Dental Amalgam Restorations Quiz

What is dental amalgam?

• A combination of copper and tin

• A mixture of silver alloy with zinc

• A solution of any metallic element in mercury

• A mixture of gold and mercury

When was dental amalgam introduced to the US?

• 1833

• 1895

• 1900

• 1920

Which element is used to reduce gamma-2 formation in dental amalgam?

• Silver

• Tin

• Copper

• Mercury

What is the purpose of zinc in dental amalgam?

• Increases strength

• Decreases oxidation of other elements

• Reduces expansion

• Causes delayed expansion with low copper alloys

Which element is used to decrease surface tension in dental amalgam?

• Copper

• Palladium

• Indium

• Zinc

What is the composition of the matrix in dental amalgam?

• Ag2Hg3 called gamma1

• Ag3Sn called gamma

• Void

• Sn8Hg called gamma2

Which type of dental amalgam alloy is easier to condense and hardens rapidly?

• Zinc-free amalgam

• Admixed high copper alloy

• Lathe-cut high copper alloy

• Spherical high copper alloy

What is the main advantage of spherical high copper alloy?

• Difficult to achieve tight contacts

• Easier to condense

• High creep

• Higher tendency for overhangs

Which property of dental amalgam helps in pulp protection in deep cavities?

• Superior adaptation

• High compressive strength

• Low tensile strength

• High thermal conductivity

Is there evidence that minute amounts of mercury released from dental amalgam contribute to systemic disease?

• Yes

• No

• Partially

• Uncertain