Understanding Dental Amalgam

Evelyn is studying different types of dental materials in her dental hygiene class. She comes across a question about the main types of dental amalgam. What are the main types of dental amalgam?

• Gold amalgam and low copper amalgam

• Ceramic amalgam and zinc amalgam

• Silver amalgam and high copper amalgam

• Plastic amalgam and silver nitrate

Which metals are commonly found in dental amalgam?

• Gold, platinum, aluminum, and zinc

• Iron, lead, nickel, and chromium

• Titanium, cobalt, lithium, and bismuth

• Mercury, silver, tin, and copper

What is the primary use of dental amalgam in restorative dentistry?

• To fill cavities in children

• To prevent gum disease

• To restore decayed teeth.

• To whiten teeth

How does dental amalgam compare to composite resins in terms of durability?

• Dental amalgam is more durable than composite resins.

• Dental amalgam is less durable than composite resins.

• Composite resins are more durable than dental amalgam.

• Both materials have the same level of durability.

What are the environmental concerns associated with dental amalgam?

• Dental amalgam is primarily made of plastic and has no mercury content.

• Environmental concerns include mercury contamination of water and soil, affecting wildlife and human health.

• Dental amalgam is biodegradable and poses no environmental risk.

• Dental amalgam is beneficial for soil health and promotes plant growth.

What regulations exist regarding the disposal of dental amalgam?

• Dental amalgam can be disposed of in regular trash without any restrictions.

• Dental practices are allowed to flush amalgam down the toilet if they use a filter.

• Dental practices must use amalgam separators and follow local and state regulations for disposal.

• There are no regulations regarding the disposal of dental amalgam.

How should dental offices dispose of excess amalgam?

• Dental offices should dispose of excess amalgam through a licensed hazardous waste disposal service.

• Dispose of amalgam in regular trash bins.

• Store excess amalgam in a non-hazardous waste container.

• Flush excess amalgam down the toilet.

What health risks are associated with exposure to dental amalgam?

• Improved dental health

• Health risks associated with exposure to dental amalgam include neurological effects, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.

• Enhanced immune function

• Increased bone density

What is the role of mercury in dental amalgam?

• Mercury acts as a binder in dental amalgam, allowing it to combine with other metals to form a durable filling material.

• Mercury is a primary component that provides strength to the filling.

• Mercury serves as a flavoring agent in dental amalgam.

• Mercury is used to whiten teeth in dental procedures.

How does the use of dental amalgam affect the environment?

• The use of dental amalgam can lead to mercury pollution in the environment.

• Dental amalgam is a renewable resource.

• Dental amalgam is completely biodegradable.

• The use of dental amalgam has no impact on wildlife.