Which element constitutes the highest percentage by weight in a dental amalgam after it has set?

- In dental amalgam, the primary metal constituent is silver, which typically makes up the highest percentage by weight after the amalgam has set.
- This is because silver provides the necessary strength and durability needed for restorative dental work.

Here are the roles of the main components:
- Silver: Comprises about 40-60% of the alloy. It enhances the mechanical strength and controls the setting expansion of the amalgam.
- Tin: Makes up approximately 25-30%. It improves the alloy’s workability and helps control the setting reaction.
- Copper: Typically present in around 12-30%, copper reduces the corrosion and improves the overall strength.
- Zinc: Added in small amounts (~1%) to act as a scavenger to reduce oxidation during manufacturing.

Therefore, although all these metals are important, the highest percentage by weight is silver, which forms the backbone of the dental amalgam alloy.

Reference: Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry, 7th Edition, Chapter 12 – Dental Amalgam, Page 320