You’ve probably been to the dentist’s office before, but you might be wondering what the purpose was of all those sharp-looking instruments. It turns out each one serves a useful purpose in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Here are some of the different tools that dentists use.
Dental Handpiece
A dental handpiece is a high-speed drill that is used to remove decay from teeth and also for cleaning. It’s a useful but somewhat complicated piece of equipment that must be repaired often. The dental handpiece bearings have to be replaced on a regular basis.
Hand Mirror
Your dentist will also use a small hand mirror to check your teeth in those hard-to-see areas to look for cavities or lesions that might be signs of oral cancer.
Ultrasonic Scaler
Over time, your teeth will build up deposits of plaque and calcium that could lead to gum disease if they aren’t removed. If a lot of plaque and calcium need to be removed, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler. This handy device works by using vibration to break up the buildup on your teeth. The scaler also sprays a mist of water that washes the debris away.
Picks and Curettes
Once the bigger buildup has been removed, your dentist or dental hygienist will then smaller instruments called picks and curettes to scrape away the smaller bits of plaque and calcium.
Slow Speed Drill
Once your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist or hygienist will use a slow-speed drill that is covered by a rubber cup that spins and polishes your teeth with polishing paste. The end result is fresh breath and teeth that are smooth to the touch.
While the instrumentation dentists and dental hygienists use may look scary, they have the positive effect of making your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful.