Question

Write a short note on amalgam

Answer 1

Dental amalgam is a liquid mercury and metal alloy mixture used in dentistry to fill cavitiescaused by tooth decay.Low-copper amalgam commonly consists of mercury (50%), silver (~22–32%), tin  (~14%), copper (~8%) and other trace metals.

Dental amalgam is produced by mixing liquid mercury with an alloy made of silver, tin, and copper solid particles.
Amalgam has been used for many years for restorations, commonly known as fillings. Prior to 1900 many compositions were tried but few were successful when placed in the oral environment. Around 1900, small amounts of copper and occasionally zinc were added.