2 Placing Amalgam Restorations
Chapter 2:
2.1 Loading the Amalgam Carrier
2.1 Loading the Amalgam Carrier
Review the instruments and handling techniques for safe effective amalgam delivery.
2.2 Amalgam: Fill the Prep
This video demonstrates filling and condensing a class two typodont prep with amalgam. Here a first molar is used but the same technique works for any class 2 restoration.
2.3 #14 MO Amalgam Carving
This video demonstrates the carving of anatomy for a class two typodont prep on a maxillary first molar. It includes techniques for clearing flash, shaping embrasures, and marginal ridge height. Also, there are additional explanations of common anatomy terms and identifies tools used.
2.4 #19 DO Amalgam Carving
This video demonstrates the carving of anatomy for a class two typodont prep on a mandibular first molar. It includes techniques for clearing flash, shaping embrasures, and marginal ridge height. Also, there are additional explanations of common anatomy terms and identifies tools used.
2.5 Transcripts
Video Transcript: 2.1 Loading the Amalgam Container
Your amalgam carrier will safely carry workable bits of amalgam from your work area to the prep.
Carriers come in different sizes, often with a small and large carrier on one handle.
Depressing the lever ejects a preloaded pellet from the carrier on command so i’t important to stabilize the lever while loading the carrier.
Press the head of the carrier against the amalgam well, taking little bites of fresh amalgam to fill the carrier.
The carrier should be full and flush, not overfilled.
Video Transcript: 2.2 Amalgam: Fill the Prep
Before you begin, examine the prep noting the varying shapes and location of landmarks. Some of this will be hard to see when the band is on.
Now take a look at your amalgam carrier and plugger. They have two ends. One is large and the other smaller. Check to see which end of the plugger and carrier fits inside the prep.
Load the amalgam carrier and place amalgam in the deepest part of the prep. This is called the box.
Do not put more amalgam in the prep than you can properly condense at one time.
Tack the amalgam in with the largest end on the plugger tat will fit using light pressure.
Making sure to completely fill every corner and level the amalgam. Angle the condenser toward the matrix band and all corners of the box ensuring full coverage. This will eliminate open margins in your final restoration.
To condense the amalgam use more pressure and “walk” the plugger using overlapping steeps. Wouldn’t want to miss a spot!
When you have the right pressure you will hear a squeaking sound. It sounds like this:
Not using enough pressure when condensing leaves a weak restoration resulting in flaking when carving and marginal ridge fracture when removing the band, a minor tragedy for sure.
If you have a large surface to cover use the larger end of the amalgam carrier use it and move the head of the carrier around. It’s easier and more efficient.
Continue layeri