Phases in Dental Amalgam
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Questions and Answers

What role does silver play in dental amalgam properties?

  • Increases corrosion susceptibility
  • Increases setting time
  • Decreases strength
  • Decreases setting expansion (correct)
  • What is formed when an amalgam alloy with less than 26% tin is mixed?

  • Ag2Hg3 phase
  • γ2 phase
  • Cu6Sn5 phase
  • Ag4Sn (β) phase (correct)
  • How does zinc influence the manufacturing of amalgam alloy?

  • Enhances brittleness
  • Increases expansion during setting
  • Reduces mechanical strength
  • Aids in casting by removing oxides (correct)
  • Which phase is created when silver-tin mixture reacts with mercury?

    <p>Sn7-8Hg phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of adding zinc to dental amalgam?

    <p>Causes delayed expansion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main benefit of including indium in amalgam?

    <p>Decreases the amount of mercury needed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is primarily responsible for the unique liquid state at room temperature in dental amalgam?

    <p>Mercury</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does a higher concentration of tin have on amalgam?

    <p>Decreases corrosion resistance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of powder is known to help produce high-copper amalgam?

    <p>Both A and C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phase is formed from an amalgam that contains substantial amounts of copper?

    <p>Cu6Sn5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is performed after carving to smoothen surface and margins?

    <p>Burnishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tool is commonly used for burnishing occlusal anatomy?

    <p>Ball burnisher</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of having a rough surface on a restoration?

    <p>Encourages corrosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should finishing be performed for low copper and high copper admixed amalgam?

    <p>After 24 hours during the second appointment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a surface temperature above 60°C during polishing?

    <p>It causes release of mercury layer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does amalgam provide regarding marginal leakage?

    <p>Decreases marginal leakage as restoration ages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one notable disadvantage of amalgam in restorations?

    <p>Aesthetics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the strength of single composition high copper compare to low copper and high copper admixed amalgams?

    <p>Twice as high strength.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of homogenizing heat treatment for ingots?

    <p>To produce a more homogeneous distribution of Ag3Sn</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does slow cooling of an ingot affect the γ phase?

    <p>It results in the maximum amount of γ phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical particle size range for lathe cut or irregular particles?

    <p>60 to 120 µm in length</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does aging heat treatment have on amalgam alloys?

    <p>It relieves stresses induced during cutting and ball-milling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is used to produce spherical particles in atomization?

    <p>Liquid metal is sprayed under high pressure through a crack</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the milling or lathe cutting of ingots?

    <p>Needle-like chips are formed and ball-milled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What temperature range is specified for the aging heat treatment of amalgam alloy?

    <p>60 to 100 °C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of rapid quenching of ingots?

    <p>Max amount of β phase created</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of mercury in the amalgamation process?

    <p>It dissolves silver and tin alloy particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phase represents the weakest and softest component in a low copper amalgam?

    <p>γ2 (Sn8Hg)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of volume in the set amalgam is typically occupied by the γ1 phase?

    <p>54 to 56%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the precipitation process of metallic compounds during amalgamation?

    <p>Crystals form after solubility limits in mercury are reached.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of corrosion on the γ2 phase of low copper amalgam?

    <p>It reduces the volume and forms voids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the remaining mercury during the hardening of amalgam?

    <p>It dissolves into the surrounding crystals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is characteristic of high copper amalgam compared to low copper amalgam?

    <p>Improved corrosion characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the physical properties of hardened amalgam?

    <p>The phases present in the amalgam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the microstructure of low copper amalgam, what primarily surrounds unconsumed alloy particles?

    <p>γ1 phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the working time in the context of dental amalgams?

    <p>Time before the amalgam sets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common route of mercury entry into the biological system for dental personnel?

    <p>Inhalation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dental procedure is associated with the release of mercury vapor from amalgam?

    <p>Polishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum safe occupational exposure level of mercury recommended by OSHA?

    <p>50 µg per cubic meter of air per day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average urine mercury level observed 4 days after placing amalgam?

    <p>2.54 µg/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following systemic effects is NOT commonly associated with mercury toxicity?

    <p>Cardiovascular disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does seafood consumption affect average blood mercury levels?

    <p>Increases levels from 2.3 to 5.1 ng/mL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is likely caused by mercury exposure at 500µg/Kg body weight?

    <p>Paresthesia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What allergic reaction is most likely associated with dental amalgam?

    <p>Contact dermatitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to urine mercury levels after amalgam removal?

    <p>Return to zero after one week</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are dental personnel particularly affected by mercury exposure?

    <p>Frequent inhalation of mercury vapor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Phases in Dental Amalgam

    • Major Phases: γ (Ag3Sn), γ1 (Ag2Hg3), γ2 (Sn7-8Hg), β (Ag4Sn), ε (Cu3Sn), η (Cu6Sn5).
    • High and Low Copper Alloys: Composed primarily of silver and tin, where variations of these phases affect properties.

    Amalgam Composition and Reactions

    • Ag3Sn Formation: Occurs when an alloy with 27% tin and 73% silver is cooled below 480°C.
    • Reaction with Mercury: Produces phases Ag2Hg3 and Sn7-8Hg, forming the desired dental amalgam.
    • Unreacted Particles: Some silver-tin particles remain unreacted, enhancing amalgam strength.

    Influences of Silver and Tin

    • Tin Concentration: Exceeding 26.8% results in a tin-rich phase, increasing Sn7-8Hg and γ2, which is the weakest and prone to corrosion.
    • Silver Properties: Enhances amalgam by reducing creep, improving strength, and increasing tarnish resistance.

    Eutectic Composition

    • Silver-Copper Eutectic: Formed with 71.9 wt% Ag and 29.1 wt% Cu, influencing mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

    Zinc's Role

    • Function: Acts as a scavenger during alloy melting, minimizing oxidation, and aiding in clean castings.
    • Downside: Can cause delayed expansion in amalgam; improved manufacturing in inert conditions can mitigate zinc presence.

    Indium and Precious Metals

    • Indium Benefits: Reduces mercury requirements and vapor release, increases wetting but may affect early strength.
    • Palladium & Platinum: Enhance corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of amalgam.

    Mercury Properties

    • Liquid State: Only metal that is liquid at room temperature, with significant vapor releases that pose toxicity risks.
    • Amalgamation Process: Mixing alloy with mercury forms a plastic mass that hardens to a strong structure.

    Pre-amalgamated Alloys

    • Typically mercury-free; some may contain a small percentage of mercury for faster reaction upon mixing.

    Mercury Contamination

    • Purity is crucial; contaminants can hinder the setting reaction. Triple-distilled mercury is preferred for use.

    Gallium-Based Alloys

    • Potential mercury substitute; liquefies above room temperature and integrates easily with other metals.

    Amalgam Manufacturing Techniques

    • Powder Types: Irregular (lathe cut) and atomized (spherical) powders are utilized.
    • Heat Treatment: Processes like homogenizing and aging improve consistency and characteristics of the alloy.

    Conventional Amalgamation Process

    • Mixture of mercury and alloy initiates reaction, forming strong crystalline structures (γ1 and γ2) that contribute to final amalgam properties.

    Characteristics of Low Copper Amalgam

    • Strongest phase is γ, while γ2 is weak and least stable in corrosion, significantly impacting hardness and longevity.

    High Copper Amalgam

    • Preferred for mechanical strength and better corrosion resistance, with two types based on surface finishing techniques.

    Finishing and Polishing Techniques

    • High-quality finishing enhances aesthetics and hygiene, performed after 24 hours for low copper, with options for immediate finishing on high copper.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Amalgam

    • Advantages: High mechanical strength, minimal leakage, long-term durability.
    • Disadvantages: Aesthetic concerns and complications due to mercury vapor.

    Mercury Vapor Exposure

    • Mercury vapor is released during various dental processes. Patient exposure levels are low compared to occupational limits set by OSHA.

    Mercury Toxicity and Effects

    • Systemic effects can impact neurological, gastrointestinal, and renal systems, with severe outcomes in developing fetuses from methyl mercury exposure.

    Patient and Staff Safety

    • Regular monitoring of mercury levels in blood and urine is essential to ensure safety for dental staff and patients.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Dental amalgam may cause contact dermatitis and hypersensitivity reactions, indicating varying responses to amalgams among individuals.

    Precautions Against Mercury Hazards

    • Implementing safety measures to minimize risks associated with mercury exposure in dental practice is essential for dental professionals and patients alike.

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    Dental Amalgam PDF

    Description

    Explore the various phases of dental amalgam, including the stoichiometric formulas of different alloys like γ, γ1, and γ2. Understand the components and significance of silver and tin in amalgam alloys and their implications in dental applications.

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