Class II Amalgam Restoration
#29 DO
Overview
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Occlusal
all centric and excursive contacts on the restoration are consistent in size, shape, and intensity with such contacts on other teeth in that quadrant
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Proximal
marginal ridge should be at the appropriate height proximal contour and contact area should be correct
Armamentarium
Instruments and Materials
Video Demonstration
Procedures
- Ensure the matrix band rises 1mm over the marginal ridge
- Insert the wedge from the lingual using the forceps
Instrument suggestions: ball burnisher, amalgam condenser
- Properly triturated amalgam: homogenous consistency
- Over triturated amalgam: hot, shiny, soupy, stick to the wall of the capsule, and will set quickly
- Under triturated amalgam: dry and crumbly
Caution: do not touch amalgam with bare hands
Work swiftly as amalgam sets fairly quickly
- Begin condensing in the proximal box
- Apply sufficient force when condensing amalgam
Use the larger amalgam condenser when the amalgam fill reaches the occlusal surface
- Loosen the short swivel to release the matrix band from the matrix band holder
- Remove the interproximal wedge with forceps
- Remove the matrix band from the side opposite of the proximal box
- Lightly hold down the amalgam with an instrument and carefully remove the remaining portion of the matrix band in the bucco-occlusal or linguo-occlusal direction
- Removing the matrix band in the occlusal direction may dislodge the restoration
- Remove excess amalgam from the proximal aspect and overhang at the gingival margin
Instrument options: explorer, proximal carver
- Develop occlusal anatomy by guiding the instruments along the remaining tooth structure to create grooves and correct cuspal inclines
Instrument options: acorn burnisher, cleoid-discoid, Hollenback carver
Instrument options: explorer, Hollenback
Instrument options: small ball burnisher
- Floss in the gingival direction and pull laterally through embrasure to avoid dislodging the restoration <br>
- Proper contact should give light resistance and create slight “snap” sound
- Areas of hyperocclusion will mark heavily with the articulating paper <br>
- Adjust areas where the restoration is “high”
Instrument options: amalgam carver or cleoid-discoid
- Polishing is performed after amalgam has set, according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Smooth the surface using rotary instruments (slow speed)
Bur options: rubber cup and pumice, Duragreen polishing bur or Brownie polishing bur
- Shine the surface using rotary instruments (slow speed)
Bur options: Greenie polishing bur
- Use the explorer to ensure that there is a smooth transition between the restoration and remaining tooth structure
Checklist
Common Mistakes
References
Hilton, T. J., Ferracane, J. L., & Broome, J. C. (2013). Summitt’s fundamentals of operative dentistry a contemporary approach. Quintessence Publishing Co. Inc.
Ritter, A. V., Boushell, L. W., Walter, R., & Sturdevant, C. M. (2019). Sturdevant’s art and Science of Operative Dentistry. Elsevier.
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