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Types of Dental Tools

There are many reasons people fear a visit to the dentist's office. Most commonly, they fear the discomfort and occasional pain that can accompany dental work. Some are uncomfortable with the inherently invasive nature of dental procedures. A lack of understanding about dentistry and the unusual-looking tools that are used can play a part too. Patients benefit from understanding the work dentists perform and the tools they use to do it.

  1. Exam Tools

    • To see what's going on, dentists have to poke around a patient's mouth -- literally. Explorers are long tools with hook-shaped tips dentists use to tap the tooth surfaces, looking for cavities and abnormalities. Probes are similar with a less acute curve. They are more commonly used to check gum health. Both tools -- particularly explorers -- are used for scraping and cleaning teeth. A dental mirror is the traditional tool that allows the dentist to see back teeth and other difficult-to-see places in the mouth.

    Electric Tools

    • Dentists have a few mechanical tools at their disposal. X-rays help them look for cavities, abscesses and problems inside teeth. When they find cavities, they're likely to use a dental drill. Drills help dentists remove decayed portions of enamel and dentine so that fillings don't seal in bacteria. Tooth polishers are rotary devices used in routine dental cleanings to apply and grind in dental polish. Handheld ultraviolet devices emit the concentrated ultraviolet needed to harden fillings and preventative sealants.

    Syringes

    • Although few people like them, syringes play an important role in dental procedures. Some syringes are used for dispensing liquid such as fluoride for children or antibacterial solution used as part of dental cleanings. These syringes have no needles and have fairly wide dispensing tips. Dentists also use syringes with hypodermic needles to administer anesthetic, and in some cases, general anesthesia. Syringes are essential to pain management.

    Restorative Tools

    • Creating fillings that look and function like teeth is an art. Dentists have special tools that resemble sculpting tools. Excavators are longer-handled, finer-tipped versions of explorers. Dentists use them to clean and touch places close to tooth nerves. They use small, trowel-like burnishers to smooth the amalgam that forms a filling. This ensures the hardened filling has a texture resembling a tooth. Carvers look like small sculpting knives. Dentists use them to give amalgam shapes that resemble tooth curves and surfaces.

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