Dental Instruments Part 1

Names and Functions of Dental Instruments

Mouth Prop/Bite Block

To hold patient's mouth open during dental procedure

Sterilizer--Autoclave ("Flash")

- To kill all microbes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi, thereby sterilizing instruments
- To use for quick sterilization of instruments and handpieces

Sterilizer--Autoclave (Saturated Steam)

To kill all microbes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi, thereby sterilizing instruments

Ultrasonic Cleaning Unit

To remove debris and bioburden from instruments

Sharps Container

To serve as storage receptacle for used needles, old burs, scalpel blades, orthodontic wires, endodontic files, and all other disposable sharp items used intraorally

Biological Monitors for Sterilization/Spore Test

To confirm efficacy of sterilization documentation of results is recorded in office sterilization log

Indicator Tape and Dispensing Unit

- To secure wrap on outside of cassette
- To use outside cassettes or sterilization pouches to indicate exposure of instruments to a certain temperature--color will change on the tape

Sterilization Pouches

To be used for sterilization of instruments and cassettes

Cassette Wrap

- To use to wrap cassette during sterilization
- To store cassette in wrapping after sterilization
- To use for tray cover during dental procedure

Color Coding Systems for Instruments

To color code instruments for organization and indication of tray setups

Cassette

- To use for instruments as tray setup
- To use for instrument sterilization

Nitrile Utility Gloves

- To protect hands during processing of instruments for sterilization procedures
- To wear for preparation and handling of chemicals

Overgloves

- To wear over examination gloves when leaving the patient
- To wear as a protective barrier over the examination gloves so as not to cross contaminate

Examination Gloves

- To wear during patient care
- To wear as a protective barrier
- To wear during treatment room disinfection

Protective Glasses/Eye Wear (Goggles)

- To protect against chemicals, airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses during processing of instruments for sterilization
- To protect against airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses during patient care and against scrap-filling material during restorative and rinsing phases of patient treatment

Protective Mask

- To protect against chemicals, airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses during processing of instruments for sterilization
- To protect against airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses and scrap- filling material during all phases of patient treatment

Laboratory Coat/Gown

To protect clothing, surgical scrubs, and skin during patient care and sterilization process to prevent contamination from blood and body substances

Recapping Device

To hold needle sheath for one-hand recapping after injection

Long Needle/Short Needle

To administer anesthetic by block injection on mandibular arch

Anesthetic Cartridge/Anesthesia

To hold liquid anesthetic for local injection in the oral cavity

Anesthetic Aspirating Syringe

To administer a local anesthetic

Basic Tray Setup

Mouth Mirror
Pigtail Explorer
Cotton Forceps

Cotton Forceps (Pliers)

To grasp or transfer items and/or material into and out of the oral cavity

Explorers

to examine teeth for decay, calculus, furcations, or other abnormalities

Mouth Mirror

- To provide indirect vision
- To retract lips, cheeks, and tongue
- To reflect light into the mouth