Inhibition in vitro of caries around amalgam restorations by bonding amalgam to tooth structure.

Class 5 preparations in human molars were restored with amalgam. In half of the restorations, an experimental resin liner capable of bonding amalgam to tooth structure was used. The restored teeth were incubated in a bacterial medium containing sucrose and a culture of Streptococcus mutans. Artificial carious lesions were produced around all restorations. The experimental liner inhibited penetration of the lesions along the cavity wall. This inhibition was more effective at the occlusal side.