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158 THE TREATMENT OF TEETH
the alloy filings with the cement ; others prepare the
amalgam in the usual way, and then mix it with
cement. Neither of these methods has given the
writer any better results than the use of white
cement alone, and the colour of these mixtures is
about the same as an amalgam filling. In certain
cases, however, there is great value in making a
filling of cement and amalgam, and then covering
the surface with the latter. The alloy is mixed
with mercury in the usual way, and then part of
it is incorporated with the cement during the mixing
of the latter. About equal parts of amalgam and
cement are used. This mixture is placed in the
cavity, and the amalgam that has been left over is
pressed into the mix, and the surface completely
and fairly thickly covered. This method effects
the retention of a durable filling in a cavity in
which it could be retained by no other means. The
mixture adheres to the dentine with great tenacity,
and the amalgam adheres to the mixture far better
than to cement alone. This method was suggested
by Mr. F. A. Bellamy, and described by him in
the British Jo^irnal of Dental Science, February 1887.
Mr. Bellamy informed the writer that, although he
usually presses the amalgam well into the mixture,
so as to secure its retention, he finds that in cases
where it is necessary to simply lay the amalgam on