Mercury Exposure: Understanding the amounts of mercury
released during these procedures is crucial for assessing potential health
risks to dental professionals and patients.
Regulatory Guidelines: Dental practices should adhere
to guidelines and regulations regarding mercury handling and exposure limits
to ensure a safe working environment.
B. Best Practices
Use of Wet Polishing: Whenever possible, wet polishing
should be preferred over dry polishing to minimize mercury release.
Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate ventilation in
the dental operatory can help reduce the concentration of mercury vapor in
the air.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dental
professionals should use appropriate PPE, such as masks and gloves, to
minimize exposure during amalgam handling.
C. Patient Safety
Informed Consent: Patients should be informed about the
materials used in their restorations, including the presence of mercury in
amalgam, and the associated risks.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of dental practices for
mercury exposure levels can help maintain a safe environment for both staff
and patients.
1. Noise Levels of Turbine Handpieces
Turbine Handpieces
Ball Bearings: Turbine handpieces equipped with ball
bearings can operate efficiently at air pressures of around 30 pounds.
Noise Levels: At high frequencies, these handpieces may
produce noise levels ranging from 70 to 94 dB.
Hearing Damage Risk: Exposure to noise levels exceeding
75 dB, particularly in the frequency range of 1000 to 8000 cycles per second
(cps), can pose a risk of hearing damage for dental professionals.
Implications for Practice
Hearing Protection: Dental professionals should
consider using hearing protection, especially during prolonged use of
high-speed handpieces, to mitigate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
Workplace Safety: Implementing noise-reduction
strategies in the dental operatory can enhance the comfort and safety of
both staff and patients.
2. Post-Carve Burnishing
Technique
Post-Carve Burnishing: This technique involves lightly
rubbing the carved surface of an amalgam restoration with a burnisher of
suitable size and shape.
Purpose: The goal is to improve the smoothness of the
restoration and produce a satin finish rather than a shiny appearance.
Benefits
Enhanced Aesthetics: A satin finish can improve the
aesthetic integration of the restoration with the surrounding tooth
structure.
Surface Integrity: Burnishing can help to compact the
surface of the amalgam, potentially enhancing its resistance to wear and
marginal integrity.
3. Preparing Mandibular First Premolars for MOD Amalgam Restorations
Considerations for Tooth Preparation
Conservation of Tooth Structure: When preparing a
mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) amalgam restoration for a mandibular first
premolar, it is important to conserve the support of the small lingual cusp.
Occlusal Step Preparation: The occlusal step should
be prepared more facially than lingually, which helps to maintain the
integrity of the lingual cusp.
Bur Positioning: The bur should be tilted slightly
lingually to establish the correct direction for the pulpal wall.
Cusp Reduction
Lingual Cusp Consideration: If the lingual margin of
the occlusal step extends more than two-thirds the distance from the central
fissure to the cuspal eminence, the lingual cusp may need to be reduced to
ensure proper occlusal function and stability of the restoration.
4. Universal Matrix System
Overview
Tofflemire Matrix System: Designed by B.R. Tofflemire,
the Universal matrix system is a commonly used tool in restorative
dentistry.
Indications: This system is ideally indicated when
three surfaces (mesial, occlusal, distal) of a posterior tooth have been
prepared for restoration.
Benefits
Retention and Contour: The matrix system helps in
achieving proper contour and retention of the restorative material, ensuring
a well-adapted restoration.
Ease of Use: The design allows for easy placement and
adjustment, facilitating efficient restorative procedures.
5. Angle Former Excavator
Functionality
Angle Former: A special type of excavator used
primarily for sharpening line angles and creating retentive features in
dentin, particularly in preparations for gold restorations.
Beveling Enamel Margins: The angle former can also be
used to place a bevel on enamel margins, enhancing the retention of
restorative materials.
Clinical Applications
Preparation for Gold Restorations: The angle former is
particularly useful in preparations where precise line angles and retention
are critical for the success of gold restorations.
Versatility: Its ability to create retentive features
makes it a valuable tool in various restorative procedures.
