[In vitro studies on the quality of proximal margins of Cermet fillings in posterior teeth]

Since Cerment-cement has been recommended also for Black's Class II cavities in posterior teeth, it was the goal of this study to compare its marginal adaptation with that of amalgam after alternating thermal loads. Black's Class II cavities were prepared in extracted premolar teeth and filled with amalgam or Cermet. Three different application techniques were used for the Cermet fillings: 1. syringe only, 2. syringe and amalgam plugger, 3. individual occlusal plugger. Before and after alternating thermal loads the proximal margins were studied by SEM using replicas. The poorest results were found in the Cermet fillings applied with the syringe only. In the other three groups the results were comparable. These findings suggest that cermet cement should not be applied with exclusive use of the syringe, but should always be additionally adapted with a plugger.