Amalgam is ...

Amalgam is ...

• A. An alloy, with one of the constituents being mercury
• B. An artificial tooth
• C. Fluoride varnish
• D. Disclosing Agent

Answer: (A)

Amalgam in dentistry is a metal alloy used for fillings that includes mercury as the liquid component, combined with powdered metals such as silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc. When mixed, the mercury binds the powders to form a pliable mass that hardens into a durable filling able to withstand chewing forces. Other dental products have different purposes: an artificial tooth is a prosthetic replacement, fluoride varnish is a protective coating for enamel, and a disclosing agent helps reveal plaque. So the correct description is an alloy with mercury as one constituent.

Amalgam in dentistry is a metal alloy used for fillings that includes mercury as the liquid component, combined with powdered metals such as silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc. When mixed, the mercury binds the powders to form a pliable mass that hardens into a durable filling able to withstand chewing forces. Other dental products have different purposes: an artificial tooth is a prosthetic replacement, fluoride varnish is a protective coating for enamel, and a disclosing agent helps reveal plaque. So the correct description is an alloy with mercury as one constituent.