Know what to expect with your first dentist visit with this list of commonly used instruments.
There are several different tools,
utensils, and instruments that the dentist uses. These are pretty much standard all over the country, so no matter where you may be, you might be expect these to be used at one point or another during your visit. If this is your first time visiting a dentist, or you simply have not had a check-up or cleaning in some time, the following description list of tools are some of which that you can expect on your next trip to the tooth doctor.
One of the most commonly used tools is a mirror and various metal probes. Some of the probes have scrapers attached on one end and a mirror on the other, allowing the dentist to see inside your mouth, around tricky corners of your teeth, and scrape away any excess plaque or residue away during a cleaning. There are three main probes used by practitioners: dental explorers (sickle probes), periodontal probes, and straight probes. These have various uses for check-ups and cleanings, and one of these will sure to be used at your next visit.
Another common tool used by a dentist is retractor instruments. A mouth prop, which is also known as a "bite block", often help children keep their mouths open during a procedure. These are also used with adults who may have difficulty keeping their mouths open for a sustained amount of time. For cleanings and other practices, tools can include excavators, pluggers, periodontal scalers, and burnishers. Burnishers come in five main types: flat plastic, beavertail, cone, pear-shaped, and ball. These tools are specifically used to remove extra or rough tooth edges as well as to remove scrapings and scratches created by dentist instruments.
For surgical procedures, there is a variety of instruments and tools that are utilized. Some of these include forceps, elevators, chisels, drills, and other endodontic tools. There are approximately fourteen different types of forceps, most of which are tailored for specific teeth like the canines and molars. There are about ten elevators used in surgical procedures, but it is rare that each one will be needed for a common procedure. If necessary, there are also tools that are used to manipulate tissue in the mouth particularly that of which is found around the teeth, in the gums.
More specifics on these tools can be found online using an internet search. If you are having a rare visit to the dentist, some specialty tools may be used during your procedure. For information on these, a more robust internet search would be required to find out what may be in store for your teeth, gums, and mouth. Nearly everyone will be sat in a specialized chair with bib with a bright light shining in their oral cavity so that the practitioner can see well. Overall, the aforementioned tools are what most people can expect on regular cleanings, removals, or simple surgical practices.
