Outcome 3 - Dental Amalgam Restorations

Question 1

Before a restorative procedure begins, the dental assistant should explain:

Answer 1

• The procedure’s location in the mouth
  -What type of restorative material will be used
  -Approx how long the procedure will take
  -What to expect throughout the procedure

then answer any questions the patient may have

Question 2

During a restorative procedure the dental assistant must be aware of …

Answer 2

The patient’s body languaage - if there are any indications of discomfort

• Ask the patient if he/she is all right

Question 3

The post-op instructions for an amalgam restoration should include the following points:

Answer 3

-Approx. how long numbness from the local anaesthetic is expected to remain, and a reminder not to bite or chew the soft tissue in the area

• Soft foods can be consumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable eating
• It takes approx. 24 hours for the amalgam to develop adequate strength to withstand direct biting pressure. Remind the patient to avoid chewing on the new amalgam for that time.
• there may be some sensitivity to hot and cold for several days, but the sensitivity should decrease over time
• Show the patient the restoration in a hand mirror and ask if he or she has any further questions or concerns

Question 4

What hand cutting instruments are required for an amalgam restoration?

Answer 4

Spoon excavator
Gingival margin trimmers as per treatment (distal/mesial)
Angle former

Question 5

What finishing instruments are required for an amalgam restoration?

Answer 5

-Ball Burnisher
-Explorer (posterior)
-Discoid/cleoid carver
-Hollenback carver

Question 6

Dental Assistant’s role when placing restorative amalgam material?

Answer 6

• Activate the amalgam capsule and place into the triturator for the appropriate length of time
  -Open the capsule and place the amalgam material into the amalgam well
  -Load and transfer the amalgam carrier to the dentist
  -transfer condensing instrmetns
  –Continue to transfer the amalgam and the condenser until the prepration is overfilled

Question 7

When should finishing and polishing of amalgam restorations be preformed?

Answer 7

Finishing and polishing of amalgam restorations should not be performed within the first 24 hours to ensure the chemical reaction has fully hardened the amalgam. When polishing the amalgam, slow speed finishing burs, rubber points and polishing paste or pumice may be used.

Question 8

Scrap amalgam must be disposed of following Environment Canada regulations:

Answer 8

• Amalgam left in the amalgam well or in the carrier is placed into a break-proof sealed container
  -Amalgam which has been evacuated with the HVE will settle into the suction trap or into the amalgam spearator in the compressor
• Remove the suction trap and empty scrap amalgam into the break-proof sealed container
• Dispose of suction trap into plastic zip locked bag
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for removal of collection container on amalgam separator and proceed with disposal by a certified waste carrier

Question 9

These disposable items which have been contaminated with amalgam must also be enclosed in Ziploc Bag for proper disposal:

Answer 9

-Rubber Dam (if heavily contaminated with amalgam)
-Suction Tips
-Amalgam capsules

Question 10

What is done with ziploc bag with disposable amalgam waste?

Answer 10

The plastic ziploc bag is closed and placed into the clinic Mercury Waste Container and disposed of with a certified waste carrier when full. This is usually done on a schedule according to how often amalgam restorations are performed in the dental clinic