INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Triturating a dental amalgam will result in what?

1. Coat the alloy particles with Mercury

2. Create a chemical reaction

3. Reduce the strength of the amalgam

4. Increase the setting time

The correct answer is: Coat the alloy particles with Mercury

Triturating a dental amalgam involves mixing the alloy particles with liquid mercury to form a plastic mass that can be condensed into a tooth preparation. During this process, the alloy particles should be coated with mercury to ensure proper wetting and binding of the particles together. This coating is essential for the chemical reaction that occurs between the alloy particles and mercury, resulting in the formation of a strong and durable dental amalgam restoration. Incorrect options: B. Creating a chemical reaction: While a chemical reaction does occur during the mixing process of dental amalgam, this is not the direct result of triturating. The chemical reaction happens as a result of the alloy particles being coated with mercury and subsequently reacting to form the amalgam material. C. Reducing the strength of the amalgam: Properly triturating the dental amalgam is essential for achieving the desired strength of the final material. If the amalgam is not triturated correctly, it can lead to voids, incomplete mixing, or weak areas within the restoration, compromising its strength. D. Increasing the setting time: Trituration does not affect the setting time of dental amalgam. The setting time is primarily determined by the composition of the alloy and the mercury content, and not by the mixing process itself.