Amalgamator
Materials called amalgam are used to fill teeth. Amalgam contains mercury, copper, silver, tin, lead and etc. The problem is that mercury hardens and dries quickly when combined with other materials, so amalgam is available as a powder-free of mercury, and when a dentist requires to use it, it must be combined with mercury. An amalgamator is used to combine it and create a homogeneous dough, which is similar to a mixer.
Types of amalgamators:
There are two types of amalgamators:
- Hybrid
- Capsule
Hybrid: In this type, amalgam powder is poured into one chamber and mercury is poured into another chamber. When we turn on the machine, it combines mercury and powder with a ratio of 80% powder and 20% mercury.
Capsule: There is another type of amalgam that is inside small capsules. There is a thin layer in this capsule that separates mercury from the powder. These capsules are placed on special amalgamators known as capsule amalgamators. This type of amalgamator has more applications than other types.
Powder and capsule machine (dual function):
In this type of device, the amount of amalgam powder varies, and the adjusting screw is located on the side of the device, but the amount of mercury is always constant. The more positive the adjustment screw, the more powder and the less powder for negative adjustment. After each use of the amalgamator, a special brush is used to clean the inside of the tube and the amalgamator cap. Before stopping the amalgamator tube cover completely, make sure that it does not touch the hand. Avoid exposing the amalgamator to sunlight and turn the amalgamator upside down once or twice a week and then replace it. Due to the vibration of the device, the amalgam powder is compressed in its tank and the required amount of powder does not pass in the amalgamator compound tube, which reduces the powder and disrupts the adjustment of the device.