Manipulation of Amalgam
Manipulation of Amalgam
Manipulative Variables
• Volume dispensers
• Pre- proportioned sachet/ envelope/ tablet
• Semi- automatic dispensers
• Encapsulated materials
Trituration
• Mixing
• Hand Mortar and pestle 40 seconds guaze sqeeze to express
excess mercury
• Mechanical Amalgamator 5-20 seconds
Advantages of mechanical trituration
• Packing
• Amalgam gun
• Hand condenser amalgam condenser quite high loads
• Ultrasonic condenser local heating
Condensation must ensure the following
• Objective is to :
• Remove mercury rich layer
• Rebuild anatomy of the tooth
• Re-establish contact with the opposing dentition
• If carving done too soon ’ dragging out ‘of material
• If Carving delayed too long Chipping at the margins
Removing high spots
• When Amalgam is still soft Rub the surface with cotton wool produces
matt finish patient is asked to tap the teeth or move from side to side
high spot will show as bright burnished spot.
• If Amalgam is set Articulating tape steel bur in a slow hand piece.
Polishing
• Abrasives e.g
• Flours of pumice
• Ceric oxide with water
• Abrasive impregnated rubber points and wheels. ( care required)
• Amalgam can be heated significantly due to friction between rubber points and
amalgam.
• Should be used with intermittent contact pressure rather than continuous load.