Dental Instruments and Functions

periodontal probe/explorer (one on each side of same tool)

left is the explorer

right is the probe (HINT: Probe is Pointy)

Dental explorers use (4 things)

functions by gliding along the tooth surface in search of plaque, calculus, carries and exposed pulp cavities.

Periodontal probe use

determine gingival pocket depth and size of any measurable abnormalities in the oral cavity.

Sickle Scaler

Sickle Scaler use

scaling calculus from the crown surface and removing calculus from narrow but deep fissures in supragingival (above gumline) scaling ONLY!! (using them for subgingival / below the gingiva scaling may damage the gingiva and periodontal ligament).

Colombia Curette

Columbia Curette Use (2 things)

calculus removal supragingivally and subgingivally; they are the only instrument to be used subgingivally (below gumline).

Root Planing – the process of removing subgingival calculus and a layer of cementum to smooth the root surface in order to allow the gingiva to reattach and slow the progression of periodontal disease.

Extraction Forceps

Extraction Forceps Use

used to grasp and luxate teeth, then remove teeth from the alveolus

Dental root elevator

Dental root elevator use

used to breakdown the periodontal ligament

Tooth splitting forceps

Tooth splitting forceps use

Has a cutting edge that can split/cut a tooth to get it out

Pre-Molar/Molar Extraction Forceps

Pre-Molar/Molar Extraction Forceps Use

Has curved edge that is used to grip crown of pre molars and molars to extract them

Periosteal elevator

Periosteal elevator use dentals

scrapes gingiva off periosteum for gingival flaps