Dental Cleaning Tools for Dentists
A profession that explores a small mouth area (that can present big problems if not cared for properly) requires extreme precision and skillful dexterity. Dentistry tools are used for a variety of dental processes that ultimately maintain healthy teeth. Dental cleaning tools resemble surgical tools, with curves and sharp points designed to reach tiny places between and around the teeth that home cleaning tools can't reach.
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Functions
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Dental cleaning tools used by dentists have functions that differ slightly from the teeth-cleaning utensils in bathroom cabinets. In order to clean the teeth effectively, the dentist must have tools that can scrape away the plaque and tartar buildup that even the best Sonicare toothbrush can't remove. Because teeth have various shapes, sizes and thicknesses, these tools also vary in shape and size to achieve optimum performance.The tools must function to reach between the teeth and be able to dig up any buildup that has accumulated in the chewing center of the back teeth. Also, tools are required to inspect the gums and remove bacteria caught in the gumline. It's also important that the dentist be able to clearly see the details of the teeth and the working dental tools.
The Dental Mirror
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The dental mirror is crucial to all dentistry treatments and procedures. This is a handheld device with a small mirror on its end--often equipped with a light--that allows the dentist to see around the mouth. This is especially useful in places of the mouth where it would otherwise be virtually impossible to see anything. Dental mirrors allow the dentist a close look behind the front teeth, and at all areas of the gum line. Sometimes dentists use mirrors with magnifying effects as well for a closer examination of the teeth.
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The Sickle Probe
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The sickle probe is a basic dental cleaning tool--also a handheld device--with a hook shape that ends in an ultra-sharp point. The dentist often has a variety of sickle probes in different sizes and shapes. Also called a dental explorer, the sickle probe is used to examine the teeth, but it's also used to scrape plaque and tartar from between the teeth because this tool's design allows the dentist to reach otherwise hard-to-reach places.
A Periodontal Probe
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The periodontal probe is another thin, handheld device. Unlike the sickle probe, however, the periodontal probe has a blunted end, because this is the tool used in hygiene checkups to determine periodontal health and detect existing or future problems with the tissue surrounding the teeth. This probe examines the gums and gum lines, and feels around for areas of decay. It's also used to measure the depth of the patient's periodontal pockets around the tooth. With its blunt end, the periodontla probe is sensitive to the gum tissue, yet is still effective in detecting those areas with too much plaque and tartar buildup.
Burs
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Burs are like drill heads and come in a plethora of sizes for many different purposes. Burs are used for restoration purposes in addition to aiding the fill of cavities, smoothing out the teeth, removing tissue where needed, repairing chips in the teeth and scaling. Gentler burs are used in the cleaning process, working in a rapidly spinning circular motion over the teeth to remove stains and excess plaque from the enamel.
Restoration Tools
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When cavities are detected, dentists work to restore the teeth with the help of dental restoration tools. Restoration tools include a variety of spoon excavators and chisels designed to treat teeth of all different shapes and sizes. Like little spoons, excavators work to loosen, dig up and scoop out decay and cavities.
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References
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- Photo Credit "Feeling Blue?" by Jakevol2, flickr.com/creativecommons
