What instrument is used to hold and dispense the amalgam?

The amalgam carrier is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to transport and dispense amalgam during dental procedures. This instrument features a syringe-like mechanism that allows for the easy loading of amalgam and precise placement into a cavity preparation. The design of the amalgam carrier facilitates an efficient transfer of the material from the dental lab or storage area directly to the tooth, minimizing waste and ensuring that the amalgam is delivered accurately into the prepared cavity.

The amalgam well serves a different purpose, as it is used to hold amalgam while it is being mixed or prepared. The ball burnisher is another tool used in dentistry, primarily for polishing and smoothening surfaces, not for holding or dispensing amalgam. Lastly, the amalgam condenser is instrumental in compacting the amalgam into the cavity after it has been placed, rather than holding or dispensing it. Each of these instruments plays a distinct role in dental procedures, but the amalgam carrier is specifically tailored for the task of holding and dispensing amalgam.