What is the ideal percentage of mercury in dental amalgam?

The ideal percentage of mercury in dental amalgam is generally recognized to be between 42% and 54%. This specific range is critical because it ensures the proper physical properties and performance of the dental amalgam. When the mercury content falls within this range, the amalgam achieves optimal strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, which are essential characteristics for a material used in dental restorations.

When there is too little mercury, the amalgam may be overly brittle and may not properly bond, limiting its effectiveness as a restorative material. Conversely, an excessive mercury content can lead to a higher risk of unwanted reactions or decrease the amalgam's mechanical properties. Thus, maintaining the mercury content within the 42% to 54% range strikes a balance that supports the material’s functional demands and patient safety. This is why the choice indicating this percentage range is the appropriate and ideal answer.