Name two common carving instruments used with amalgam.

• A. Discoid-cleoid carver and straight beavertail or cleoid spoon.
• B. Chisel and hoe.
• C. Dental mirror and explorer.
• D. Gingival retractor and elevator.

Answer: (A)

Carving after placing amalgam relies on instruments specifically designed to shape and finish the material to resemble natural tooth anatomy. The best pair for this task is the discoid-cleoid carver together with a straight beavertail (cleoid spoon). The discoid-cleoid carver has two ends: the discoid end is flat and well suited for creating and smoothing pits and grooves on the occlusal surface, while the cleoid end helps refine marginal ridges and fine details. The straight beavertail or cleoid spoon is broader and spoon-shaped, making it efficient for contouring larger areas and smoothing convex surfaces around the margins. Using these together lets you accurately reproduce occlusal anatomy and achieve proper contacts and contours. The other instruments mentioned are used for preparation, inspection, or soft-tissue management, not for carving amalgam.