Abstract: An impactor for safely, efficiently, and effectively placing mercury-free dental restorations in a cavity of a patient's tooth, the impactor having a housing, anvil, hammer, solenoid or other transducer, end cap, source of restoration paste, and paste feeder tube for condensing mercury-free paste in the cavity. The impactor provides periodic impulses by activating the solenoid, causing the hammer to strike the anvil. The anvil is forced into contact with the paste, thereby condensing the paste into a high-density metal or other material suitable for dental restoration. (Also disclosed is a solenoid or other transducer having a “T” shaped hammer which strikes an anvil.) The solenoid or other transducer can be used to compact or strike any surface. The paste feeder may be incorporated into the impactor or alternatively be a separate hand operated device.