A method of clinical evaluation of bulk fracture of amalgam restorations

Occlusal and approximal bulk fractures of amalgam restorations have been evaluated using series of black and white photographs of Class I and II amalgam restorations placed during two controlled clinical trials. Three trained clinicians examined the restorations using a three-point rating scale according to the severity of the fracture. The scores of the three examiners were statistically analysed with special attention being paid to interexaminer agreement. The method reported was found to be reliable.