Abstract: Metal materials are sintered using microwave energy to provide high strength dental restorations. The metal materials used to manufacture the dental restorations herein are sintered to high density to provide high strength products that have a density close to the density achieved when the same materials are cast. A dense solid having a fine microstructure is achieved using microwave heating. Through the process described herein, higher heating rates may be achieved, reducing the time necessary for sintering the materials. The process is faster than conventional processes used in the manufacture of dental restorations, eliminates time-consuming steps typically involved in the lost wax process and provides materials with better grain-size control and properties. It is possible to produce high strength dental restorations at lower temperatures having high hardness and density and small grain size.

Abstract: A self-actuating dental capsule is provided which includes a rupturable container for the liquid component of a dental amalgam. The container is held in the capsule by a retaining sleeve or disk so that the amalgam can be immediately used by the dentist without the need to separate the container from the amalgam. The container and the retaining means can be formed as a unit prior to placement in the capsule.