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. 2012 Jul;15(3):253-6.
doi: 10.4103/0972-0707.97951.

A self-designed instrument to evaluate cavosurface angle for class I amalgam cavity preparation: A learning aid

Ankit Arora  1 , Shashi Rashmi Acharya, Vasudev Ballal, Padmaja Sharma
Affiliations

A self-designed instrument to evaluate cavosurface angle for class I amalgam cavity preparation: A learning aid

Ankit Arora et al. J Conserv Dent. 2012 Jul.

Abstract

Fighting the controversies, amalgam, as a posterior restorative material has survived till date. The fate of amalgam restoration is determined by geometry of the cavity preparation and cavosurface angle is one integral part of the cavity, which decides the marginal characteristics of the restoration and health of the tooth. Low edge strength of amalgam highlights the importance of cavosurface angle. However, at the same time conservation of the tooth also should be considered. This article presents a self-designed instrument to evaluate and obtain a cavosurface angle close to 110°. The design of the instrument also helps in evaluating parameters, such as depth of the cavity, undercut angle, and allows finishing of the buccal or lingual walls.

Keywords: Amalgam; cavity preparation; instrument.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Handle. (b) Triple-angled shank. (c) Dimensions of the blade. (d) Monobeveled cutting edge. (e) For achieving an undercut of 5°
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) For achieving a cavosurface angle of 110°. (b) Angle of the blade from the long axis of the handle
Figure 3
Figure 3
Insertion of the instrument and evaluation of the cavity
Figure 4
Figure 4
On completion of modification using rotary burs
Figure 5
Figure 5
Finishing of the wall using pull motion
Figure 6
Figure 6
(a) Third quadrant, lingual wall of prepared amalgam cavity. (b) Fourth quadrant, buccal wall of prepared amalgam cavity
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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