dental amalgam and gold : galvanic corrosion
The "galvanic shock" or "galvanic corrosion."
It occurs when two different metals, such as dental amalgam and gold restorations, come into contact in the oral cavity, creating a small electric current due to differences in their electrical potentials. This can lead to discomfort or an unusual sensation for the patient, commonly described as a metallic taste or a shock-like sensation.
Here's more information about galvanic shock and how it relates to dental amalgam and gold restorations:
**1. Dental Amalgam:** Dental amalgam is a common restorative material that contains a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It has been widely used for restoring cavities in teeth due to its durability and longevity.
**2. Gold Restorations:** Gold restorations, often referred to as gold crowns or inlays, are also a type of dental restoration made from a high-quality gold alloy. Gold is known for its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion.
**3. Galvanic Shock:** When dental amalgam and gold restorations come into contact in the mouth, a small electric current can be generated due to the differences in their electrical potentials. This electric current can lead to a sensation similar to a mild electric shock or a metallic taste.
Other related blogs : anatomy
**4. Factors Influencing Galvanic Shock:**
- **Metals Used:** The types of metals used in dental restorations play a significant role in galvanic shock. Dental amalgam and gold are examples of dissimilar metals that can create an electrical potential difference.
- **Saliva and Electrolytes:** Saliva in the oral cavity acts as an electrolyte, enhancing the conduction of electrical current between dissimilar metals.
- **Oral pH and Temperature:** Changes in oral pH and temperature can influence the occurrence of galvanic shock.
**5. Prevention and Management:**
- **Material Selection:** Dental professionals can choose restorative materials with similar electrical potentials to minimize the risk of galvanic shock. However, in some cases, the choice of materials may be limited by patient preferences or clinical needs.
- **Isolation:** Proper isolation techniques during restorative procedures can help prevent direct contact between different metals.
- **Regular Checkups:** Dental professionals should educate patients about the potential for galvanic shock and encourage them to report any discomfort or unusual sensations during follow-up visits.
- **Replacing Restorations:** If a patient experiences galvanic shock, it may be recommended to replace one of the restorations with a material that is less likely to create a galvanic current.
**Note:** While galvanic shock can be uncomfortable for patients, it is generally not considered a serious health concern. Dental professionals are well-equipped to manage and prevent such occurrences through proper material selection and patient education.
Read more articles : physical properties of dental materials
In the context of galvanic corrosion or galvanic shock involving dental amalgam and gold restorations, the dental amalgam would typically act as the anode, and the gold restoration would act as the cathode.
**Anode:** The anode is the metal that undergoes corrosion or oxidation in an electrochemical process. In this case, dental amalgam, being a mixture of metals including silver and copper, is more likely to corrode in the presence of the electrical potential difference. As a result, the dental amalgam would be considered the anode.
**Cathode:** The cathode is the metal that undergoes reduction or remains relatively unaffected in an electrochemical process. Gold, being a noble metal with high resistance to corrosion, is less likely to be affected by the electrical potential difference. Therefore, the gold restoration would be considered the cathode.
Check out प्रतियोगिता दर्पण हिंदी for upcoming UPPSC Dental surgeon exam
The electrical potential difference between the dental amalgam (anode) and the gold restoration (cathode) can lead to the flow of a small electric current, causing the sensation of galvanic shock or discomfort in some cases. This phenomenon is a result of the different reactivity of the metals involved and their position in the electrochemical series.
"Hey there! 📚 If you're interested in the UPPSC syllabus details, you can easily download them from the official UPPSC website. Just head over to their website and navigate to the 'Syllabus' section. It's a comprehensive resource that'll help you get a clear understanding of the topics covered.
Happy studying! 👩🎓👨🎓"
Galvanic Corrosion, Amalgam, and Gold - MCQs
thanks
see you again.
Comments
Post a Comment