Amalgam fillings defective in cavities of II class of Black observed radiographically

Abstract

Summary This research is aimed at contributing to improve the patient's health by making correct amalgam fillings in class II Black's cavities. It was carried out at the General Comprehensive Dental Clinic of the Faculty of Stomatology of the Higher Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana. 260 patients over 18 of boths sexes were analyzed. All the class II fillings were X rayed. 817 class II amalgam fillings were diagnosed. 518 of them were correct, that is, 63 % of the fillings, and 299 deficient, accounting for 37 %. The defects analyzed by means of X rays were alterations of the contact ratio, proximal contours and gingival line. It was radiographically concluded that the frequency of defective amalgam fillings in class II Black's cavities was elevated. The alteration of the proximal contours was the most common type of defect followed by the alteration of the gingival line and the deficient contact ratio. It was observed a considerable osteal reabsorption due to an excess of material of the gingival line, and caries relapse due to deficit. The radiography is still a very effective diagnostic tool to observe defects that were not correctly diagnosed from the clinical point of view.