Tips for preclinical students to success in amalgam restoration

1: Understand  the Amalgam procedure steps.

2: Read and understand the tooth anatomy.

3: Use proper instruments.

 

4: Apply pressure when Condensing Amalgam.

 

 5: Use a round burnisher for Pre-carve burnishing.

 

 6: Start Carving.

Right time: Start carving when the dental amalgam shows some resistance to the carving instrument (Use explorer to test the amalgam  resistance to the carving instrument) Amalgam shouldn't be too plastic or too set.

 

7: Start with gross carving.

8: While doing the gross carving keep measurements 1mm greater than what is needed.

This 1mm will be used in fine carving and finishing. 

9: Keep  the carver parallel to the marginal ridge.

10: Use the cuspal incline as guidance.

11: After doing the gross carving, go for the fine carving for producing the details.

12: When carving the fossa, keep the blade of the carving instrument angled in "harmony" with the slop of the cusp. 

13: Remove flash.

14: Use a  football burnisher for post-carve burnishing : The tip of the instrument should be placed on fissures.

Restoration completed!

Watch the video  (next post)

Evaluate yourself 

Amalgam restoration (Cl I cavity prep)

Feature	Surface quality		Margins			Occlusal anatomy
Proper Status	Smooth	No porosity	No excess	Undetectable to sharp explorer	No ditch	-No under carv -No over carv	Reproducing the occlusal anatomy In harmony with tooth structures.