Evaluation of an adhesive system for amalgam repair: bond strength and porosity.

This study compared the shear bond strengths and the porosity at the bond sites of a spherical amalgam alloy to those of an admixed amalgam alloy, when they were bonded to like and unlike alloy specimens with or without a resin bonding material. The spherical alloy had higher bond strength and less porosity than did the admixed alloy, whether bonded to spherical or admixed alloy. The results suggest that use of a spherical alloy should be strongly considered when an amalgam restoration is to be repaired with an amalgam alloy, regardless of the type of alloy used in the original restoration.

A survey of the accuracy of references in 10 dental journals.

Several studies have evaluated the accuracy of bibliographic citations in the medical literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 300 reference citations in 10 dental journals. Thirty references were randomly selected from the January 1991 issue of 10 dental journals, for a total of 300 reference citations.

Intentional replantation: report of a successful case.

Irreversible iatrogenic damage sometimes occurs during dental treatment. In certain cases, intentional extraction, repair, and replantation can be used to save the damaged tooth. This case report describes the successful replantation of a premolar that had sustained a large root perforation.

Faculty differences in replacement decisions for amalgam restorations.

During a 15-week period, six full-time faculty members supervised the replacement of amalgam restorations by clinical dental students. The tooth numbers, the amalgam surfaces replaced, the reasons for replacement, and the instructors were compared. The students removed 956 surfaces of amalgam from 436 teeth.

Stress relaxation techniques for the dental practitioner.

The practice of dentistry can be quite stressful, and dentists need to know how to relieve their own stress. Both psychologic and physiologic stress should be alleviated so as not to become disabling. The stress of life and the stress of dental practice should be understood by practitioners.

Microhardness of Class II composite resin restorations with different matrices and light positions.

The degree of polymerization, determined by surface hardness, has been related to the gingival marginal adaptation of posterior composite resin restorations. Poor marginal adaptation results from marginal leakage and failure of the restoration. This study compared the degree of polymerization, measured by microhardness, of a microfilled composite resin placed by use of different matrices.

Visiting faculty as clinical evaluators for mock board examinations.

Applicants may fail state board examinations because of lack of practice under similar test conditions. Mock state board examinations employing visiting faculty as evaluators help students experience the stress of a real state board exam. Students become accustomed to strangers evaluating their work and receive unbiased evaluations.