Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDental Research Journal1735-33271120080113The Effect of Clinical Operation on the Corrosion Resistance of Dental Amalgam66V.Mortazavi. drj@dnt.mui.ac.irM. H.Fathi20101106Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the condition of the dental restoration and clinical operation parameters on the amalgam corrosion behavior. Method and Material Commercial amalgam namely Oralloy was selected. The amalgam samples were prepared. After triturating and condensation, the samples were divided into three groups and each group was finished by using one of three clinical procedures: carving, carving-burnishing, carving-burnishing-polishing. A special cylindrical mold was used for the simulation ofthe interproximal areas and proximal surfaces of the dental restorations. Stainless steel matrix band was laid on the internal mold surfaces and amalgam paste was compacted in the mold. Electrochemical tests were performed at a temperature of 37(1(C in physiological solution in order to determine the corrosion behavior of dental amalgam samples. Results The results showed statistically significant differences between the mean corrosion current density values of the comparison three different groups of dental amalgam. Thecarved group shows more corrosion resistance in comparison with the sample near the matrix band as an index of the proximal surfaces of the dental restorations. Conclusion Even a simple clinical operation could effect on dental amalgam corrosion resistance. The proximal surfaces of the class II restorations are not only susceptible to concentration cell corrosion but also possess less corrosion resistance. Keywords Dental amalgam -amalgam corrosion -surface treatment - amalgam restoration -carving - burnishing –polishing