Class II Amalgam Restoration

Class II Amalgam Restoration

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1. Matrix Placement

2. Amalgam Trituration

3. Condensation

4. Carving

Trituration

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Keep in mind that once amalgam has been triturated, it immediately begins to harden; therefore it is 

important to make all necessary preparations for the procedure—including benchtop setup and matrix 

placement—prior to triturating the amalgam. Before triturating the amalgam, turn on the amalgamator 

using the on/off switch in the back. When turned on, a default mixing speed and length of time are 

shown in the display window. Amalgam must be mixed according to the manufacturers instructions; for 

the Valiant PhD amalgam that we use, the trituration speed should be 4200 CPM, with time set at 7.0 

seconds for a 1 spill amalgam cartridge, and 9.0 seconds for a two spill cartridge, which has twice as 

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Class II Amalgam Restoration

much amalgam. (Both cartridges look the same, but will have a number at the bottom of the cartridge 

designating one or two spill; one spill is often enough for many occlusal restorations, while a 2 spill is 

often necessary for compound restorations, such as a Class II.)

To set the speed, push the “Speed” button, and enter the correct speed using the key pad, To set the time, 

push the “Time” button and enter the appropriate time; be sure to enter at two digits; for example, to set 

the machine for 8 seconds, enter 8-0.

Open the window and locate the amalgam carriage, which has a sliding part on the left that adjusts to 

hold the amalgam cartridge in place. Place the amalgam capsule in the carriage and slide the carriage 

holder to the right so that the cartridge is securely held within the carriage. Close the window and push 

the start button.

Once trituration is complete, remove the capsule; tap the amalgam capsule upside-down against the 

bench top to make sure it does not stick to the container, and use the handle of the mirror to pry open the 

cap and empty the amalgam into the metal well. The amalgam should be spherical and shiny.

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Condensation

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Class II Amalgam Restoration

Load the amalgam carrier with amalgam from the well; place the amalgam into the occlusal segment of 

the prepared cavity. Begin condensation using a small condenser to condense a portion of the amalgam 

into the proximal box area. Place pressure and condense into all line angles, as well as against the matrix 

band. Next, use the largest size condenser that will fit into the proximal area to condense more of the 

amalgam into the proximal box. Again, be sure to condense pulpally and laterally, adapting amalgam 

into all cavity walls and line angles, and into the matrix band. Remove any amalgam at the surface that 

appears shiny and wet; this contains the excess mercury that has surfaced during condensing.

Place additional increments of amalgam and continue condensing pulpally, laterally and against the 

matrix band, removing any excess mercury that comes to the surface. It is important to overfill the cavity 

with a generous amount of amalgam, so that the proper occlusal anatomy can be attained during carving. 

If necessary, mix another cartridge of amalgam. As the cavity becomes filled, condense and smear 

amalgam into and over the cavosurface margin.

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Carving Amalgam

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Refer to the “Steps in Carving Amalgam” handout for complete instructions on carving amalgam.

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Class II Amalgam Restoration

1. Immediately after completing condensation, use the explorer to separate the newly condensed 

amalgam from the matrix band,to define the contact area and marginal ridge, and to define the occlusal 

embrasure. This is done by resting the tip of the explorer against the matrix band and moving the 

explorer from the linguo-proximal markin toward the buccal, stopping at the center of the box. Repeat 

the procedure again, this time starting from the bucco-proximal margin.

2. Use the beaver tail to remove excess amalgam from the occlusal surface without touching the 

cavosurface margin.

3. Remove the matrix retainer.

Holding the band in place with your finger, unscrew the matrix retainer and remove it from the band. 

Carefully remove the band from the tooth except at the proximal surface that is being restored; fold the 

band back away from the tooth at this area.

4. Occlusal carving is started when the amalgam shows some resistance to the carving instrument; use an 

explorer, discoid or cleoid to test the amalgam for resistance.. Angle the cleoid so that the tip rests in the 

area where the secondary groove will be, and the side rests against the remaining tooth structure of the 

cusp; the instrument is inclined so that the existing tooth structure can help shape the amalgam, thus 

restoring the natural occlusal anatomy. Occlusal carving is done with a “pull” stroke, however, the 

“push” stroke can also be suitable in developing occlusal anatomy. Form the distal and mesial pits first, 

followed by the buccal and lingual grooves. Once occlusal anatomy is complete, use a moist cotton 

pellet to smooth the occlusal surface of the amalagam.

Carefully remove the matrix band by rotating it and sliding it out of place.

Place the tip of the explorer against the adjacent tooth, with the blade resting on the existing tooth 

structure of the tooth’s proximal surface, and use a shaving motion from cervical to occlusal, to shape 

the proximal surface and remove any excess amalgam. Use one of these instruments to also remove any 

excess amalgam from the cervical region, to define the gingival cavosurface margin. Proximal carving 

should define both the occlusal and gingival embrasures.

Tips: When placing the matrix band, place a piece of floss in the interproximal space, outside of the 

matrix band; this floss can be used later to help smooth out the cervical area of the proximal surface

Tip: Use a discoid or spoon excavator to round out the marginal ridge; be sure to keep the blade resting 

on existing tooth structure while shaping the marginal ridge.

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