Lesson 4. Dental instruments for examination and basic treatment

Learning objective: to study basic tools and devices used for examination of the oral cavity and subsequent therapeutic sanitation.

CLASSIFICATION OF DENTAL INSTRUMENTS

Classification of dental instruments:

► for examination;

► for preparation of hard tooth tissues;

► for tooth filling;

► for finishing of fillings;

► for removal of plaque;

► for endodontic treatment.

Hand instruments can be made of metal or plastic. They are usually named according to their shape or use. Also, they can be named after the designer of the instrument.

Hand instruments may be singleor double-ended. Double-ended ones are more preferable: two sizes of the same instrument, two different instruments, or two directions of use in one instrument (right/left).

There are three parts to a hand instrument.

► Working end. The design determines the function.

► Shank. It connects the handle and the working end. The shank may be straight or angled to provide better access to different areas of the mouth.

► Handle or shaft. Rounded or hexagonal in different diameters and materials for better fit and grip.

INSTRUMENTS FOR EXAMINATION

Dental mirror (fig. 4.1).

► The mirror used by the dentist can be of two types: concave, magnifying, and flat, giving a true display.

Fig. 4.1

► The dental mirror consists of a circular mirror surface (2 cm in diameter) in a metal frame and a rod that is screwed onto the handle.

► This tool is designed for:

• additional workplace lighting;

• inspection of inaccessible areas of the teeth and mucous membrane in the oral cavity;

• protection of lips, cheeks, and tongue from injuries during treatment;

• fixing of the lips, cheeks, and tongue during examination;

• a certain increase in the examined area of the oral cavity. Probe or explorer (fig. 4.2).