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Amalgamator

Also called: triturator, amalgam mixer

A shaker that mixes a sealed capsule of filling material.

An amalgamator (also called a triturator) shakes a sealed capsule very fast to mix its contents. It is best known for mixing dental amalgam (a filling made of mercury and a silver, tin and copper alloy), and some offices use it for other capsule materials too.

How to spot it

  • A small box with a clamp or fork on top that holds a capsule, a lid that closes, and a timer.

What it is used for

  • Place the capsule, close the cover, set the time the material maker lists, and start.
  • Hand off the mixed material promptly.

Safety and care

  • Always close the cover while it runs; a capsule can fly out or leak.
  • Used amalgam capsules and scrap go to amalgam recycling, never the trash, red bag or sharps container.

Related

Sources: FDA. Dental Amalgam Fillings, ADA. Amalgam Separators and Waste Best Management Practices