DENTAL AMALGAM Meaning and
Definition
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Dental amalgam is a dental material commonly used in restorative dentistry for the filling of cavities caused by tooth decay. It is a mixture of several metals, primarily silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The precise composition may vary, but dental amalgam typically consists of approximately 50% elemental mercury, combined with the other metals in powdered form.
The process of filling a cavity with dental amalgam involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the space with the amalgam material. Dental amalgam is known for its durability and strength, making it suitable for use in posterior (back) teeth subjected to significant biting forces.
The mercury in dental amalgam undergoes a chemical reaction called amalgamation, in which it binds with the other metals to form a stable, solid compound. Despite containing mercury, dental amalgam is considered safe for use in dental procedures by numerous health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, there has been debate surrounding potential health risks associated with dental amalgam due to the release of small amounts of mercury vapor. While the exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam is generally considered to pose minimal risk, some individuals may be more susceptible to adverse effects, such as those with allergies or mercury sensitivity.
Dental amalgam remains a widely used dental restorative material due to its affordability, longevity, and effectiveness in providing durable restorations for teeth affected by decay.
Common Misspellings for DENTAL AMALGAM
- sental amalgam
- xental amalgam
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- dwntal amalgam
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Etymology of DENTAL AMALGAM
The word "dental" is derived from the Latin word "dentis", which means "tooth". It is related to other dental words such as dentistry, dentist, and dentition.
The word "amalgam" comes from the Arabic word "al-malgham", meaning "a kind of cement". This term was applied to an alloy of mercury with another metal, primarily silver or tin, that was used for various purposes, including dental fillings.
Therefore, the term "dental amalgam" combines the Latin word for tooth ("dental") with the Arabic word for an alloy ("amalgam"), referring to the specific type of dental filling material that is a mixture of mercury and other metals.
Similar spelling words for DENTAL AMALGAM
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