chapter 10 Flashcards
Pros of amalgam
easy to manipulate, durable, low cost
Alloy
a mixture of two metals
- Used in amalgam
- Silver
- copper, tin, zinc
- Silver
Amalgamation
When the allot particles are mixed with mercury
Alloy classification
affording to shape of particles
- irregular
- Spherical
- require less mercury to wet the particles, set faster
- Admixed
Copper
lessens the brittleness
- Modern alloys are high in copper
zinc
inhibits corrosion by reducing oxidation
- in low copper amalgams zinc was responsible to gradual expansion, it there was moisture contamination during placement
Desirable features
durable
Similar compressive strength to enamel
inexpensive
Undesirable features
unattractive
high thermal conductivity
Dimensionally unstable, Creep
requires tooth support
galvanism
Firming phase
amalgam can be carved to the shape of the tooth
How long does it take for amalgams to gain maximal strength
24 hours
Tin
Used to control the rate of set
strength
amalgams are the strongest
- relatively weak in tension and shear
- considered brittle, require adequate bulk
Creep
gradual change in shape of the restoration from compression by the opposing dentition
Tarnish
oxidation that attacks the surface of the amalgam and extends slightly below the surface
- from contact with oxygen, chlorides, and sulfides
- causes a dark dull appearance, but is not very destuctive
- the rougher the surface the more tarnish
- Low copper= tarnish
corrosion
chem. reaction between amalgam and substances in the food or saliva, resulting in oxidation over time