slot retention is a mechanical way to help a dental restoration stay in place by creating a small “slot” or groove in tooth structure. It is most commonly discussed in operative dentistry when placing fillings, especially in areas with limited natural undercuts or reduced enamel. The slot acts like a tiny track that increases resistance to the restoration being pulled out or shifted by chewing forces. Dentists may combine slot retention with adhesive bonding, depending on the material and the clinical situation.

A pin-retained restoration is a dental restoration that uses small metal pins placed into dentin (the inner tooth structure) to help hold a filling or core in place. It is typically considered when a tooth has lost a large amount of structure and needs added mechanical retention. The pins act like anchors inside the tooth to support restorative material built around them. It is most commonly discussed in the context of large posterior (back tooth) repairs and foundation (“core”) build-ups.

burnishing is a technique where a dentist smooths, presses, or polishes a dental material or metal surface using a rounded instrument. It is commonly used to improve how a restoration adapts to the tooth and how smooth its surface feels. burnishing is often discussed with amalgam and gold restorations, metal margins, and matrix bands used during fillings. In some cases, similar “surface smoothing” steps are also used with resin-based materials before final finishing and polishing.

amalgam carving is the shaping of a freshly placed dental amalgam filling before it fully hardens. It recreates the tooth’s natural grooves, cusps, and contact points so the bite feels normal. It is most commonly used for silver-colored fillings in back teeth (molars and premolars). It is a step within the overall dental filling process, not a separate treatment.

amalgam bonding is a technique that uses a dental adhesive to help attach an amalgam filling to tooth structure. It is most often used for back teeth where amalgam restorations (silver-colored fillings) are placed. The goal is to improve sealing and retention compared with relying only on traditional mechanical “lock-in” shapes. The term can also describe bonding procedures used when repairing or modifying existing amalgam restorations.

An amalgam restoration is a dental filling made from a metal alloy that includes mercury mixed with other metals. It is used to repair tooth structure that has been damaged by tooth decay (a cavity) or fracture. It is most commonly placed on back teeth where chewing forces are higher. It is a direct restoration, meaning it is shaped in the tooth during the appointment.

high-copper amalgam is a type of dental filling material made by mixing an alloy powder with mercury to create a packable restorative mass. It is called “high-copper” because the alloy contains more copper than older “low-copper” amalgams. It is most commonly used for restoring back teeth (molars and premolars) where chewing forces are higher. In everyday terms, it is a durable, silver-colored filling material used to repair decayed or damaged tooth structure.

amalgam is a dental filling material made by mixing a metal alloy powder with mercury to form a moldable mass. It is commonly used to restore back teeth (molars and premolars) after a cavity is removed. It hardens by a chemical setting reaction rather than by a light. It has a long history in dentistry and is still used in some practices and regions.

compomer is a tooth-colored dental restorative material used to fill or repair certain types of cavities. It is a resin-based material that also includes components associated with fluoride release. It is commonly used for small to moderate restorations, especially in lower-stress areas and in pediatric dentistry.

giomer is a tooth-colored, resin-based dental restorative material used to repair or protect teeth. It is designed to handle like composite resin while incorporating glass-ionomer–related filler technology. It is commonly used for small to moderate fillings, preventive restorations, and some sealant-type applications. Exact performance and features vary by material and manufacturer.