amalgam tattoo

amalgam tattoo

n.

A bluish-black or gray lesion of the oral mucous membrane caused by accidental implantation of silver amalgam into the tissue during tooth restoration or extraction.

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amalgam tattoo,

a discoloration of the gingiva or buccal membrane caused by particles of silver amalgam that migrate from an amalgam filling and become embedded under the tissue surface. The condition causes no symptoms and is left untreated.

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amalgam (mal´gm),

n (dental amalgam alloy), an alloy, one of the constituents of which is mercury.

amalgam, bonded,

n 1. a composite of tooth-colored acrylic resin and finely ground glass-like particles that is bonded or adhered to the tooth during dental restoration. The advantage is that less of the tooth structure needs to be removed during the restoration, resulting in a smaller filling compared with traditional amalgams.
2. a composite filling.

amalgam carrier,

n See carrier, amalgam.

amalgam carver,

n See carver, amalgam.

amalgam condenser,

n See condenser, amalgam.

amalgam, copper,

n an alloy composed principally of copper and mercury. See also amalgam.

amalgam, dental,

n an amalgam used for dental restorations and dyes.

amalgam matrix,

n See matrix, amalgam.

amalgam pigmentation,

n See amalgam tattoo.

amalgam plugger,

n See condenser, amalgam.

amalgam, silver,

n a dental amalgam, the main constituent of which is silver. The ADA composition specifications are as follows: silver, 65% minimum; tin, 25% minimum; copper, 6% maximum; zinc, 2% maximum.

amalgam squeeze cloth,

n a piece of linen used to hold plastic amalgam from which excess mercury is to be squeezed. Used with hand trituration.

amalgam tattoo,

n a solitary discrete gray, blue, or black discoloration of tissue usually located in the gingiva, alveolar ridge, or buccal mucosa caused by small amounts of dental amalgam that became embedded under the surface. The asymptomatic lesion is static and requires no treatment. If doubt exists about the lesion or if the lesion is unsightly, excisional biopsy is recommended.

Amalgam tattoo.

amalgam well,

n a small, bowl-shaped container that holds mixed amalgam prior to its being loaded into the amalgam carrier.