The Tools You’ll See in the Dentist Office

It’s no secret that many people experience dental anxiety – over 40 million Americans, in fact! This fear may lead you to skip the recommended twice-yearly visits to the dentist, which can cause more complex dental issues to develop.

A big reason why people are afraid of the dentist is because of the tools, gadgets, and machines that fill each room. Understanding how your dentist uses each piece of equipment may help reduce some of your uncertainty.

In today’s blog post, we want to take a closer look at eight different tools in the dentist office and explain what they do. Parents, this cheat sheet will be a big help as you prepare a child for their check-up!

Eight Tools in the Dentist Office

1. Mouth mirror

This common dental tool allows your dentist to see all of your teeth. The handheld mirror makes it easy to see every side of each tooth and into the far corners of your mouth. It may also be used to hold your tongue out of the way so your dentist can see a section of your mouth more clearly.

2. Dental explorer 

This small device helps your dentist detect cavities and other issues in your mouth. It is used to poke teeth, testing the hardness. Cavities make your enamel soft, so the probe helps to find these vulnerable areas. Additionally, it is used to scrape plaque and tartar from teeth.

3. Scaler

This tool treats plaque issues and periodontal diseases that can’t be scraped with a probe, ultimately removing bacteria from hard-to-reach places and ensuring a deeper clean.

4. Tooth cleaner

An ultrasonic tooth cleaner uses vibrations and a stream of water to break up build-up, helping your dentist reach the smaller crevices of your teeth. It’s often a more comfortable alternative to manual scraping.

5. Suction device or saliva ejector

This tool keeps saliva, water, or blood from dripping out of a patient’s mouth. It may also be used to remove tooth fragments or old fillings during a procedure. Its J-shape allows it to hang in the corner of the mouth, so the dentist doesn’t always need to hold it. Kids often love this tool!

6. Dental drill

Drills are used to remove cavities and other decaying parts of your teeth. They’re often used with a stream of water to ensure they don’t overheat and damage your teeth.

7. Dental syringe

Before a procedure, your dentist may use a numbing agent in your gums to help prevent pain. The syringe holds the medication, and a needle is used for the injection. Any discomfort at the injection site will disappear as soon as the numbing agent kicks in! 

8. Molds

Your dentist uses molds to create dentures, crowns, and mouth guards. You will bite down on a moldable material, capturing the exact shape and divots of your teeth and mouth.

 

Reach out to Maitland Ave Smile Co. today to learn more about your options for treating gum disease.

Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, wisdom teeth, and teeth whitening.