Overhanging interproximal silver amalgam restorations. Prevalence and side-effects.

This study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of overhanging Cl. II silver amalgam restorations amongst patients visiting Pb. Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Amritsar and Govt. Dental College Hospital, Patiala. Two parameters viz. the pocket depth and the extent of bone loss were evaluated to study the after effects of the overhanging restorations. The findings of this investigation showed the alarming prevalence of overhanging restorations (64.12%) and clearly indicate the relationship of overhangs with periodontal diseases. Periodontal breakdown was more evident along with overhanging restorations as compared to unrestored contralateral teeth. The mean pocket depth in restored surfaces was 3.75 mm as compared to 3.46 mm in unrestored ones, showing 8.38% increase. The mean extent of bone loss in restored tooth surface was 1.64 mm as compared to 1.50 mm in unrestored ones, showing an increase of 9.33%.