Assessment of Influence of Polishing on The Quality of Class 1 Amalgam Restoration - A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

The advent of various restorative materials in dental practice has given the operator dilemma on which material to be used for various case scenarios. Out of the different restorations materials, amalgam and composites have shown increased usage with amalgam being used almost 150 years. Polishibility after restorations play a crucial role in its long-term success and shows better adaptation of the prepared tooth structure. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of polishing on the quality of Class 1 amalgam restoration by a retrospective analysis in an institutional setup. The assessment was done by a retrospective evaluation using electronic dental records from the time period June 2019 to April 2020. Grading of these restorations were carried out by using FDI criteria for direct restorations in which class 1 pre-polish amalgam restoration and post-polish amalgam restoration was assessed pictorially by 2 reviewers. The assessment showed statistically significant differences between preoperative/postoperative surface luster quality (p=0.000), preoperative/postoperative surface marginal staining (p=0.000), preoperative/postoperative anatomical form quality (p=0.002), preoperative/postoperative material retention and fracture assistance (p=0.006). The marginal adaptation quality was not altered by polishing(p=0.617). From the overall parameters assessed, quality of the restoration post polishing was seen considerably better when compared to pre polished amalgam restoration. Polishing of amalgam restoration is deemed necessity, providing better strength and prognosis for the restoration