Dental equipment shopping requires a thorough understanding of each tool’s function and the features to search for when comparing options. So that you may make an educated purchase selection, this guide will explain the most popular dental equipment categories and their respective uses.
What exactly are dental tools?
Dentists use dental devices, often handheld gadgets, to inspect, treat, repair, and even remove teeth. As a rule, they are either non-cutting or cutting and might be constructed of stainless steel or disposable plastic. While there is some visual overlap, most of these tools are tailored to one of the various subspecialties within dentistry, including dental exams, restorations, or periodontics. You may buy instruments alone or as packages, including many instruments. Here is a rundown of some of the most common dental equipment.
Dental devices that don’t cut
Dental Reflectors
The dentistry mirror has a stem with a spherical head attached to it by a handle. These parts and pieces may be bought separately in the event of damage. The most typical applications include probing inaccessible parts of the mouth and repositioning the tongue or cheeks to improve sight and accessibility. Additionally, it may be utilised to direct illumination to specific locations. It’s possible to find either single- or double-sided mirrors for the mouth. Mirrors that reflect light in two directions provide more light and visibility. No.2 (18mm), No.4 (22mm), and No.5 (26mm) mirrors are the most popular sizes (24mm). Anti-grip for better handling, scratch resistance for reduced distortion, and a few fissures for more straightforward cleaning are all features to watch out for.
Probes
Tooth decay, calculus, and other oral problems may be detected and treated with dental probes, also known as explorers. In addition, fillings’ integrity with adjacent teeth may be determined, and crown margins can be examined. One way to tell the three major categories of explorers apart is by the tools at their disposal. The No. 23 Shepherd’s Hook, with its curved hook, is the most popular. The No. 17 Explorer is designed to reach the space between teeth and features a flatter, shorter hook. Pigtail Explorers, the third variety, are flexible enough to curl under and around teeth.
Probes for the Study of Periodontal Disease
Gum pockets may be evaluated using periodontal probes. This procedure is used to examine for gum disease and evaluate periodontal health. They are also helpful for gauging overbite and tooth spacing. The probe’s graduated markings are used to make these precise measurements. Variable increments of 1 mm and 3 mm are available on various probes. Typically, perio probes are long and slender, with a rounded tip. Both plastic and stainless steel versions are available. Certain dentists may prefer autoclavable probes with many functions and bendable tips.
The Briault Probe
The working end of a Briault probe is sharp, making it distinct from a periodontal probe. Caries between teeth’s surfaces, invisible to the naked eye, may be detected using a briault probe. Tartar under the gums may also be found using this method.
Mercury-Based Fillers (Condensers)
To compress and condense filling material into the bottom of cavity preparation, an amalgam plugger (or condenser) is utilised. If you used your hand to crush the substance into the tooth, you could miss some nooks and crannies. Depending on the design, an amalgam condenser may have one or two flat ends. Keep an eye out for pluggers that include hollow handles, which make the tool easier to hold and manoeuvre.
