Amalgamator device is a basic tool in the field of dentistry, which is used to repair and restore damaged teeth. This device uses alloys such as mercury, lead, silver, and copper to prepare tooth filling materials. The name “amalgamator” is made from the words “amalgam” which means to mix alloy materials and “ator” which means agent or operator. This tool combines materials with high precision and speed so that dentists can easily perform dental restorations completely and effectively. But there are many questions regarding this device; Among these questions, how to use this device? What components does it consist of? How many dental amalgam models are there? Stay with us to answer these questions in the rest of this article.
Application and characteristics of amalgamator device in dentistry
Before we go to the questions, we must first familiarize ourselves with the use and features of this device. Amalgamator is a vital tool used in dentistry to combine restorative materials. To put it simply, the dental amalgamator is an important tool in the field of filling the damaged teeth of patients. This device allows dentists to combine materials such as silver amalgam capsules and glass ionomers with high precision and efficiency.
One of the main advantages of using amalgamators in dentistry is to create more safety for patients. This device allows dentists to combine restorative materials without direct contact with harmful substances such as toxic mercury.
Also, amalgamator devices with automatic functions combine materials quickly. This feature of the device allows dentists to prepare restorative materials in less time and prevents patients from waiting for a long time. It is also essential to be careful in combining materials using an amalgamator; Because the incorrect combination may lead to treatment complications. These features make the amalgamator device one of the needs of every dentist during restoration.
How to use dental amalgamator
The amalgamator device has two separate tanks that are used to pour the materials needed for amalgam paste and mercury. To prepare amalgam paste, the machine automatically combines the right amount of amalgam powder and materials according to the required proportions. This produces a uniform paste that is ready to be injected into bare and shaved teeth.
To prepare mercury, the ratio of the required materials must be determined manually. Some dentists may use different combinations of mercury for different cases. The flexibility of the device allows dentists to create a precise combination for the specific needs of patients.
After preparing the material, the prepared amalgam goes to the output part of the machine. For the materials not to harden quickly and not to be destroyed, they should be injected and embedded in the patient’s tooth in less than ten seconds. This step is very critical because the delay in the injection can lead to insufficient compaction and hardness of the amalgam and mercury materials.
Amalgamator components
The components of the amalgamator are:
- The main reservoir: a chamber that holds tooth-filling materials such as mercury and lead.
- Electric motor: the heart of the device that provides the necessary energy to mix the ingredients.
- The mixing chamber: the part that carefully combines the filling materials.
- Device adjustment screw: It is used to adjust the speed and power of the amalgamator device.
- Holding clip: This section allows the dentist to hold and control the device precisely.
- Safety microswitch: It is used to prevent accidents and emergencies in the device.
- Protective cover: It is used to protect the user from alloy materials and destructive chemical compounds.
- Timer: This part can be digital or analog in the device and controls the time required to combine ingredients.
Types of dental amalgamators
Types of dental amalgamators
Amalgamator has three different types, each of which has different features and models from different brands. These 3 types are as follows:
1. Capsule amalgamator device
A capsule amalgamator is a device that uses a capsule containing amalgam and mercury as a consumable unit. In this type of device, it is not possible to adjust the amount of powder and mercury; Because the manufacturing company has determined the amount and ratio of amalgam and mercury and placed it in the capsule. The machine has a thin screen that separates the mercury from the powder and when the machine is started, the screen is removed and the amalgam powder and mercury are combined.
2. Combined amalgamator (powder)
In the combined amalgamator device, amalgam is prepared in powder form and then combined with mercury. This device has separate tanks for amalgam powder and mercury. In this device, the required amount of amalgam and mercury is placed in the respective tanks, and using a lever or controller, the ratio of the combination of amalgam and mercury is determined. Then these materials are entered in a certain amount into the mixer of the device and finally, the resulting mixture reaches the outlet of the device as an amalgam paste. In this type of device, the amount of amalgam powder can be adjusted, but the amount of mercury is always fixed.
3. Powder and capsule amalgamator device
This type of device also has the two functions of capsule and powder devices. To use this device, Dentist in Dubai decides which one to use according to the conditions ahead.
Amalgamator maintenance and repair
To maintain the amalgamator device, check and observe the following points:
- Place the amalgamator in a fixed and definite place. This will make the device strong and stable.
- Always adjust the power level of the device with a suitable and accurate device. Do not use sharp tools to adjust so as not to damage the device.
- Please do not touch the device before it stops completely and do not stop it with hand pressure. This prevents damage to the device.
- Do not place the amalgamator behind a window to protect it from sunlight. This radiation can damage the device and chemical samples in the device.
Conclusion
In this article from the Nutrident in UAE series of articles, we discussed another dental equipment called the amalgamator device. In general, this device is used to restore teeth or fill teeth with a combination of restorative materials. This device has three types, including capsule amalgamator, combined amalgamation, and double-function amalgamator, each of which has its characteristics. For more information and to buy Dental equipment in Dubai, especially amalgamators, contact Nutrident in UAE team experts. Our experts can suggest the best device according to your conditions and guide you.