Week 4 Dental Materials Amalgam and Composite Flashcards
(147 cards)
Alloy - metal
– a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and non metallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten. Example: Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper.
T or F All metals (except iron and platinum) dissolve in mercury and mercury mixtures to create Amalgams
true
Dental amalgams consist of
mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight.
Amalgam advantages
Ease of use
Direct material – placed in tooth in one appointment
High compressive strength
Excellent wear resistance
Favorable long-term clinical results
Economic
Can be bonded to tooth structure
Self-sealing ability
Least technique sensitive of all restorative materials
Applicable to a broad range of clinical situations
Disadvantages of amalgam
Poor Esthetic Qualities
Less conservative
Non-insulating
Corrosion at tooth restoration interface– may lead to “ditching” or marginal breakdown and eventual replacement
Galvanism
Concern about possible mercury toxicity
Difficulty in restoring proper tooth anatomy
Local allergic potential
Poor tensile and sheer strength
Silver in Amalgams
Causes setting expansion and increases strength and corrosion is resistant. Decreases creep and whitens the allo
Tin in Amalgams
Causes setting contraction and decreased strength. Reduces tarnish and corrosion
Copper in Amalgams
Copper – Increases hardness and strength and setting expansion.
Zinc in amalgams
If zinc is present and greater than 0.01% in amalgam, it is called zinc-containing amalgam. If the content is less, it is called non-zinc containing amalgam.
-Acts as a deoxidizer
-Zinc may increase the clinical life expectancy over amalgam that does not contain zinc.
Classification of dental amalgams based on copper content
-Low Copper alloy (2-6%)– traditional or historical composition. Approximately 65% silver; 25% tin, and less than 6% copper, with 1% zinc.
-High Copper alloy (10-30%)– clinical performance superior. Currently high-copper amalgams dominate the dental market.
(Increasing the copper content reduces the percentage of the weakest phase of the dental amalgam.)
Classification of dental amalgams based on zinc content
Zinc containing alloy - > 0.01%
Non-zinc containing alloy - < 0.01%
Classification of dental amalgams based on shape of alloy particle
Lathe cut alloy – sharp, pointy, irregular
Spherical alloy – round large and small
Admixed alloy – both together
Classification of dental amalgams based on size of alloy particle
micro cut, fine cute, coarse cut
Dimensional changes of amalgam is affected by
mercury/alloy ratio, trituration, and condensation techniques
T or F most modern amalgams exhibit very minor expansion or contraction on hardening if they are handled properly
true
Excessive contraction of amalgam can lead to
micro-leakage and secondary caries and sensitivity.
Excessive expansion of amalgam can lead to
sensitivity, pressure on the pulp, and protrusion of the restoration.
Excessive delayed expansion can occur if
a zinc-containing amalgam is contaminated by saliva or moisture during trituration or condensation. Starts 3-5 days after the restoration is placed and can continue for several months.
What forms the interface between the tooth and amalgam
corrosion, microleakage decreases over time around amalgams
Creep
Is a slow and progressive change in shape caused by compression.
-Low copper amalgam – 2.5% creep
-High copper amalgam – 0.2% creep
-Clinically creep leads to protrusion of restoration materials making the amalgam more prone to fracture and overhangs.
Does high or low copper amalgam have more creep potential?
low has more creep (2.5%) than high (0.2%)
T or F Amalgam is a good thermal conductor and should be protected with either varnish, liner or base
true
Mercury vapor is released during _________ of amalgam.
manipulation, placement and removal
Overview of placement of amalgam restorations
(A) prepared using undercuts to retain the amalgam
(B). The amalgam is mixed (triturated), then quickly placed into the preparations and carved into appropriate anatomic form
(C). After 24 hours or more, the amalgams may be polished to assure good contours, a smooth surface, and closed margins.