What is the classification of dental amalgam?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule classifying dental amalgam into class II, reclassifying dental mercury from class I to class II, and designating a special control to support the class II classifications of these two devices, as well as the current class II classification of amalgam alloy.

What are the types of amalgam?

There are several different types of Amalgams, that include the following:
  • Dental amalgam.
  • Potassium amalgam.
  • Sodium amalgam.
  • Aluminum amalgam.
  • Ammonium amalgam.

What is a Class 1 amalgam?

Class I lesions are associated with caries in the pits and fissures system. Dental amalgam may be recommended for the restoration of those lesions due its strength, resistance to wear and the ability to self-seal the margins of the restoration over time.

What are the main components of amalgam?

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper.

What is the definition of amalgams?

: an alloy of mercury with another metal that is solid or liquid at room temperature according to the proportion of mercury present and is used especially in making tooth cements.

What is a Class 2 restoration?

Traditionally, Class II restorations were done with dental amalgam. Over the last 15 years, amalgam use has (obviously) sharply declined while composite use has risen higher and higher. Amalgam offered lots of advantages in Class II situations.

What is a Class 2 amalgam restoration?

3 Class II Restorations. It is defined as a cavity that is present on the proximal surfaces of premolars and molars. ( G.V .BLACK ) DEFINITION. 4. 4 INDICATIONS for using amalgam as restorative material  Moderate-to-large restorations.

What is a Class 3 restoration?

The class III restoration is nominally a “one-surface” restoration on the proximal contacting surface of the tooth. It is generally formed with composite resin or ionomer cement.

What are the uses of amalgam?

Amalgams are use to make dental fillings, to bind to precious metals so they can be isolated later, and to produce mirror coatings. As with elements in other alloys, a small amount of mercury may be released by contact with an amalgam.

What type of mercury is in amalgam fillings?

What is dental amalgam? Dental amalgam is a mixture of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin and copper. Elemental mercury makes up about 50% of dental amalgam by weight and reacts with and binds together the other metal particles to form the strong amalgam.

What is the formula of amalgam?

Amalgam Mineral Data
General Amalgam Information
Chemical Formula:Ag2Hg3
100.00 %
Empirical Formula:Ag2Hg3
Environment:Base metal ore deposits with oxidisable mercury sulfides.

What is the difference between admix and spherical amalgam?

Admixed amalgam is amalgam with spherical and irregularly shaped silver alloy particles. Spherical amalgam uses only spherical alloy particles.

What color is amalgam filling?

silver-colored
Sometimes described as “silver-colored” fillings, dental amalgam has been used by dentists for more than 100 years because it lasts a long time and is less expensive than other cavity-filling materials such as tooth-colored composites or gold fillings.

What is the toxicity of mercury?

All Mercury is Toxic

Depending on the type and amount, exposures to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system. Breathing mercury vapors can harm the nervous system, lungs and kidneys. Mercury vapors can pass easily from the lungs to the bloodstream.

What is the difference between a composite filling and amalgam?

Amalgam fillings are made from silver, tin, copper and mercury. Composite fillings are made from a composite resin material. Both options protect the teeth after a cavity.

Which is stronger amalgam or composite?

Not only does amalgam solidify faster than composite, but it is much stronger and more accessible to place. However, the hardness of amalgam is not an advantage over composite resin because it is not good to fill the tooth with a material stronger than the tooth itself.

How is amalgam cured?

Whether it is an amalgam or composite filling, a small UV light is used to cure the filling and bind it to the tooth. Your dentist will give you specific instructions after the filling sets. Most of the time, they will recommend chewing on the opposite side of your mouth in order to give your mouth time to heal.

How can you differentiate the two types of filling?

The major difference between the two types of fillings is in the color. Composite fillings are made from materials matching the color of your teeth whereas amalgam fillings are made from metal.

What are the advantages of amalgam?

Advantages of Amalgam

They are very durable and capable of lasting for over a decade or more with proper care. Due to their strength, they can fill fairly large cavities within the teeth. The lower expense of amalgam fillings can be a relief to patients on a budget.

What is the difference between amalgam and alloy?

Hint: An amalgam is defined as the mixture of mercury with any other metal of the periodic table or existing in nature. The amalgam mixture is a homogeneous mixture. While alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two metals mixed in their molten state with each other.

Why is amalgam cheaper than composite?

Amalgam Fillings Cost less than Composites

Since metal is less expensive to produce, most dentists offer it. Patients often choose metal fillings because they are cheaper.

What are the disadvantages of amalgam restoration?

Amalgam fillings can fracture as they age, which also breaks the protective seal and can lead to decay. The metal in amalgam fillings can also cause unsightly dark gray stains on the teeth and gums.