Final answer:
After amalgam is triturated, it becomes a plastic, malleable material used for dental fillings. This state allows easy manipulation into the tooth cavity before it hardens. Mercury's toxicity in dental amalgams has raised health concerns over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immediately after trituration, an amalgam is in a plastic state, which allows it to be easily manipulated and packed into a prepared tooth cavity. Trituration is the process of mixing mercury with a powdered alloy of metals like silver, tin, and copper to create the amalgam used in dental fillings. Once triturated, the material is soft and malleable before it sets hard, ensuring a proper fit within the cavity.
Dental amalgams are used because mercury forms a strong bond with these metals, creating a durable and stable filling. However, there have been health concerns associated with mercury's toxicity in dental amalgam, leading to discussions about alternatives for dental restorations.