154 Where There Is No Dentist 2012
4. Mix the glass ionomer on a piece of smooth glass just before using it.
The package of glass ionomer should have a bottle of liquid, a bottle of
powder, a measuring scoop, and instructions for how much to use of
each. Place a level scoop of the powder onto the glass, then close the
powder bottle right away.
Put a drop of liquid separately on the glass. It is important for this
liquid to have no air bubbles, so if your first drop has bubbles, keep
holding the bottle upside down and place a second drop somewhere
else on the glass to use for mixing.
Spread the liquid around a little, pull half of the powder to the liquid
with the mixing tool, and mix them together quickly but carefully.
Add more powder until you have used the full amount instructed. It
is important to mix in all the powder and not add extra liquid so the
filling is strong. The mixture should become thick and smooth like
chewing gum.
Some dental
workers
use the first
drop with
air bubbles
to clean the
cavity for
step 3.
Now, take the cotton out from inside the cavity. Check to be sure
the cavity is dry. If the cotton around the tooth is wet, change it.
5. Fill the cavity with the glass ionomer right away. Use your filling
tool to carry a small amount of the glass ionomer mixture to the cavity.
Carefully press the mixture against the sides of the cavity. Then add
more glass ionomer to fill the center of the cavity.