What are those things in your dentist’s office?

What are those things in your dentist’s office?

Your dentist uses a range of specially designed tools to perform dental procedures and check for issues.

Anyone who has been for a dental check-up and clean, or any dental procedure at all, will know that your dentist is equipped with a wide variety of tools. But do you know what each piece of equipment actually does? We’ve put together a list of some of the most commonly used dental tools so that you can feel more informed at your next appointment…

1. Mouth mirror

A very important piece of equipment, your dentist’s mouth mirror is essentially a small mirror that is attached to a metal stick. It allows your dentist to see inside the mouth, including areas that are not easily visible. By checking all areas of the mouth, your dentist will be able to identify any issues, such as tooth decay in hard-to-see places. The tool is also useful when it comes to moving your tongue out of the way while dental work or an examination is being done.

2. Sickle probe

The sickle probe might look scary, but it actually plays an important part in identifying signs of gum disease and tooth decay. The tool comprises a long handle and a hook and is used to explore the pockets between each of the teeth. It can also be used to scrape away tartar and plaque on your teeth and along the gum line.

3. Scaler

Scalers are highly effective when it comes to removing plaque that has built up on the teeth. Your dentist will use this tool as part of the cleaning process as it can help to get rid of quite considerable plaque build-up. A scaler is particularly useful for patients who are struggling with periodontal disease, although most patients experience some level of plaque accumulation over time. In fact, every time that you eat, or drink, sugars and acids attract bacteria, which contributes to the development of plaque. When left to accumulate, plaque can harden into tartar and cause serious damage to the teeth.

4. Suction device

A suction device, also sometimes known as a saliva ejector, is made up of a tube that is attached to a vacuum. The machine is designed to remove saliva from the mouth to allow your dentist a dry surface to work on. Although you might hear the sound of the device at work, you should not feel any discomfort when your dentist uses it.

5. Dental drill

The dental drill is possibly the tool that makes patients feel the most anxious, but it is actually a highly effective piece of equipment when it comes to removing decay from a damaged tooth. A dental drill is designed to spin very fast while simultaneously administering water into the mouth. In cases where your dentist needs to use a drill to remove decay before placing a filling, they will administer a local anaesthetic at the site of treatment. This means that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort at all while your dentist is drilling.

6. Dental syringe

In cases where it is necessary to administer a local anaesthetic before performing a procedure, your dentist will use a dental syringe. A dental syringe is typically longer than a regular syringe and allows your dentist to administer the anaesthetic very accurately. You might feel some discomfort when you are injected, but this will pass quickly as the effects of the anaesthetic kick in.

How can we help?

At The Smile Speciality Dental Group, we want you to feel comfortable whenever you come in and see us. To make our patients feel more at ease, we like to provide you with information that will keep you informed and educated when it comes to your oral health, as well as your dental treatments. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding what to expect from a particular procedure, we encourage you to let us know. Our team is happy to help with your enquiries.

To book an appointment to see us, please contact us here or give us a call on 07 3889 3324.