Standardized sequence for carving and finishing amalgam restorations.

This method of amalgam carving and finishing, described in a step-by-step sequence, is fast and effective. The initial step of using the acorn burnisher eliminates the great bulk of excess amalgam and contours the restoration. A simple armamentarium is all that is required for carving, burnishing, and polishing. A general scheme for reestablishing original or ideal occlusal morphology has been discussed, emphasizing distinct triangular and marginal ridges and convex contour. Attention was focused on the prevention of ditching at the cavosurface margin, thus ensuring full benefit of the improved physical properties of silver amalgam.