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Essentials of Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
the help of a burnisher. Thereafter, the wedge and
the retainer should be removed carefully, keeping
the band in position. The ends of the band (facial
and lingual) should be held with the fingers of the
two hands and everted in the opposite direction
(for example while restoring the distal surface of
a mandibular second molar, the ends of the band
should be everted towards the mesial surface of
the third molar (Fig. 13.16) and the band should
then be gently moved occlusally in a shoeshine
motion (Fig. 13.17)).
The proximal surface at this point should be
well-formed, with proper contact evident and
minimal carving required (Fig. 13.18), except the
possibility to remove a possible small amount of
excess amalgam at the proximal facial and lingual
margins (at the faciogingival and linguogingival
areas) and along the gingival margin. The amal-
gam knives are ideal for removing gingival excess,
preventing gingival overhangs. They are also ideal
for refining embrasure form around the proximal
contacts.
Checking Occlusion
Before discharging the patient, occlusion has to
be checked for high points (if any) present on the
restoration. For this, articulating papers are used,
which are usually blue/green/red in colour. The
paper is placed on the arch where the restored
tooth is present and the patient is asked to bite
on it. If any high points are present on the resto-
ration, they will appear more dark in colour (the
colour of articulating paper leaves imprints), as
compared with the areas on the adjacent teeth.
These high points can then be selectively scraped
off using a carver. The process is repeated up to
the time no high points are seen any more.
Finishing and Polishing
Finishing and polishing of amalgam is one of the
important steps to be performed to ensure the
Figure 13.16
Ends of the band everted in the
opposite direction.
Figure 13.17
Band gently moved occlusally in a
shoeshine motion.
Figure 13.18
Band removed.
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