Dental Tools & Instruments

Dentists use many tools and instruments to ensure your mouth is clean and healthy. New research suggests that dentists can identify health problems affecting your whole body from looking at your teeth and gums. It is that you visit the dentist regularly to maintain your overall health. Calm your nerves and anxiety prior to stepping into your dentist's office by learning about dental tools and equipment.

Forceps

• Similar to tweezers in appearance, forceps commonly aid in tooth extraction. The stainless-steel instrument composed of handles and a plier-like tip helps your dentist grip the tooth that needs to be removed. Forceps come in many varieties, including English extracting, American extracting and children's. Each tooth requires a different set of forceps, such as canine, upper molar, lower molar and incisors.

Mirror

• Dentists use mouth mirrors in order to see all areas of your mouth. Your mouth is full of dark crevices and tight spaces, making it nearly impossible to see everything with the naked eye. Small circular mirrors attached to thin, stainless steel poles compose the mouth mirror. The dentist holds the mirror to attain a better view of the area of your mouth that will be worked on.

Impression Tray

• Dentists use impression trays to make molds of your mouth. Some dentists use stainless steel trays while others use foam. Neither form causes pain or irritation and neither rates better than the other. Impression trays help fit you for braces, mouth guards and retainers. The impressions allow for your dentist to prepare accessories and work with a replica of your mouth without actually needing you present.

Syringe

• Dentists keep a supply of syringes and needles for use in surgical or painful procedures. In such situations, dentists apply anesthesia to the affected area by syringe. For example, anesthetics are commonly applied to the gums during tooth extraction to keep the area frozen and pain-free.

Ejector

• The saliva ejector performs exactly what it's name states. This instrument is a straw-like contraption that controls the moisture in your mouth. It sucks up excess saliva to clear the way for dentists to see and move around inside your mouth. The most intimidating part of the tool is the noise. This will not cause you any pain or pressure when used.