Question

Any metal mixed with mercury is called an amalgam. The amalgam used for dental filling is _______.
(A) Ag-Sn amalgam
(B) Au-Sn amalgam
(C) Au-Ag amalgam
(D) Cu-Au amalgam

Answer 1

Hint: The question has told us the meaning of amalgam. We need to choose the amalgam present in dental filling. Dental filling is the mixture used by the dentists to fill the cavity present in the tooth and thus prevent the tooth from further damage due to decay. Think about the metals used in preparation of dental fillings to get the answer.

Complete step by step answer:
- When food particles remain the gaps present in the teeth or when the amount of calcium and fluorine present in the teeth is less, tooth decays to form voids and cavities.
- These tooth cavities cause intense amounts of pain and sensitivity to the affected individual.
- Calcium and Fluorine are actually responsible for giving strength to our teeth and preventing tooth decay.
- A dentist uses the method called dental filling in order to fill in the cavities caused by tooth decay. In dental filling, a paste of amalgam is used to seal the cavities and protect the damaged tooth from further decay.
- The dental filling consists of amalgam which is an alloy of mercury along with silver and tin.
- Generally, dental filling has 50% mercury and silver and tin in the ratio 3:1.
- An amalgam is used for filling the cavity because it is easy to mix because of its soft nature and fill in the shape of the cavity and seal it completely.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Remember calcium and fluorine are the elements which impart strength to the teeth and these elements are present in toothpastes. Dental filling is made up of silver-tin amalgam and is used to seal the dental cavities due to the soft nature of alloy.