Pulpal responses to amalgam restorations in cavities with and without smear layer removal.

A conventional low copper amalgam was placed in cavities with and without smear layer removal and the amalgam restorations were covered with a resin overlay. The restored teeth were retrieved at 2, 28 and 56 days postoperatively in order to test for leakage and then pulpal reactions. More inflammation was seen in the teeth from which the smear layer had been removed. Abscesses were present in 6 teeth at 28 days but only one was associated with demonstrable bacteria. This study does not support smear layer removal before insertion of low copper amalgam restorations.