Amalgam is probably the most widely used restorative material in dentistry. While it has proved to be a reliable and economic material, concerns about mercury toxicity continue to be raised. In an attempt to overcome the controversy, newer mercury free materials like gallium restorative alloys are gaining attention for clinical trials. Data available from invitro studies have demonstrated gallium alloy to have acceptable mechanical properties for posterior restorations. This paper will describe the handling properties, clinical application and limitations of its use.

This study was carried out to evaluate and compare the anti-bacterial effects of glass ionomers (both conventional and resin – modified) and amalgam, on carious dentin. Sixty permanent molar teeth in twenty patients were selected for the study. Color and consistency of the carious dentin, and the bacterial counts at baseline and after six months were evaluated. Significant anti-bacterial activity [reduction in CFU per ml. after six months for total viable count (TVC), mutans streptococcus (MS) and lactobacillus (LB) counts] was shown by all materials and the results were statistically significant. The mean CFU per ml. of carious dentin after six months for conventional glass ionomer (Fuji II) was significant for TVC, MS and LB counts (p<001, <001, <002 respectively). The resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) had similar effect on TVC and MS counts (p<001) but not with LB counts (p>.05). Amalgam too produced decrease in CFU, for all counts but the result was not statistically significant. After six months, harder and darker dentin was found beneath all the three materials, Resin – modified glass ionomers had a significant effect on both colour and consistency in more number of teeth as compared to the other materials

Two groups of condensable composites – Surefil and Glacier were tested to determine the compressive strength. Each group contained 10 samples of the materials tested. Universal testing machine was used to evaluate the compressive strength of two condensable composites. Analysis of data obtained for these two condensable composites indicated that Surefil had higher compressive strength of the two materials tested.