Bonding of amalgam to tooth structure: tensile adhesion and microleakage tests.

Amalgam can be bonded to etched enamel by a thin coat of Panavia resin cement with a resulting mean bond strength of 1404 psi to enamel and 469 psi to dentin as tested in tension. Less microleakage was observed in resin-bonded amalgam restorations than in Copal varnish-lined or unlined restorations. The technique could be used clinically with possible implications for cavity design, fracture resistance of restored teeth, and recurrent caries. These properties as well as the variables affecting bond strength need further exploration.