CLASS I AMALGAM RESTORATION

DENT 231
1. Manipulate, condense and carve amalgam into the cavity
2. Apply matrix band and wedge properly (where necessary)
3. Understand and establish proper anatomical form
4. Identify overhangs in a restoration
5. Understand the role of every step in amalgam restoration
6. Realize importance of every step in amalgam restoration
Steps for amalgam restoration
MIXING (TRITURATION)
CONDENSATION
BURNISHING
CARVING
FINISHING & POLISHING
Mixing (Triturating) the amalgam
• The manufacturer's
directions should be
followed when mixing the
amalgam.
• Some capsules need
activation before mixing
AMALGAMATOR
• The mixed material is placed
into an amalgam well
Consistency of the mix:
• Over trituration
- Wet hot mass
- Very soft, sticks to capsule.
- Decreases working / setting time.
• Slight increase in setting contraction.

• Under trituration
- Grainy, crumbly mix.

• Optimum trituration
- Smooth plastic coherent warm mass.
Inserting the amalgam

• Amalgam is carried to the cavity by

amalgam carriers
• Amalgam carriers
 Amalgam condensation

It is the packaging of a freshly triturated mix of

amalgam in to the cavity, it has the most
important effect on restoration success.
Requirements:
- Operative field completely dry.
- Constant heavy condensation force.
Objectives:
• Maximum adaptation to cavity walls.
• Remove any voids.
• Remove excess mercury.
 Technique

• This procedure must be completed within 2-3 minutes

from the start of trituration.
• If the amalgam is not used within this time, the
remaining mix should be discarded and a new mix
prepared.
• Always be sure to use a
condenser that fits the cavity.
The condenser must be able to
reach the pulpal floor in all
parts of the cavity.
• Amalgam is condensed initially on the pulpal
floor
• Followed by Lateral condensation (facially and
lingually directed condensation).
• Amalgam should be properly condensed
against line and point angles, and retentive
areas
• Properly condense each increment before placing the next
one.
• Remove the mercury-rich surface from the amalgam with
the condenser. Continue adding and condensing small
increments of amalgam until the cavity preparation is
slightly overfilled
• A small condenser is used
initially to fill the cavity, then a
larger one is used for over
packing.
• Larger condensers require
greater pressure
• Overfill the cavity by 0.5-1 mm
to ensure that the cavosurface
margins are completely
covered with well condensed
amalgam.
• Immediately express any
remaining amalgam from the
carrier in order to avoid
hardening of the material
within the carrier.
 Burnishing
3A- Precarve burnishing:
• It is considered as a form of condensation, to ensure
that the amalgam is well condensed and properly
adapted to the margins.
• It is done with a large egg-shaped/ball burnisher
using heavy strokes mesio-distally and facio-
lingually.
 Carving the amalgam
• Carving aims to develop the occlusal anatomy of the
restoration.
• Carving must not be started before initial setting
and should finish before the material has hardened.
• We hear sound of Amalgam Cry (Squeaking sound)
• Different shapes of carvers
available
(Hollen back, diamond, cleoid, &
discoid)
 Technique
• The edge of the blade is placed perpendicular to
the margins and moved parallel to it.
• Edge of the blade should rest on external tooth
surface adjacent to margins.
(this prevents over carving at the margins and
produces a continuity of surface at the margins).
• Carving is best started at the buccal or lingual groove.
• The carver is than moved mesially or distally to make the cuspal
incline.
• The marginal fossae should be carved slightly deeper than the
proximal marginal ridges, but avoid carving deep occlusal grooves.
• Use short, light strokes to carve the amalgam.
• Avoid thinning of amalgam at
margins (thin portion of
amalgam left on external
surface will soon break away) .
 Checking the carving
• Carving is checked by moving the probe at the interface.
• When moving from tooth to restoration an up step
indicates excess material and a down step indicates
shortage of material (underfilled).
• The occlusion of the restoration must be checked by
articulating paper.
 Post carving burnishing
• Done by applying light pressure at the margins by
small ball burnisher.
• Performed to produce better marginal adaptation &
Improve smoothness
Finishing and polishing
• Done at least 24 hours after
amalgam restoration.
• Use a very low speed and light
pressure.
• Refine the grooves and occlusal
anatomy.
• Move the bur along the margins to
eliminate any discrepancies
•Sturdavent’s Art & Science of
Operative Dentistry