A dentist looks after your teeth, but they don’t do that without proper instruments. Dental instruments help your dentist to explore specific areas of your mouth and perform specialized operations. Thus, these tools define a dentist, as dental work would be arduous without these. Here is a list of seven common dental instruments and their uses.
A Dental Mirror:
A small concave handheld mirror helps the dentist inspect your mouth. The concave mirror reflects a magnified image of your mouth. Therefore, the dental mirror brings even the sneakiest of cavities to the dentist’s attention. Furthermore, through this mirror, your dentist can enjoy an unobscured view of your mouth.
The dental mirror has a long handle ending with a round mirror frame, fitted with a concave mirror. Structured in a way that your dentist can easily maneuver the mirror just by rotating the stick.
Dental Probe:
A dental probe is another handy tool in your dentist’s toolbox. These scary sleek tools have pointed heads. Your dentist uses these probes to locate irregularities in the mouth. Hence, with specific probes, dentists check for particular problems. E.g., your dentist will use a sickle probe to detect any cavities and periodontal probes to measure periodontal pockets.
Dental Drill and Spoon Excavators:
Dentists use both of these tools to deal with cavities. Hence, the acuteness of cavities will govern your dentist’s choice of the device. Your dentist will use a drill to prick out enamel cavities.
However, if the cavities have extended down from the enamel to the pulp, your dentist will use the spoon excavator. Intensive cavities destroy the structure of the tooth, making it soft and feeble. Now, your dentist will just scoop out the delicate diseased part of the tooth using spoon excavators.
Scaler:
Dentists use scalers to tackle tartar. Tartar is a robust structure, formed by the hardening of plaque, often left undisturbed by regular brushing. Hence, tough tarter requires rough treatment. Scaler is used to scratch out the tartar build-up on the tooth’s surface.
Suction Device:
The use of all the above tools will inevitably leave behind some debris and mess. Dentists use a suction device to suck up all the mess and clean the teeth.
Anesthetics:
These local anesthesia are administered into the area mouth where the dental operation will be performed. Sometimes laughing gas is used as anesthesia, which is administered through a gas mask. Otherwise, your dentist will use a dental syringe to deliver anesthesia to the target area. The dental syringe is more extensive and longer in size compared to an ordinary needle.
Conclusion:
These were the most common dental instruments used by dentists. However, dental instruments are not limited to the above list, and dentists have many more ” tools up their sleeves.” Learn more about our services through our website. In addition, you can call us at 979-421-9685 to secure an appointment.