When is carving typically performed during amalgam placement?

• A. During the final polishing.
• B. During the initial set when the material is firm enough to hold shape but still plastic.
• C. After the material has fully set.
• D. Before condensation.

Answer: (B)

Carving is performed during the initial set when the amalgam has begun to harden but is still plastic enough to contour. At this stage the material is firm enough to hold the desired shape and groove anatomy, yet malleable enough to be carved with the discoid-cleoid tools to create proper occlusal anatomy, grooves, and margins. If you wait until it has fully set, carving becomes very difficult or may crack or roughen the surface. If you carve too early, while the material is still very soft, you’ll smear and distort the anatomy. So the timing during the initial set is optimal for shaping and refining the restoration.