in the early use,amalgam alloy was obtained by filling of silver coins into small particles

which were mixed with mercury. this composition was inconsistent and did not produce
final amalgam with uniform properties
spherical particle alloys are packed more efficiently and require much less mercury to
make a fluidity of the mixtures. in all spherical alloy particles, it is possible to reduce the
mercury portion less than 50% by weight, whereas lathe-cut alloys having more sirface
area require more mercury as much as more than 50% by weight
during the middle of twentieth century, researches on the benefits of increased copper
content in amalgam alloys confirmed the better physical properties, which prevented the
intraoral corrosion. the percentage of copper content is the main system in use today, as
the basic of classification of dental amalgam alloys. high copper alloy produce amalgam
which is free from corrosion-prone and weak gamma-2 phase, thereby producing durable
restorations with a lasting luster
another metal combined to amalgam alloy is zinc. generally, zinc is added in conventional
alloy to suppress the oxidation of the key elements of the alloys. zinc containing alloys
have the side effect that moisture contamination prior to setting, leads to the formation of
ZnO and produces hydrogen gas that expands the amalgam excessively, resulting in pain.
amalgam alloy particle size, percentage of copper content, zinc content
Outline form is the area of the tooth surface to be included within outline of the
cavity, actually, outline is tobe termed as external and internal outline. The utline
form includes the needs for extension for convenience. Outline form of the prepared
caivty is approached beginning at some central position of tooth surface, for exampe
penetrating the burs into carious occlusal surface, extending laterally to establish
outline. External outline form consists of smooth curves, straight line and rounded
angles. Conservative removal of caries using rotary instruents permits triangular cusp
ridges to remain intact. Occlusal cavosurface angle should be between 85 and 95
degree. All unsupported enamel rods must be removed
The initial extension of the tooth preparatio should be visualized preoperatively bye
estimating the extent of the defect, the preparation form requirements of th amalgam,
and the need for adequate access to place the amalgam into the tooth. Because of the
structure of enamel, enamel margins must be left in a form of 90 degrees or greater.
Otherwise, enamel is subject to fracture. For enamel strength, the marginal should be
supported by sound dentin.
The preparation extension is dictated primarily by the existing amount of caries, old
restorative material, or defect. Adequate extension to provide access for tooth
preparation, caries removal, matrix placement, and amalgam insertion also must
considered. When making the preparation extensions, every effort should be made to
preserve the strength of cups and marginal ridges. When possible, the outline form should
be extended around cusps and avoid undermining thedentinal support of the marginal
ridge enamel

 Preparation walls in vertical parts of the tooth should result in 90 degree enamel
walls that meet the inserted amalgam at a butt joint. Preparation walls on the occlusal
surface should provide 90 degree or greater amalgam margins and usually have
obtuse enamel margin. The 90 degree occlusal amalgam margin results from the
amalgam carving in the central groove area being more rounded
Black (1924) menentukan beberapa aturan preparasi yang perlu diikuti
untuk restorasi gigi permanen yang karies. Restorasi gigi sulung masih mengikuti
prinsip preparasi Black dengan beberapa modifikasi.
Prinsip prinsip Black untuk preparasi kavitas ada tujuh, yaitu :
Outline form.
Removal of caries (Membuang jaringan karies).
Resistance form (Membuat bentuk resistensi).
Retention form (Membuat bentuk retensi).
Convenience form.
Finishing the enamel margin (Menghaluskan dinding / tepi kavitas).
Toilet of the cavity (Membersihkan kavitas dari debris).
In most of the cavities retention form is made by shaping of the opposing waalls
strictly parallel or slightly undercut, so that the filling will be retained
firmly.inversely tapered walls of the proximal box have ben long standing principles
of retention. The proximal retention to resist the horizontal components of
masticatory forces tending to unseat the proximal boxes from the axial wasll is
widely used. The buccal and lingual proximal walls require divergence to produce
sound margins and grooves within proximal dentin walls to functional principles of
retention form. On the occlusal surface, preparation as dovetail is done to produce
retentive features for proximo-occlusal restoration to resist proximal displacement,
amalgam retention form is provided by mechanical locking of the inserted amalgam
into the surface irregularities of the preparation to allow proper adaptation of the
amalgam to the tooth. 2. preparation of the vertical walls that converge occlusally
and 3. special retention features such as grooves, coves, slots, pins, steps, or
amalgam pins that are placed during the final stage of tooth preparation.