From protective gear to specialized equipment, there are many tools
available to the dentist trade. While some tools are specific to
certain branches of dentistry, there are a few basic instruments that
are used in just about all dental practices.
A mouth mirror is a hand-held tool that allows the dentist to see inside
the patient’s mouth, at a variety of angles. The tool is designed to
provide indirect vision, as well as reflect light and magnify the interior
of the mouth. Today’s mouth mirrors can be single-sided or
double-sided, and some are even disposable.
Several different kinds of hand-held probes are used by the dentist.
The one that is used most often in a regular examination is the sickle or
contra-angled probe. This probe allows the dentist to detect pits
and fissures, calculus, issues with bridges and crowns, and caries.
A periodontal probe measures the depth of periodontal pockets, while a
briault probe detects caries on mesial and distal surfaces.
College tweezers are another basic piece of equipment used in
dentistry. These allow the dentist to place and retrieve small
objects into and from the mouth. Some of them have a locking
mechanism to prevent the object from being dropped. A metal ruler
is often used to measure the length of endodontic K files.
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In addition to the tools used in a basic dental exam, other tools are used
for other purposes. Most dentists and their hygienists use masks,
protective gloves, safety glasses, and face shields during dental
procedures to protect them from debris, bacteria, and chemicals.
Most dentists also have radiograph equipment in their offices, to allow
them to x-ray their patients’ teeth. In addition to the actual x-ray
machine, radiograph film is also needed to complete the procedure.
Radiograph film comes in several sizes and shapes, depending upon the
area of the mouth to be x-rayed.
Since dental work often results in excess saliva and moisture, most
dentists use specific instruments designed to control moisture.
The most commonly used is the disposable saliva ejector, which uses a low
volume of suction to remove saliva from the mouth during procedures.
A variety of cotton wool rolls and pellets are also available to absorb
saliva, blood, and excess dental material.
For painful dental procedures, the dentist will need tools, like syringes
and disposable needles, that provide anaesthesia. In procedures
where a dentist is isolating one tooth or one specific part of the mouth,
a rubber dam is used to allow the dentist to see better, as well as
protect the patient’s airway.
When it comes to filling cavities, repairing chips, or any other process
that requires smoothing, dental burs are used to smooth and polish.
They are also used to remove tooth tissue before restorations or other
work. Burs come in several sizes and shapes, depending upon where
and how they are going to be used. Most of us are familiar with the
dental handpiece, or dentist drill, which can rotate a bur at high speeds.
Feel free to browse Dentist-Tools.com for information on dental tools,
as well as a list of dental equipment manufacturers and distributors.
- Henry Schein – dental equipment, technology, and supplies.
- Patterson Dental – products, equipment, and services for dentists.
- Pfingst – precision dental tools and dentist instruments.
- Busch – rotary dental instruments and precision tools.
- Horico – dental abrasive instruments.
- Edenta – rotary instruments for the dental trade.
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