Dental Instruments

Chapter 3: Dental Instruments and Equipment

Overview of Veterinary Dentistry

• Instrument and Equipment Sensitivity: Veterinary dentistry necessitates a comprehensive assortment of tools.

• Organization: Proper organization within the dental department is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness.

Hand Instruments

• Types of Hand Instruments: Common hand instruments include:

  • Explorers: Used for detecting calculus, exploring cavities, and inspecting exposed pulp chambers.

  • Types:

    • Shepherd’s Hook: Most common explorer type.

    • Pigtail: Used for checking periodontal pockets; has various styles.

  • Periodontal Probes: Measure periodontal pockets in millimeters.

  • Scalers:

  • Purpose: Remove calculus from the crown of the tooth; may damage tissue if used subgingivally.

  • Characteristics: Have sharp sides and tips.

  • Curettes:

  • Purpose: Remove calculus both supra- and subgingivally.

  • Design: Feature two sharp sides and a rounded toe to prevent tissue laceration below the gumline.

  • Types:

    • Universal: Designed for various dental surfaces.

    • Gracey: Area-specific; adapted for particular surfaces.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Instruments

• Sharpening Post-Cleaning: Instruments should be sharpened after cleaning and disinfecting to enhance effectiveness.

• Methods of Cleaning:

  • Ultrasonic Instrument Cleaners: Utilized for effective sterilization.

  • Multiple Instrument Packs: Allow for simultaneous cleaning, sharpening, and sterilizing between patient uses.

Sharpening Techniques

• Visual Inspection:

  • Use bright light to check instrument sharpness; sharp instruments do not reflect light.

• Tools for Sharpening:

  • Sharpening Stick: Acrylic or plastic rod; helps assess sharpness based on how blades catch.

  • Sharpening Stones:

  • Types:

    • India Stone: Coarse sharpening; requires oil.

    • Arkansas Stone: Fine sharpening; requires oil.

    • Ceramic Stone: Fine sharpening; requires water.

  • Conical Stone: Removes burs from the face of sharpening stones; should not be overused.

Sharpening Methods

• Methods of Holding Instruments:

  • Hold Instrument Still: Move the stone over the blade to sharpen.

  • Move Instrument: Hold the stone still while moving the instrument.

• Effectiveness: Regular honing enhances instrument performance; using honing machines can simplify sharpening.

Choosing Sharpening Stones

• Question on Sharpening: For effectively starting the sharpening of very dull instruments, the recommended choice is:

  • Correct Answer: B - The India Stone, a coarse stone, is ideal for initial sharpening.

Power Scalers

• Functionality: Converts energy into mechanical vibrations for effective dental work.

• Cycle Range: Operate between 8000 to 45,000 cycles/second.

• Types of Power Scalers:

  • Ultrasonic: Converts energy to sound waves; different frequency strips vibrate at 18,000, 25,000, and 30,000 cycles/second while ferroceramic rods vibrate at 42,000 cycles/second.

  • Piezoelectric: Utilizes crystals in the handle to convert vibrations, operating between 25,000 to 45,000 cycles/second.

  • Active Area: Tips typically have a working area of distal 2 to 3 mm.

Ultrasonic Tips

• Beaver Tail Tip: Suitable for removing gross debris from the tooth crown.

• Periodontal Tip: Designed for cleaning below the gingiva, allowing access to furcations and periodontal pockets.

Sonic and Rotary Scalers

• Sonic Scalers:

  • Operate at 6000 cycles/second; all sides of the tip are active but the cleaning may be uneven.

  • Lower likelihood of causing thermal damage to the tooth.

• Rotary Scalers: Not recommended due to their propensity to damage teeth.

Dental Units

• Dental Work Stations: Equipment such as the TM IM3 PRO 2000 and IMT SILENT HUON referenced as high-quality options.

• Purpose: Used for polishing and cutting teeth.

• Types:

  • Electric: Operate at lower speeds but with higher torque; cannot use water for cooling.

  • Air-Powered Systems: Utilize compressed air from cylinders; require daily drainage to prevent condensation.

Handpieces: Low-Speed

• Purpose: Used for polishing teeth with high torque capabilities.

• Speed: Operate between 5000 to 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

• Attachments: Include prophy angles that require daily lubrication.

Handpieces: High-Speed

• Usage: Primarily for cutting teeth, engaging in root canal entries, and other procedures.

• Speed: Operate at 300,000 to 400,000 rpm.

Handpiece Burs Selection

• Types of Burs: Selection depends on their intended use:

  • Pear-Shaped Burs: Cavity preparation.

  • Crosscut Fissure Burs: Cutting teeth and accessing root canals.

  • Inverted Cone Burs: Cavity preparation.

  • Round Burs: Used for alveolar bone removal and pulp chamber preparation.

  • Finishing Burs: For restoration; should be replaced regularly.

Care for High-Speed Handpieces

• Maintenance: High-speed handpieces must be lubricated daily, and burs should be changed when dull.

• Turbines: Internal components of high-speed handpieces that experience wear over time.

  • Signs of Problems:

  • Failure of the chuck to tighten.

  • Increased noise or vibration.

  • Roughness felt during use.

  • Intermittent stopping or failure to function.

Three-Way Syringe

• Components: Typically features two buttons for air and water, used simultaneously to create a mist.

• Precautions: Care must be taken to prevent air from being flushed into tissues which could lead to subcutaneous emphysema or embolism.

Lighting and Magnification in Dentistry

• Importance: Proper visibility crucial for surgical procedures.

• Lighting Options: Good surgical lighting or use of headlamps recommended.

• Magnification Tools: Use of loupes is recommended to create an ergonomic focal distance.

Additional Resources

• Recommended Training Videos:

  • Webster Vet Digital Dental X-Ray Training.

  • Sharpening Dental Scalers & Curettes.

  • Sharpening Dental Elevators.