Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience, but it's important to understand the tools they use to ensure your oral health. From dental catheters to mouth mirrors, there are a variety of tools that dentists use to diagnose and treat oral problems. Let's take a look at some of the most common tools used by dentists. A dental catheter is an essential tool for exploring the mouth and checking for any issues.
A sickle cell catheter is used to locate cavities and other oral problems, while a periodontal probe is used to measure periodontal pockets and identify any issues, such as gum recession. The dental mirror helps dentists to better understand the oral cavity and, at the same time, to look closely at every corner of the mouth. It also serves as a tool to gently move the tissues of the mouth or tongue for better vision. Also called a “dental explorer”, the sickle cell tube is used to detect oral problems such as tooth decay. Dentists usually analyze the surface of the teeth to determine their hardness using the probe.
It can also be used to scrape tartar and plaque between the teeth. A scraper helps treat oral problems such as plaque buildup, periodontal disease, and other forms of build-ups that can't be scraped off with a probe. Today, there are ultrasonic scalers available that eliminate solid accumulations by using vibrational energy instead of scraping. This is an alternative to a manual dental scraper. It uses vibrations and a small jet of water to break up plaque and tartar buildup and remove them.
Many patients prefer ultrasonic dental cleaners to traditional scrapers, because the process takes less time and causes less discomfort. Dentists often require impressions of the teeth for dental procedures, such as placing crowns. Molds are small, liquid-filled frames that harden over time, forming the perfect outline of the teeth. If you're lucky, your dentist might have a flavored one available. During a typical dental cleaning procedure, several dental tools are used, such as a mouth mirror, a scraper, and brushing and polishing tools. Your dentist will then use a dental drill to remove cavities.
The suction device will remove water and debris, keeping the area clean. Once the tooth is clean, it is filled with composite resin that takes the form of a cavity over time. One of the most popular dental tools that many patients can recognize is the mouth mirror. Composed of a small mirror mounted on the end of a thin rod, the mirror is used to help general dentists and dental hygienists see hard-to-reach places. The back of the molars and the inside of the upper teeth are more easily seen with the use of a mirror.
In addition, the mouth mirror can illuminate the mouth by reflecting light to aid in the examination. You might know what this is and you might not even be scared once you've seen it - it's a sickle cell tube. It has a long handle with a sharp-looking hook on the end. The sickle cell tube explores the pockets between the teeth and scrapes away tartar and plaque. It is a tool used for preventive dentistry. A scraper is more essential for eliminating more plaque and tartar buildup.
When you eat or drink, tiny particles stick to your teeth and this is how bacteria that cause tooth decay are formed. Brushing and flossing your teeth help remove most of the plaque, but it's important to see your doctor regularly to check for damage you can't see. One of the most dreaded tools - and its sounds can make patients feel a little uncomfortable - is the dental drill. This tool is one of the most effective ways to get rid of tooth decay before filling in a cavity. A dental drill rotates more than 250,000 revolutions per minute while throwing water into your mouth.
It can be uncomfortable due to vibrations in your teeth but it is usually not painful with local anaesthetic. When you have a tooth extracted, this is also one of the most dreaded tools - forceps. They consist of a beak, neck and handle. There are different types of extraction forceps that are designed to fit tightly around the teeth. You might be thinking about elevators in buildings but this one is different - lifters. Lifters are used to lift and loosen periodontal ligament tooth which creates space to prevent trauma to teeth and surrounding tissues. Sometimes plaque and tartar accumulations in your mouth will need extra help breaking down - this is where an ultrasonic cleaner, or climber comes into play.
Similar to a sickle cell tube, an ultrasonic cleaner has a long handle with a curved top. Some dentists use an ultrasonic cleaner that sprays water which helps soften build-up and makes it easier to remove. These are just some of many tools that dentists use during routine check-ups or treatments. Understanding what each tool does will help you feel more comfortable during your next visit.
