Dental Hand Tools

Don't think of dental hand tools as modern-day torture devices. Think of them as important tools that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. The next time you visit your dentist, instead of closing your eyes and hoping for the best, take a peek at the different instruments. You might be surprised to see that dental hand tools are specially designed with your health and comfort in mind.

Composite Placement Instruments

• Composite placement instruments are used to place filling material in teeth. They come in various sizes and shapes, most with a small paddle on the end for holding the material.

Amalgam Instruments

• Amalgam instruments are used to pick up, transport and pack filling material into teeth. There are two types: the plunger and the lever.

Model Carvers

• Model carvers are used for restorative materials such as wax and porcelain. These carvers help create crowns and dentures.

Maxillary Extraction Forceps

• Maxillary extraction forceps are used to remove single-rooted teeth. These forceps can be curved or straight, depending on the dentist's personal preference.

Hand Cutting Operative Instruments

• Hand cutting operative instruments are used to cut hard dental tissue. They consist of three parts: the shaft, the shank and the blade.