What Type of Equipment Do Dentists Use?

Dentistry focuses on the branch of medicine involving the prevention, study, diagnosis of and treatment for oral diseases and disorders. Dentistry may focus on the restoration of teeth, extraction, scaling and other treatments to restore the teeth or prevent further damage. Dentists use tools like probes, protective gear and other equipment to help them perform dental work on their patients.

Dental Probe

• A dental probe has a handle and a pointed end. The probe is used when the dentist examines the patient's gums and helps to determine whether the patient suffers from a periodontal disease. Probes can also be used to examine the tooth enamel or remove tartar or plaque.

Protective Gear

• Dentists use goggles, masks, gloves and a lab coat to protect themselves from germs that are transferred from human saliva or blood during dental work. This protects themselves and patients from infectious disease, and it reduces the chance of infection after a dental procedure.

Scalpels

• A dental scalpel is a handheld surgical instrument that allows the dentist to make accurate incisions in the oral cavity if the patient needs a bone graft or a tooth removed. Dentists normally use a dental scalpel to make an incision on the gums.

Dental Drill

• Dentists use dental drills, which are small instruments used before installing a filling. They may also be used to create a small hole at the tooth's base before completing a root canal. Dental drills are made of metal and come in different sizes.

Numbing Agents and Syringes

• Dentists use anesthetics or numbing agents while completing some dental work to reduce discomfort in their patient. Numbing agents are normally inserted into the gums with a syringe, but some may use a general IV and other anesthetic agents for more advanced dental work.

X-ray Machines

• Dentists normally have radiography equipment to X-ray the teeth of the patient. Radiograph film is also required to take the X-rays and come in several sizes and shapes. Dentists X-ray the teeth to observe bone structure and diagnose structural issues that are undetectable to the human eye.

Mouth Mirrors

• Mouth mirrors have a small mirror and a long arm, which may be slightly bent. Mouth mirrors allow a dentist to see into the mouth and observe areas that might be difficult to see. These allow dentists to determine if there is dental decay or a disorder of the gums or mouth.

Forceps

• Dental forceps are used by dentists to help remove teeth that have decayed or are diseased. The tip or beak of the forceps fit around the tooth so that it is easy to extract. In addition to forceps for removing teeth, there is also transfer forceps, which allow the hygienist or dentist to transfer the dental instruments from the sterilizer to a tray.