RESUMO
This study dealt with laboratory tests (oblique force application of 45 degrees to check the fracture strength), in order to compare two types of dentin pins: threaded metallic TMS Whaledent pins and amalgapins. It was used multiple number of these elements, with or without thermal cycling. The statistical analysis has indicated a highly significance difference between these pins, where the amalgapins provide to be more efficient than the steel one. As the resistance with the use of 3 or 4 amalgapins are similar, is up to the professional to choose the number of pins. It was also observed that the use of 2 or 3 steel pins had the same results. In this study it was observed that almost all of the specimens were able to resist to oblique load of more than 70 kgf. This value is higher than any force occurring in the mouth (HELKINO & INGERVALL 10). Hence, the results in vitro indicate that extensive amalgam restorations may well work in the oral cavity. Clinical studies must be conducted in order to check if really these mastication, since it is practically impossible to duplicate these natural condition in a laboratory environment.