This document provides information on dental amalgam, including:
- A brief history noting amalgam has been used for over 150 years and was originally made by filing silver coins and mixing with mercury.
- The components and microstructure of amalgam, including how it is composed of a mixture of silver/tin/copper alloy and mercury that amalgamates during manipulation.
- The classification, properties, manipulation techniques, indications and contraindications for amalgam restorations.
- Potential failures of amalgam restorations and their causes, as well as precautions needed due to mercury toxicity.