Much like how a mechanic relies on their trusty socket wrench, car jack, or air compressor to work on vehicles, a dentist cannot do their job to the best of their ability without the help of certain equipment. But even though some of these tools might look a little intimidating or complicated, their inherent usefulness is unrivaled in the world of dentistry. Here’s a closer look at a few of your dentist’s favorite and most-utilized instruments that allow them to provide you with top-notch oral care!
Mouth Mirrors
Probably the least scary of all dental instruments, mouth mirrors serve a very important purpose; they let your dentist view all of those small corners and cramped spaces inside your mouth that are tough to see with the naked eye, or require physical contortion to see. This is useful in identifying tooth decay or other potential oral problems that are difficult to detect. Additionally, the mirror itself is attached to a rod that allows your dentist to gently move or push your tongue out of the way, if necessary.
Sickle Probes
Also called dental explorers, these instruments have a long handle with a sharp-looking hook on one end, hence their namesake. But don’t be frightened by their somewhat sinister appearance; they’re primarily used for exploring the pockets between teeth and scraping away harmful tartar and plaque. The sharp tip can also be used to investigate visible cavities.
Oral Scalers
Scalers are another means for removing plaque and tartar buildup, usually used for larger areas whereas sickles are better for smaller areas. They’re also useful for patients who have significant issues with periodontal disease. Undergoing scaling isn’t always the most comfortable experience in the world, but the alternative is progressive tooth decay—which is far worse!
Saliva Ejectors (also called Suction Devices)
This is probably the easiest dental tool for patients to deal with; it’s a simple vacuum that’s capable of removing saliva from your mouth. When a dentist is exploring a patient’s mouth, they often need a dry surface to inspect. This device can gently suck up any accumulated saliva in your mouth that pools during dental examinations and treatment.
Dental Drills
The dental drill is undoubtedly the most effective way to remove tooth decay before filling in a cavity, and though it’s more intimidating than the other tools previously mentioned, it’s helped countless patients to smile healthily once more. As it spins, it shoots water into your mouth to prevent the high RPM (about 250,000) from hurting your teeth. However, an anesthetic can be used to ensure that the vibrations felt from the drill are mild.
Knowing the purpose of some of the tools used by your dentist can make sitting in the dental chair far less anxiety-inducing—and also a little more interesting! Although some of them might seem menacing, the bottom line is that when wielded by your dentist, these instruments undoubtedly help your smile to flourish.
About the Practice
Here at Winthrop Street Dentistry, we pride ourselves on being able to provide patients and families in the Worcester community with an exceptional, compassionate, and personalized level of dental care! We’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact us online or give us a call today for further information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 756-0990.
