Dental Amalgam Properties and Classification
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Questions and Answers

What happens when zinc-containing amalgam is contaminated with water during trituration?

  • It loses all plasticity.
  • It may cause delayed expansion. (correct)
  • It creates a smooth surface.
  • It hardens immediately.
  • What is the main cause of secondary expansion in zinc-containing amalgam?

  • High mercury content.
  • Under-trituration.
  • Moisture contamination. (correct)
  • Poor condensation technique.
  • What type of strength does hardened amalgam possess mostly?

  • Balanced shear strength.
  • High tensile strength.
  • Good compressive strength. (correct)
  • High bending strength.
  • Which factor does NOT affect the strength of amalgam?

    <p>Dental pulp condition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does high condensation pressure impact amalgam strength?

    <p>It enhances compressive strength. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does excess mercury in an amalgam mix have?

    <p>It reduces the overall strength. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes porosity in amalgam?

    <p>Insertion of too large increments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does amalgam typically gain strength?

    <p>It increases strength with time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of dental amalgam?

    <p>It has been used successfully for over a century. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes high copper alloys in dental amalgam?

    <p>Contain more than 13-30% copper. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a result of contraction in dental amalgam?

    <p>Potential gaps between the restoration and tooth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor does NOT favor contraction of amalgam?

    <p>Longer trituration times. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does modern amalgam generally behave in comparison to older amalgams?

    <p>Modern amalgams show a net contraction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the initial dimensional change that occurs after the tirturation of amalgam?

    <p>Contraction only. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of lathe cut alloys in dental amalgam?

    <p>They have an irregular shape. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing dimensional change in amalgam?

    <p>The color of the restoration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be used to wash skin contact with mercury?

    <p>Soap and water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is recommended during the removal of old mercury fillings?

    <p>Use water spray and high suction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most accurate method for dispensing amalgam?

    <p>Using pre-proportioned capsules (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of amalgam typically requires a shorter mixing time?

    <p>Spherical alloys (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can result from under mixing amalgam?

    <p>Weaker mechanical properties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are handheld dispensers for alloy and mercury considered unreliable?

    <p>They do not allow for accurate measurements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ratio of mercury to alloy is typical for certain amalgams?

    <p>Less than 1:1 (A), Exceeds 1:1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an advantage of mechanical mixing compared to hand mixing?

    <p>Standardized procedure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should patients be cautioned against doing for at least 8 hours after placement?

    <p>Biting too hard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is creep in dental amalgam primarily related to?

    <p>Marginal breakdown of low copper amalgam (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can help reduce the creep rate of dental amalgam?

    <p>Trituration and condensation timing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of tarnish on dental amalgam?

    <p>Causes loss of luster without changing mechanical properties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition can excessive corrosion in dental amalgam lead to?

    <p>Increased porosity and loss of strength (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is associated with higher creep rates in dental amalgam?

    <p>Y2 phase presence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition exacerbates tarnish in dental amalgam?

    <p>Rough surfaces and moisture contamination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to amalgam when the creep rate is above 3%?

    <p>It leads to increased marginal deterioration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does high residual mercury have on materials?

    <p>Increases corrosion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should mixed high copper and low copper amalgams be avoided?

    <p>They increase galvanic corrosion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one method to reduce corrosion of amalgam?

    <p>Smooth and polish the restoration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition makes low copper amalgam more susceptible to corrosion?

    <p>Greater y2 content (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential health risk associated with mercury during dental procedures?

    <p>It has a cumulative toxic effect (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can enhance the thermal properties of amalgam fillings?

    <p>Using a liner with a low thermal diffusivity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about mercury vapors during dental procedures is correct?

    <p>They can be absorbed through the skin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What precaution should be taken in a dental clinic regarding mercury?

    <p>Ventilate the clinic well (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes under triturated amalgam?

    <p>It appears as a solid mass without luster. (A), It is crumbly and has low strength. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of the condensation process in amalgam restoration?

    <p>To adapt the amalgam mass to the cavity walls. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of amalgam requires higher mercury content due to its shape?

    <p>Irregularly shaped alloys (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be used for condensation when working with small irregularly shaped alloys?

    <p>Small tip condensers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of increasing condensation pressure on amalgam?

    <p>Increases compressive strength. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of carving in amalgam restoration?

    <p>To reproduce the tooth anatomy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should NOT be done during the polishing stage of amalgam restoration?

    <p>Increase the roughness of the surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are ultrasonic condensers not recommended during condensation?

    <p>They increase mercury vapor levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Dental Amalgam

    A metallic material used for dental restorations, composed of mercury and a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and zinc.

    Low Copper Amalgam

    A type of dental amalgam containing less than 6% copper, often associated with greater dimensional changes during setting.

    High Copper Amalgam

    A type of dental amalgam containing 13-30% copper, known for improved strength and reduced dimensional changes.

    Zinc-Containing Amalgam

    Dental Amalgam containing more than 0.01% zinc, often used in traditional amalgam alloys.

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    Zinc-Free Amalgam

    Dental Amalgam containing less than 0.01% zinc, known for their improved handling and reduced corrosion.

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    Trituration

    The process of grinding or mixing dental amalgam alloy particles with mercury to achieve a workable consistency.

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    Dimensional Change (Amalgam)

    The change in volume of dental amalgam during the setting process, which can affect the fit and function of the restoration.

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    Mercury/Alloy Ratio

    A measure of how much mercury is used relative to the amount of alloy in a dental amalgam mixture.

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    Delayed expansion

    Delayed expansion of amalgam due to moisture contamination during preparation, leading to internal pressure and potential pulp sensitivity.

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    Amalgam strength

    The compressive strength of amalgam is high, but its tensile and bending strengths are low.

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    Trituration effect on amalgam strength

    Insufficient or excessive trituration of amalgam can weaken the final restoration.

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    Mercury content effect on amalgam strength

    Adequate mercury content ensures proper wetting of alloy particles, leading to a stronger and smoother surface.

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    Condensation effect on amalgam strength

    Condensation pressure during placement directly impacts amalgam strength, minimizing porosity and maximizing adaptation.

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    Porosity effect on amalgam strength

    Voids and porosity within amalgam significantly reduce its strength.

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    Rate of hardening effect on amalgam strength

    Amalgam gains strength over time, but this process is not as fast as desired.

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    Amalgam Setting Time

    The time it takes for dental amalgam to reach at least 70% of its final strength.

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    Strength of Amalgam

    The ability of a material to resist deformation under stress.

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    Creep in Amalgam

    The process of permanent, time-dependent deformation of amalgam under constant or intermittent stress.

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    Tarnish in Amalgam

    The loss of luster from a metal's surface due to a surface coating.

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    Corrosion in Amalgam

    The gradual deterioration of a metal due to chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment.

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    Hg/Alloy Ratio

    The ratio of mercury to alloy used in a dental amalgam mixture.

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    Trituration of Amalgam

    The process of mixing dental amalgam alloy particles with mercury to achieve the desired consistency.

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    Condensation Pressure

    The amount of pressure applied during condensation of amalgam.

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    Amalgam Corrosion

    Metallic restorations that are susceptible to corrosion, which can be influenced by factors like the contact of dissimilar metals, moisture contamination, and the type of alloy used.

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    Removal of Amalgam Restorations

    The process of using high-speed instruments to remove old amalgam restorations, which increases the risk of mercury exposure.

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    Amalgam Trituration

    The mixing of mercury and alloy powder to create a workable paste for dental restorations.

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    Amalgam Condensation

    The process of compacting the amalgam paste into the prepared cavity, ensuring proper adaptation and shaping.

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    Amalgam's Thermal Properties

    A high thermal conductivity material used in dentistry for filling cavities, requiring attention to insulating the cavity base.

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    Corrosion Products as a Seal

    A type of corrosion product that forms at the interface between the amalgam restoration and the tooth, potentially sealing the gap and reducing leakage.

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    Mercury's Cumulative Toxicity

    The potential for mercury to accumulate in the body over time, posing health risks, especially to dental professionals.

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    Mercury Exposure Precautions

    Steps taken to minimize mercury exposure during amalgam procedures, such as proper ventilation and storage of mercury waste.

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    What is trituration?

    The process of mixing amalgam alloy particles with mercury to create a workable consistency.

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    What is an amalgamator?

    A device used for mechanically mixing amalgam alloy and mercury.

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    What is mixing time?

    The amount of time it takes to mix amalgam alloy and mercury using an amalgamator.

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    What is mercury-alloy ratio?

    The ratio of mercury to amalgam alloy used in a mixture.

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    What happens when there's insufficient mercury in an amalgam mix?

    Amalgam with insufficient mercury content often results in a dry, crumbly mix.

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    What happens when there's excessive mercury in an amalgam mix?

    Amalgam with excessive mercury content results in a sticky, difficult-to-handle mix with lower strength and increased dimensional changes.

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    What happens if amalgam is under-triturated?

    Insufficient trituration of amalgam leads to poor mixing and a weak restoration.

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    What happens if amalgam is over-triturated?

    Excessive trituration of amalgam can result in over mixing, producing decreased strength and increased dimensional changes.

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    Condensation (Amalgam)

    The process of compacting amalgam into the prepared cavity, removing excess mercury and reducing voids to achieve a strong and well-adapted restoration.

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    Carving (Amalgam)

    The use of instruments to shape and smoothen the amalgam filling, ensuring proper anatomy and contours for a functional restoration.

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    Burnishing (Amalgam)

    A technique used to smooth the surface of the amalgam filling, improving its smoothness and reducing plaque accumulation.

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    Polishing (Amalgam)

    The application of abrasive materials to create a smooth, polished surface for the amalgam filling, minimizing corrosion and plaque buildup.

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    Undertriturated Amalgam

    A type of amalgam where the filling is made of a grainy mixture, resulting in low strength and poor resistance to corrosion.

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    Normal Amalgam

    A type of amalgam with a smooth and shiny surface, indicative of proper mixing and optimal properties.

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    Overtriturated Amalgam

    A type of amalgam that is soupy and tends to stick to the instruments, indicating excessive mercury during mixing, leading to a weaker restoration.

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    Trituration (Amalgam)

    The process of grinding or mixing amalgam alloy particles with mercury to achieve a workable consistency for placement.

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    Study Notes

    Dental Amalgam

    • Dental amalgam is an alloy created from mixing liquid mercury with solid silver, tin, copper, and zinc particles.
    • It's been used for over a century as a restorative material for tooth decay, primarily in posterior teeth.
    • Amalgam is supplied as bulk powder and mercury, or as an alloy and mercury mixture in disposable capsules for use in an amalgamator machine.

    Amalgam Alloy Classification

    • Based on Copper Content:
      • Low copper alloys contain less than 6% copper (conventional).
      • High copper alloys contain 13-30% copper.
    • Based on Zinc Content:
      • Zinc-containing alloys contain over 0.01% zinc.
      • Zinc-free alloys contain less than 0.01% zinc.
    • Based on Alloy Particle Shape:
      • Lathe cut alloys have irregular shapes.
      • Spherical alloys have spherical shapes.
      • Mixtures of lathe cut and spherical alloys are also used.

    Amalgam Properties

    • Dimensional Change: Amalgam generally expands or contracts slightly during setting. Expansion can cause post-placement sensitivity or protrusion from the cavity. Contraction can lead to gaps between restoration and tooth, potentially causing leakage and recurrent decay. Initial contraction usually occurs within the first 20 minutes after trituration.
    • Factors Favoring Contraction:
      • Low mercury/alloy ratio
      • Higher condensation pressure
      • Smaller particle size
      • Longer trituration times
    • Factors Favoring Expansion:
      • Presence of Zinc in alloy mixture
      • Moisture contamination (delayed/secondary expansion)

    Amalgam Strength

    • Hardened amalgam has good compressive strength but low tensile or bending strength.
    • Cavity design should minimize tension and shear forces
    • Factors affecting strength include proper trituration, mercury/alloy ratio, and condensation pressure in the alloy.

    Amalgam Porosity

    • Porosity (voids) lessen amalgam strength.
    • Factors contributing to porosity include low and high Hg/alloy ratio, insufficient condensation, and irregularities in alloy particle shape.

    Rate of Hardening

    • Amalgam strength increases over time.
    • Patients should avoid biting hard on restorations for at least 8 hours following placement to allow strength gain.

    Amalgam Creep

    • Creep is time-dependent plastic deformation in amalgam.
    • Creep is related to marginal breakdown in low-copper amalgam.
    • Higher creep rates lead to greater marginal deterioration.
    • Low copper amalgam creep: 0.8-8.0%
    • High copper amalgam creep: 0.4-0.1%.

    Amalgam Tarnish and Corrosion

    • Tarnish is a loss of luster due to surface coating.
    • Corrosion is the progressive destruction of a metal due to chemical/electrochemical reactions.
    • Factors affecting tarnish and corrosion include high mercury residue, dissimilar metal contact (galvanic corrosion), rough surfaces, and moisture.
    • Corrosion is worsened by high sulfur intake.
    • Corrosion products can accumulate at the restoration-tooth interface. Techniques such as smoothing and polishing, correct Hg/alloy ratio, and proper manipulation can help reduce corrosion.

    Amalgam Thermal Properties

    • Amalgam has high thermal diffusivity.
    • Insulating cavity linings are often used in large cavities to mitigate potential thermal sensitivity.

    Amalgam Biological Properties

    • Certain mercury compounds can have harmful effects on the central nervous system.
    • Properly handled dental amalgam is generally considered safe for restorative use.
    • Mercury is toxic, and exposure to mercury vapors or contact should be avoided. Ventilation and safety precautions are necessary for handling amalgam.

    Amalgams Manipulation

    • Proportioning and Dispensers: Using pre-measured tablets or capsules is recommended to ensure accurate proportions of alloy and mercury. Dispensers by volume are less reliable due to inconsistent packing of powder and mercury.
    • Triturating (Mixing): Using hand mixing (mortar and pestle) or mechanical amalgamators can help achieve the desired mix. A more standardized procedure with mechanical triturating is preferred.
    • Condensation: This involves compacting the amalgam into the cavity walls. Manual and Mechanical techniques are available and effective methods for ensuring adequate condensation are required.
    • Carving: Carving is the process of shaping the amalgam to match the tooth anatomy. This step is done after condensation.
    • Polishing: This is performed to minimize corrosion and plaque adhesion. Polishing should be done at least 24 hours after condensation.

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    Explore the various properties and classifications of dental amalgam, an important material used in restorative dentistry. This quiz covers its composition, copper and zinc content, and the different shapes of amalgam particles. Test your knowledge on this significant topic in dental care.

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