MAJOR AREAS 

Dental amalgam

Clinical studies

Metal Casting
 

Department Chairman, Biomaterials & Biomechanics (1956 - 1989)

Research Associate (1949 - 1956), The University of Michigan
 

• Ph.D. (1956), M.S. (1948), B.S. (1944), The University of Michigan

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY STUDIES ON DENTAL AMALGAM

Over the past 30 years, we have conducted both laboratory and clinical
research on dental amalgam. Our primary purpose has been to develop new
amalgam systems that will demonstrate improved clinical performance and
increased longevity.

The research approach has been to characterize the performance of amalgam in
the clinical environment, to determine its properties and metallurgical
structure in the laboratory, and to test for relationships between these
clinical and laboratory findings. By developing laboratory tests that are
predictive of clinical performance, new formulations can be designed and
screened by these tests to identify those formulations having the best
potential for improved clinical service.
Present investigations include an evaluation of adhesives that will bond
amalgam restorations to tooth structure. The advantages of such bonding
include reduced tooth fracture, less microleakage and reduced fracture of
the restoration.

Other laboratory studies being pursued are developing a test environment
that simulates the oral environment, designing and fabricating new
formulations, and investigating compositional factors that affect mercury
loss from amalgam restorations.
 

Mahler, D.B. and Engle, J.H. (2000): Clinical evaluation of amalgam bonding in Class I and II restorations. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 131:43-49.

Mahler, D.B. (1997): The high-copper dental amalgam alloys. J. Dent. Res. 76:537-541.

Mahler, D.B. and Bryant, R.W. (1996): Microleakage of amalgam alloys: An update. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 127:1351-1356.

Mahler, D.B., Adey, J.D. and Fleming, M.A. (1994). Hg emission from dental amalgam as related to the amount of Sn in the Ag-Hg (gamma 1) Phase. J. Dent. Res. 73:1663-1668.