Some people keep their eyes closed at the dentist. Others stare at the ceiling or watch tv. No matter if you’re visiting your dentist for a routine checkup or much-needed restorative care, you might be curious about the tools being used for your oral care since you probably haven’t gotten a great look at them. After all, it’s your mouth – you should know what’s going on in there. When you consider the key instrument for tooth extraction in the 1300s was called a “dental pelican,” you can thank your lucky stars for having access to modern dental technology. Keep reading for a brief guide of basic dental instruments in Chardon and what they are used for.
Dental Drill
Spinning at more than 250,000 RPMs while shooting water into your mouth, this tool is the most effective way to remove tooth decay before filling a cavity. Without administering water, the drill would get hot enough to damage the tooth.
Dental Syringe
This delivers the numbing shot to your mouth. It’s a bit longer than a typical needle and syringe so the dentist can hit the precise spot when administering the anesthetic. Many dentists also apply a topical anesthetic prior to using the syringe.
Molds
If you need a crown, cap, or mouthguard, your dentist may need to get a mold of your teeth. They are small frames filled with a soft substance and placed in your mouth so you can bite down. Some dentists offer flavored versions.
Mouth Mirror
This small mirror attached to a metal stick allows the dentist to view places in the mouth easily and find potential problems that would otherwise go undetected. It also gives the dentist an easy way to move your tongue or push on the inside of your cheek.
Sickle Probe
Also known as a dental explorer, this tool is beneficial in finding signs of cavities or gum disease. This instrument has a long handle with a sharp hook on the end. This is primarily used to explore the pockets between teeth, while also scraping away tartar and plaque.
Scaler
The previous tool is ideal for removing small areas of plaque and tartar, but this one is more essential for the removal of greater buildup. Most patients requiring this tool have significant issues with gum disease. While brushing and flossing remove most plaque formed after you eat or drink, additional removal is sometimes required. A scaler can prevent you from losing your teeth to decay.
Saliva Ejector
This tool’s purpose is to create a dry surface in your mouth. A long tube is attached to a vacuum that removes your saliva. You may hear some vacuum sounds and feel the ejector stick to your cheek or tongue, but it’s no cause for alarm.
Now that you know more about the dental instruments in Chardon your dentist is using, there is nothing to fear. Plus, you might impress them by sharing how much you know about each instrument!
About the Practice
At Chardon Smile Center, we welcome patients of all ages who are interested in comfortable care that is well within their budget. We have two highly trained dentists and are conveniently located with appointments available in the early morning or evening. Now you know more about some basic dental instruments, but more advanced items like intraoral cameras, CT/cone beam scanners, and soft-tissue lasers enable us to provide top-tier services for you. You can schedule an appointment on our website or by calling (440) 286-2474.