Amalgam carried into gingival crevice may cause inflammation due to which cause?

• A. Corrosion products
• B. Mercury vapor
• C. Bacterial colonization
• D. Mechanical irritation

Answer: (A)

When amalgam sits in the moist gingival crevice, the environment promotes corrosion of the alloy. As it corrode, metal ions and particles are released into the crevice. These corrosion products irritate the gingival tissue and trigger a local inflammatory response, which explains why inflammation can occur when amalgam is carried into the sulcus. Mercury vapor is mainly a systemic exposure concern from inhalation rather than a local irritant in the crevice. Bacterial biofilm and mechanical irritation may contribute to discomfort, but the primary local inflammatory trigger from the amalgam itself is the chemical irritation caused by corrosion products.