Dental amalgams subjected to sub-fracture stresses at 37 degrees C.

Amalgam beam specimens were subjected to sub-modulus of rupture loads at 37 degrees C. The specimens tested underwent varying degrees of deformation and ultimate fracture determined by the degree of specimen bend and time to fracture. The property most closely related to the sub-fracture loading behaviour was creep, particularly the 72-h determination of this property. Time and temperature of testing are also significant factors. The present study indicates the importance of the use of 37 degrees C testing in low-load stressing of dental amalgam. The study has confirmed the nature of failure of amalgam in relation to its rheological properties at the temperature at which amalgam functions clinically.