collection. Two focus group discussions were conducted between March and May 2020. Seventeen participants were invited to participate. Fourteen responded and participated, yielding an 82% response rate. The data identified two major themes, viz. the challenges experienced with the teaching of dental amalgam and curriculum development recommendations. Clinical quota requirements, disposal of waste products, and occupational and environmental risks regarding mercury exposure were sub-themes. Some of the curriculum recommendations included the skills gained during cavity preparations, the training and quota requirements of dental materials, and teaching trends locally, nationally and internationally.This study revealed that dental amalgam is still an integral part of the restorative dentistry curriculum at the university. However, the teaching of resin composite now occupies more than fifty percent of the restorative dentistry curriculum. Academics and clinical supervisors show a greater affinity for the placement of composite restorations.

scholarly journals Perceptions of dental therapy students regarding the teaching and training with dental amalgam, in a dental school in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 258-269
Author(s):  
Sharmila Bissoon ◽  
Rajeshree Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Resin Composite ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
The Past ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Ceramic Restorations ◽  
And Training

Dental amalgam has been used as a restorative material in dentistry for the past 150 years. This material has been used to restore posterior teeth throughout the world and is also used in South Africa. Dental amalgam has been the material of choice for patients presenting with large tooth decay areas, including the loss of cuspal areas. The reason for this is that dental amalgam was always considered strong and durable. Compared to alternate dental materials, this material could also withstand the significant forces associated with chewing and biting. Dental amalgam is also considered more cost-effective than alternate dental materials such as conventional glass ionomers, resin-modified glass ionomers, resin composite and ceramic restorations, making it more feasible and material of choice in lower economic countries, including South Africa.

Dental Amalgam and Antibiotic- and/or Mercury-resistant Bacteria

2008 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 475-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.C. Roberts ◽  
B.G. Leroux ◽  
J. Sampson ◽  
H.S. Luis ◽  
M. Bernardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Bacterial Diseases ◽  
Dental Amalgams ◽  
Mercury Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Amalgam Fillings

Mercury emitted from dental amalgam may select for increased numbers of antibiotic- or mercury-resistant commensal bacteria in patients and increase their risk for bacterial diseases that are resistant to common therapies. We hypothesized that the presence of dental amalgams would increase the level of mercury-, tetracycline-, ampicillin-, erythromycin-, or chloramphenicol-resistant oral and urinary bacteria as compared with levels in children receiving composite fillings. Samples were collected at baseline, 3–6 months after the initial dental treatment, and annually for 7 years of follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in the numbers of bacteria growing on antibiotic- or mercury-supplemented plates. This study provided no evidence that amalgam fillings on posterior teeth influenced the level of antibiotic- or mercury-resistant oral or urinary bacteria as detected by culture.

scholarly journals Perception of Patients with Amalgam Fillings about Toxicity of Mercury in Dental Amalgam

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
CT Bamise ◽  
Adeleke O Oginni ◽  
Michael A Adedigba ◽  
OO Olagundoye
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Filling Material ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Dental Fillings ◽  
Dental Hospital ◽  
Dental Amalgams ◽  
Level Of Agreement ◽  
Amalgam Fillings

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness of patients with dental fillings about the toxicity of mercury in dental amalgam. Materials and methods Adult patients having at least one amalgam filling in their mouth were recruited in the Oral Diagnosis Department of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife Dental Hospital. Participants were recruited consecutively as they report in the clinic. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed based on standard questions from relevant publications. They were asked to indicate the type of filling material in their mouth, ingredients of the material, previous knowledge of mercury in dental amalgam and ailments due to mercury. They were to indicate their level of agreement with filling their cavities with dental amalgam despite prior information about its mercury content. Results There were about 446 respondents analyzed; male, 194 (43.5%); female 252 (56.5%). Six (1.4%) and 21 (4.7%) respondents were primary and secondary schools students respectively; 15(3.4%) had no formal education while about 410 (91.9%) were either undergraduate or graduate. All of them had at least one amalgam filling. 249 (55%) participants know the type of filling on their teeth; 156 (34.5%) had the knowledge of the presence of mercury in dental amalgam while 26.1% believed mercury can cause problems in human beings. About 90 (19.9%) participants claimed to have heard about adverse reactions to dental amalgams and 34 (7.5%) of them have heard about people recovering from an illness after removal of their filling. The level of agreement with filling their cavities with amalgam despite prior knowledge of its mercury content was 74% while 60% was observed for allowing just any material to be placed on their teeth. Conclusion Awareness of toxicity of mercury in dental amalgam was slightly low among the respondents studied. This may be suggested to be a reflection of nonexistent of global amalgam controversy in Nigeria. How to cite this article Bamise CT, Oginni AO, Adedigba MA, Olagundoye OO. Perception of Patients with Amalgam Fillings about Toxicity of Mercury in Dental Amalgam. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):289-293.

scholarly journals Increased Systemic Malondialdehyde Levels and Decreased Mo/Co, Mo/Hg2+, Co/Fe2+ Ratios in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgams

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Cabaña-Muñoz ◽  
José Parmigiani-Izquierdo ◽  
Fabio Camacho Alonso ◽  
José Merino
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dental Implants ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Titanium Implants ◽  
Systemic Oxidative Stress ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Dental Amalgams ◽  
Titanium Dental Implants

Introduction: the biological safety of dental biomaterials has been questioned in human studies. Material and Methods: Several heavy metals/oligoelements were compared by Inductive Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in hair samples from 130 patients (n = 54 patients with long-term titanium dental implants and amalgams (A + I group), 51 patients with long-term dental amalgam alone (A group), as well as controls (n = 25: without dental materials) of similar age. All patients (except controls) had had titanium dental implants and/or dental amalgams for at least 10 years (average: 17). We evaluated whether A + I patients could present higher systemic malondialdehyde levels (MDA) as compared to the A group. Results: The A + I group have lower molybdenum levels (A + I) and reduced Mo/Co and Mo/Fe2+ ratios, which could predispose them to oxidative stress by raising MDA levels as compared to the A group alone; our findings suggest that higher Co levels could enhance oxidative stress in the A + I group. However, there were no differences on metals from titanium alloy (Ti-6Al), Cr from crowns or Hg2+, Sn, Zn2+, Cu2+ levels between the A + I and A groups. Conclusion: patients with long-term dental titanium and amalgams have systemic oxidative stress due to rising MDA levels and lower Mo/Co and Mo/Fe2+ ratios than those with amalgams alone.

Frequency of Restoration Replacement in Posterior Teeth for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Personnel

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Laccabue ◽  
RL Ahlf ◽  
JW Simecek
Keyword(s):  
Military Personnel ◽  
Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Resin Composite ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Caries Risk ◽  
Risk Status ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Dental Records ◽  
Amalgam Restorations

SUMMARY Statement of Problem There are no recent data that describe the replacement rates of resin composite and dental amalgam restorations placed by US Navy dentists. Information is needed to provide the best possible care for our military personnel which would minimize the probability of dental emergencies, especially for those who are deployed. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if the frequency of posterior restoration replacement in military personnel differed based on the type of restorative material utilized. Methods and Materials Data contained in dental records in an observational study (retrospective cohort) were evaluated to identify resin composite and dental amalgam restorations placed by navy dentists in posterior teeth. The status of all erupted, unerupted, missing, and replaced teeth was documented. The type and condition of all existing restorations were recorded for each posterior tooth. Investigators reviewed 2921 dental records, and of those, 247 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. A total of 1050 restorations (485 resin composite and 565 amalgam) were evaluated. Results A Cox proportional hazards model was adjusted for number of tooth surfaces restored, caries risk, and filled posterior surfaces at initial exam. The overall rate of replacement for all restorations in the sample was 5.7% during the average 2.8-year follow-up. No significant elevation of risk for restoration replacement existed when comparing resin composite and amalgam. Both the number of restored surfaces and caries risk status were independent risk factors for replacement. When restoring multisurface cavity preparations, providers placed amalgams by an approximate 2:1 ratio over resin composites for this study population. Conclusion The results for this study show that no difference existed in the rate of replacement for amalgam vs resin composite. When restorations increased from just a single occlusal surface to additional surfaces, the rate of replacement was elevated and statistically significant for both materials. A higher caries risk status was also significant in elevating replacement rates for both materials.

Conventional glass-ionomer cements: a guide for practitioners

Dental Update ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 643-650
Author(s):  
Petros Mylonas ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Avijit Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Glass Ionomer Cements ◽  
Glass Ionomer ◽  
Restorative Dentistry ◽  
Restorative Dental Materials ◽  
Placement Technique

Glass-polyalkenoate cements, also known as glass-ionomer cements (GICs), are one of the most commonly used bio-interactive restorative dental materials, having been available since the 1970s. With the promotion of minimally invasive operative dentistry (MID), and the reduction in the use of dental amalgam worldwide, the popularity of these materials has grown significantly in recent years. This article outlines the basics and clinical importance of GIC material science, and provides an overview of their use in restorative dentistry. CPD/Clinical Relevance: GICs are versatile dental biomaterials that require correct case selection, material handling and placement technique to ensure optimal clinical success.

scholarly journals Cambios macroscópicos de la amalgama dental sometida in vitro a altas temperaturas con fines forenses: el caso de los nódulos de plata / Macroscopic Changes of Dental Amalgam subjected in vitro at High Temperatures with Forensic Purposes: Silver Bullets

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (74) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Sinisterra-Sinisterra ◽  
Liliana Marín-Jiménez ◽  
Angélica García ◽  
Sandra Moreno-Correa ◽  
Freddy Moreno-Gómez
Keyword(s):  
High Temperatures ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Extreme Temperatures ◽  
Dental Identification ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Dental Amalgams ◽  
New Generation

<p><strong>ABSTRACT. </strong><em><strong>Background:</strong></em> Dental materials, including dental amalgam, undergo macro-structural changes when exposed to high temperatures. Understanding those changes can be useful for dental identification and documentation when conducting medical-legal autopsies of burned, charred, or incinerated bodies to determine type of biomaterial and highest temperature reached. <em><strong>Purpose:</strong></em> Describe the formation of silver nodules on the surface of dental amalgams exposed to high temperatures, in order to identify patterns and reliable markers for forensic dentistry use. <em><strong>Methods:</strong></em> This was a quasi-experimental <em>in vitro</em> study that described the formation of silver nodules in a sample of 45 dental amalgam discs (brands: Contour® Kerr®, Admix® SDI®, and Nu Alloy® New Stetic®) and 45 occlusal fillings in premolars that were exposed to high temperatures (200º C, 400º C, 600º C, and 800º C). <em><strong>Results:</strong></em><strong><em> </em></strong> Silver nodules were evident on the amalgam surfaces between 200º C and 400º C and began to disappear at 600º C to form spheres and strips upon reaching 800º C. <em><strong>Conclusions:</strong></em> The formation and disappearance of silver nodules is a recurring feature of new-generation amalgam alloys exposed to extreme temperatures. Therefore, describing them can be used as a marker to identify materials and determine highest temperature reached by human remains.</p><p> </p>

Prevention and Management of Scale and Polish Damage to Resin Composite Restorations

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-71
Author(s):  
Nairn HF Wilson ◽  
Christopher D Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Resin Composite ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Minimal Intervention ◽  
Composite Restorations ◽  
The Aesthetic

Background The use of resin composite in the restoration of, in particular, posterior teeth is increasing. This trend is set to continue, with the momentum-gathering shift towards minimal-intervention direct approaches to the restoration of diseased, damaged and worn teeth, and subsequent to the signing of the Minamata Convention, aimed, amongst other measures, at ‘phasing down’ the use of dental amalgam.1–3 As a result, members of the dental team should, it is suggested, give consideration to the prevention and management of the damage that routine scaling and polishing may cause to the margins and surfaces of restorations of resin composite, or indeed restorations of other tooth-coloured restorative systems. Such damage may compromise the aesthetic qualities and reduce the life expectancy of tooth-coloured restorations. This article focuses on the prevention and management of scale and polish damage to resin composite restorations.

scholarly journals A Simple Technique to Fabricate Bite Turbos

2021 ◽  
pp. 030157422110137
Author(s):  
Hoger Omran Alsheikho ◽  
Doaa Jomah
Keyword(s):  
Simple Technique ◽  
Resin Composite ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Laboratory Procedures

Bite turbos are a relatively new but widespread fabrication used in a variety of orthodontic cases. Bite turbos placed on lingual surfaces of upper incisors help disclude the posterior teeth and open the bite. This report describes a simple, effective, and economical technique to fabricate resin composite bite turbos. This method does not require laboratory procedures and can be manufactured using materials that are usually available in a regular dental practice.

scholarly journals Effects of ionizing radiation on surface properties of current restorative dental materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Michelle Gonçalves de Amorim ◽  
Aretha Heitor Veríssimo ◽  
Anne Kaline Claudino Ribeiro ◽  
Rodrigo Othávio de Assunção e Souza ◽  
Isauremi Vieira de Assunção ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Surface Properties ◽  
Resin Composite ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Glass Ionomer Cement ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Glass Ionomer ◽  
Post Radiation ◽  
Restorative Dental Materials ◽  
Ionomer Cement

AbstractTo investigate the impact of radiotherapy on surface properties of restorative dental materials. A conventional resin composite—CRC (Aura Enamel), a bulk-fill resin composite—BFRC (Aura Bulk-fill), a conventional glass ionomer cement—CGIC (Riva self cure), and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement—RMGIC (Riva light cure) were tested. Forty disc-shaped samples from each material (8 mm diameter × 2 mm thickness) (n = 10) were produced according to manufacturer directions and then stored in water distilled for 24 h. Surface wettability (water contact angle), Vickers microhardness, and micromorphology through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after exposition to ionizing radiation (60 Gy) were obtained. The data were statistically evaluated using the two-way ANOVA and Tukey posthoc test (p < 0.05). Baseline and post-radiation values of contact angles were statistically similar for CRC, BFRC, and RMGIC, whilst post-radiation values of contact angles were statistically lower than baseline ones for CGIC. Exposition to ionizing radiation statistically increased the microhardness of CRC, and statistically decreased the microhardness of CGIC. The surface micromorphology of all materials was changed post-radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation negatively affected the conventional glass ionomer tested, while did not alter or improved surface properties testing of the resin composites and the resin-modified glass ionomer cement tested.

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