Cytotoxicity of corroded gallium and dental amalgam alloys: An in vitro study

The cytotoxicity of one gallium and three different dental amalgam alloys was assessed in a cell culture system. Two evaluation methods were used, the filter method and an extraction method. Before being tested, set specimens of the alloys were stored in 0.9% NaCl solution for 1 and 10 weeks, to corrode. The alloys showed various degrees of cytotoxicity, ranging from mild to marked. Differences were found between the two testing methods, but in most cases no major differences in cytotoxicity were found between the Ga alloy and the amalgams. The results encourage further study and development of the Ga alloy, which is mercury-free.