IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 14, Issue 9 Ver. VII (Sep. 2015), PP 63-65 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/0853-14976365 www.iosrjournals.org 63 | Page The prevalence of overhanging margins in posterior amalgam restoration 1 Dr. Ranjdar Mahmood Talabani , 1 Dr. Didar Sadiq Hamagharib , 2 Dr. Dler Ali Khursheed , 1 Dr. Hawzhen Masoud M. Saeed 1 Dr. Kaly Masoud M. Saeed 1 (Conservative Dep. School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sulaimani) 2 (Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry/ University of Sulaimani, Iraq) Abstract: Periodontal structures are vital tissues that could be affected by the surrounding environment. Dental materials and/or restorations may trigger negative response such as gingival inflammation and bone loss from periodontal tissues. The objective of this study was to report the prevalence of overhang interproximal amalgam restorations. Twenty (20) patients aged between 18 - 40 years were randomly selected for the study. Posterior bitewing radiographs were taken, and 640 proximal surfaces were examined. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Chi square test was utilized to assess the relationship between the location and the surface of the overhang. It was found that out of 106 surfaces restored with amalgam, 33% were over-hanged. Among the overhanging amalgam restorations, 71% were in maxillary posterior teeth and 29% in mandibular posterior teeth. Out of the overhanging amalgam surfaces, 60% were mesial and 40% distal surfaces. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the prevalence of overhanging amalgam restorations between molars (43%) and premolars (57%). This study has clearly identified a high prevalence of overhanging interproximal margins in amalgam restorations. Keywords: Amalgam overhang, periodontal destruction, dental amalgam. I. Introduction Overhanging inter-proximal restorations have long been viewed as a contributing factor towards gingivitis and possible periodontal attachment loss.1 Overhanging restorations pose a significant concern, as their prevalence has been estimated at 25-76% for all restored surfaces.1 It is generally accepted that overhanging restorations contribute to gingival inflammation due to their retentive capacity for bacterial plaque. Gilmore et al (1971)2 demonstrated inter-proximal radiographic bone loss in posterior teeth associated with overhanging restorations. Jeffcoat et al (1980)3 evaluated 100 teeth with overhangs and 100 without overhangs; they reported greater bone loss around teeth with large overhangs. However; small overhangs were not associated with bone loss. In addition, Lang et al (1983)4 investigated the specific aspects of the local bacterial accumulation associated with overhanging restorations. The placement of subgingival overhangs resulted in changes in the associated microflora similar to those observed in adult chronic periodontitis. Increased proportions of gram- negative anaerobic rods, in particular black pigmented bacteriodes were observed. Therefore, overhang restorations not only increase plaque mass, but also increase the specific periodontal pathogens in the plaque. They also can cause damage by impingement of the biological width and embrasure spaces. The objective of this study was to report the prevalence of overhanging inter-proximal amalgam restorations performed by undergraduate students at the School of Dentistry; University of Sulaimani. II. Methodology Twenty patients were randomly selected aged between 18-40 years. Posterior bitewing radiographs were taken with Kodak Ektaspeed films utilizing paralleling technique at 70 kilovolts (peak) [kV (p)] and 7 mA using a 70 x-ray unit (SIEMENS® model Heliodent, Germany). The exposure time was 0.20 seconds. six hundred and forty (640) proximal surfaces were examined of which 106 surfaces were restored with amalgam. Third molars, overlapped proximal surfaces and teeth adjacent to spaces were excluded from the study. Examination was performed by four clinician. Radiographs were viewed under standardized conditions using a constant light source on an x-ray viewer in a dark room. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version #15. Chi square test was utilized to assess the relationship between the location and the prevalence of overhanging surfaces.