Dental Instruments Used in Prosthodontics

Prosthodontic instruments are used by a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a dentist specializing in the replacement of the patient's missing teeth. The artificial substitute for missing teeth is called a dental prosthesis.

Impression Tray

The impression tray serves as a carrier for the material used in creating the mold of teeth and adjacent structures. There are several types depending on the size and shape of the jaw of the patient.

Spatula

A spatula is used to mix impression materials. A special kind of spatula, a wax spatula, is used to handle the wax to be melted over the Bunsen burner.

Knife

Two types of knives are used in prosthodontics: (1) compound knife, for trimming modeling plastic, impression compound, and wax; and (2) plaster knife, for trimming products made of gypsum.

Crown Remover

The crown remover, as the name suggests, is used by the prosthodontist to remove the crown from a tooth.

Roach Carver

The roach carver, which looks like the wax spatula at first glance, is used to cut, smooth and carve dental waxes.

References

• www.tpub.com
• www.free-ed.net