About Dental Assistant Tools
Dental assistant tools help the dentist throughout her procedures. There are different types of dental assistant tools that are regularly used, each having a unique purpose. Understanding the different instruments that are used will help you know what the dental assistant is doing and how this will affect your teeth. If you have unique teeth complications, knowing the different types of dental implements will help you determine if they should use different tools throughout your procedure.
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Significance
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Dental assistants are necessary because they help the dentist during intense and often time-consuming procedures. Without the dental assistant, it would be difficult for the dentist to perform his job to the best of his abilities. Many of the dental assistant tools, such as the suction hose, keep your mouth clean and dry so the dentist can have optimal viewing during the procedure.
Types
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There are three main types of dental assistant tools that you will see regularly. The first of these is also one of the more notorious instruments, the suction hose. The suction hose is used to vacuum saliva as well as teeth particles that the dentist is drilling at. The hose allows your mouth to stay dry and clear from all debris so the dentist has an optimal operation space.
The second type of dental assistant tool is the air-water syringe. This tool is used to inject a small stream of water into small areas of the mouth when the dentist calls for it. Many times, this tool is used to break free small pieces of tooth so that they can be suctioned away.
Lastly, the high volume "evacuator" is a larger version of the suction hose, used mainly during cavity removal and other procedures where large pieces of tooth are being removed. This tool is efficient in keeping the viewing area clear for the dentist, as well as preventing any choking hazard from large debris floating to the back of your mouth. -
Features
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Most dental assistant tools consist of the same technology and purpose. The main purpose of most dental assistant tools is to remove any debris, whether that be flakes of teeth or saliva, and keeping the viewing area clear so the dentist can accurately perform the procedure without any distractions. Suction, water and air are used in the main dental assistant tools. Although the dental assistant has her own tools, she must be familiar with the entire set of instruments the dentist will use throughout the procedure.
Misconceptions
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Dental assistant tools do not consist of drills or any other invasive tool. Those are reserved for a licensed dentist and are to only be used by those who have attended schooling for such procedures. While dental assistant tools are vital in an oral procedure, they are fairly easy to use. Dental assistants do not have to go to college and obtain a 4-year degree to operate their tools; however, they must attend secondary schooling or a vocational school to earn their dental assistant certificate or associate's degree.
Benefits
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The main benefit of dental assistant tools is to help aid the dentist throughout the procedure. Without these tools, the dentist would not be able to effectively perform the procedure because of excess debris and saliva. Dental assistant tools not only allow the dentist to safely perform the procedure, they keep the patient safe by keeping saliva and debris from entering the back of the throat, which could cause choking.
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