Dental Terminology and Instrumentation Notes

Dental Terminology

• Dental Liner

  • Definition: A thin coating placed in the deepest area of cavity preparation.

  • Applications: Used with both AMALGAM and COMPOSITE materials, particularly for pulp capping procedures (e.g., using Dycal).

• Dental Base

  • Definition: A material that provides a protective barrier against thermal shock.

  • Function: Acts as a cushion underneath dental restorations.

  • Applications: Utilized with both COMPOSITE and AMALGAM materials.

• Dental Varnish

  • Definition: A liquid product that seals dentin tubules and the margins of dental restorations to prevent microleakage.

  • Applications: Used under AMALGAM and a specific example includes PULPALITE.

• Dentin Tubules

  • Definition: Microscopic tubes found in dentin that lead to the dental pulp.

• Thermal

  • Definition: Pertains to heat or cold.

• Insulating

  • Definition: Refers to the property of protecting against the conduction of heat.

  • Note: Base, liners, and varnishes exhibit insulating effects, making them valuable in dental procedures.

• Glass Ionomer

  • Definition: A versatile material used in dental work.

  • Applications: Can function as a base, liner, cement, and varnish.

  • Notable Features: Releases fluoride, making it particularly beneficial for children or in non-stressed areas of the mouth.

• Pulpotomy

  • Definition: A dental procedure that involves the removal of infected coronal pulp while preserving healthy pulp tissue.

  • Target Population: Mostly performed on children.

• Pulpectomy

  • Definition: The complete removal of all pulp tissue from a tooth.

• Post

  • Definition: A structure used in endodontically treated teeth to provide support and strength for crowns.

  • Note: The use of a post is generally necessary for stability.

• Core

  • Definition: The structural foundation placed in an endodontically treated tooth, which supports the restoration.

  • Note: A core does not always require a post for adequate support.

Review/Instruments

• Woodson

  • Description: An instrument that includes a paddle and a condenser for dental procedures.

• Condenser

  • Function: A plug used to pack and condense materials during dental restorations.

• Cotton Pellet

  • Usage: Employed to place varnish in dental preparations.

• Cotton Pliers

  • Purpose: Grasp and handle cotton pellets or other small items in dental procedures.

• Microbrush

  • Function: A small brush that can be used to apply varnish, particularly in conjunction with cotton pellets.

• Dappen Dish

  • Description: A small dish utilized to hold materials such as varnish, often used in combination with a microbrush and cotton pellet for application in dental procedures.