Tools Used During a Dental Checkup

During a dental checkup, the dentist will use a wide range of tools on the patient’s teeth. But there are some critical ones to be aware of during the appointment. Knowing more about the tools can help patients gain more information about the dental checkup and what to expect. Keep reading to learn more about the tools you can expect to have used on you.

The basics of dental checkup tools

The instrument has a working end, which does the job, and it often angles away from the contact surface. That way, it is easier to access the teeth during the checkup. There is a shank between the working end and handle, which also has more bends. It allows the dentist to access all areas of the mouth easily. The dentist will hold it by the handle. There is a basic kit with tools like probes, mirrors, tweezers, and periodontal probes.

About the tools

The mirror is one of the most crucial parts of the dental checkup kit. There are a few sizes to meet the needs of patients with every size mouth. The mirror allows the dentist to direct light in the mouth to see better. It also lets the dentist see difficult-to-access areas, such as the backs of the teeth. The dentist may use the mirror to hold tissue like the cheek and tongue out of the way.

A dental probe is equally essential, and it allows the dentist to examine the surfaces of the teeth. The dentist can use it to look for areas with decay or calculus buildup. The dentist has to avoid pressing down too hard and causing a decayed area to become a cavity. Plus, the dentist might use it to check for issues with restorations, like slight overhangs.

A periodontal probe is useful for checking the gums. A basic probe has a small ball at the end, and there is also a black band. The size depends on the type of probe. It allows patients to have a gum disease checkup. The dentist can use the tweezers for picking items up, including cotton wool and other things.

A three-in-one syringe is often useful for cleaning the teeth using water. It can help rinse away debris from the area. The dentist can also use the device for drying areas using air, such as before a restoration. It can help wash away acid from etching the teeth and drying the teeth to find decay. It is also useful for drying the area before filling a cavity.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Emerson, NJ

Making a dental checkup appointment today

Knowing more about what to expect with the dental checkup can help you reduce any anxiety you might feel. The dentist has a range of tools to make the dental checkup as painless and easy as possible. That reduces the number of time the patients need to spend at the office. Plus, it allows the dentist to find more issues than would be possible otherwise.

Request an appointment or call Emerson Dental Associates at 201-620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.

Recent Posts

Getting A Filling At A Dental Checkup

As part of your six-month dental checkup, your dentist will look for a variety of current or potential issues. To do that, the dental professional looks at new X-rays and performs an oral examination. If the dentist spots something, perhaps a cavity, they will fill it on the spot. If you have never had a…

Questions To Ask At Your Dental Checkup

Patients might not always get the most out of a regular dental checkup. But asking some questions during that time can help patients gain more information on different topics. The dentist has experience and knowledge in many areas. Continue reading to learn a few things to ask the dentist.One reason for having a dental checkup…

Tips For Your Fear Of A Dental Checkup

There are many reasons you should have a dental checkup, but it is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist. The gums, teeth, and tongue all play a significant role in helping you have a nutritious diet. When these do not work well, you may not be able to eat the right foods.…

Dr. Martini

Share
Published by
Dr. Martini

Recent Posts

4 Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what…

2 days ago

When Denture Repair is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…

1 month ago

Transforming Your Smile: Steps to a Successful Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a cosmetic process that alters the aesthetic of the smile without…

2 months ago

Hard Reline Versus Soft Reline for Dentures

Hard and soft denture relines are similar. In both cases, the dentist removes some of…

3 months ago

What Oral Appliances Are Used in Dentistry to Treat Sleep Apnea?

There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. The following is a…

4 months ago

How Dental Crowns Affect Your Smile

Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell…

5 months ago