Have you ever wondered why your dentist use different dental tools?

When you visit your dentist for a dental procedure, you will notice the types of tools your dentist use. Depending on the dental treatment plan, your dentist will select different sets of tools or devices to perform a treatment. This allow the dentist to perform specialize procedures in the most specific and precise way. Each tool is made for a particular task. The tools can range in shape, size, and attributes. Some tools have curves, pointed tips, or very thin to blunted surfaces. The shape and size dictate how the tool will be used to perform various levels of a task. For example, some tools are used to check for cavity or used to probe periodontal pockets. The tools your dentist uses help diagnose the health and wellness of your teeth and gums. In this article, we will examine some of the common tools your dentist uses. By knowing what each tool does, you might be less anxious at your next appointment.

Mouth Mirror

The mouth mirror is the simplest tool your dentist will use. Despite its simplicity, the mouth mirror helps your dentist check the teeth. By changing the angle of the mirror, your dentist can see behind parts of your teeth that may be difficult to examine. The mirror does not just reflect, but also enlarges the area of examination. This helps magnify the tooth area to show areas that may be developing cavities that would otherwise would go undetected.

Sickle Probe

This type of dental probe is shape like a sickle with a pointed tip. The point of the tip helps your dentist probe for soft spots on your teeth. Soft and discolored spots on the tooth enamel is an indication of cavity. When your dentist taps on the cavity, the tip will tend to stick to the decaying spot because it is soft and acts like a sponge. Healthy tooth areas tend to resist the gentle taps produce using a probe. The curved shape is not just for look, but it is also functional. The curved shape helps the dentist probe around hard to reach surfaces. The thin probe helps the dentist remove plaque or tartar in areas around the gum line.

Dental Scaler

The dental scaler is similar to the sickle probe. The difference is that a dental scaler has a large tapered edge surface. A dental scaler is often not use to probe for cavities because it is less tactile, but it is used to scale tartar and plaque buildup around the tooth. During your annual dental examination and cleaning, the dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a dental scaler. The hard surface is very effective at removing plaque and tartar that otherwise would difficult with a tooth brush. The curved edge helps remove plaque and tartar in difficult areas.

Now that you know how the dentist use these common tools, on your next visit they won’t look so scary. If you are ready for your next dental appoint, make sure to call our office California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.