Common Dental Instruments

We want patients to feel comfortable in our Riverwalk Dental office. The instruments used by dentists and hygienists can be pretty cool, but for some people, they are a source of anxiety. To help accustom patients to our tools, we decided to describe the ones we most often use.

The explorer, also known as a probe, is a metal hook at the end of a handle. We use it to test the depth and cleanliness of gum pockets, as well as the sturdiness of dental enamel, and to break off plaque and tartar. There are a number of slightly-differently shaped probes we use for testing and cleaning different parts of different teeth. A handheld mirror allows us to see places in a patient’s mouth that aren’t normally visible and can be used to lift the inside of the cheek away from the teeth.

If we find decay, we remove it with a drill that releases water, preventing the mouth form suffering heat damage. (Patients are always numbed, first.) When preparing white composite filling materials, we’ll mix them on a small spatula. We apply resin to the teeth using a blunt instrument called a burnisher, which we also use to contour the new filling. When whole teeth need to be removed, we use an elevator, which is a narrow spoon, to rock them back and forth at the root until they are loose enough to pull with reverse-action forceps.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.