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Shopping for dental instruments requires knowing exactly what each instrument does and what qualities to look out for. Our guide aims to help you understand the most common types of dental hand instruments and their functions, so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to buying.
Dental instruments are small pieces of hand-held equipment used to examine, treat, restore and remove teeth. They are typically made of either stainless steel or disposable plastic, and will often fall under one of two categories: non-cutting and cutting. Though many of these instruments look similar, most are designed for a specific area of dentistry, such as examinations, restorations or periodontics. Instruments can be purchased individually or in kits made up of an assortment of instruments. Here is our guide to the most frequently used dental instruments.
Dental Mirrors
The dental mirror is made up of a handle, stem and rounded head. These components can be purchased individually as replacement parts.
Its most common uses are exploring areas of the mouth where visibility is difficult or impossible, and retracting the tongue or cheeks for better access and vision. It can also be used to reflect light onto desired surfaces.
Mouth mirrors can be single sided or double-sided. Double-sided mirrors are designed for greater illumination and visibility.
The most common sizes of mirror are no.2 (18mm), no.4 (22mm) and no.5 (24mm). Features to look out for include anti-grip for improved handling, scratch resistance for less distortion and minimal crevices for easier cleaning.
Non-Cutting Instruments
Dental Mirrors
The dental mirror is made up of a handle, stem and rounded head. These components can be purchased individually as replacement parts.
Its most common uses are exploring areas of the mouth where visibility is difficult or impossible, and retracting the tongue or cheeks for better access and vision. It can also be used to reflect light onto desired surfaces.
Mouth mirrors can be single sided or double-sided. Double-sided mirrors are designed for greater illumination and visibility.
The most common sizes of mirror are no.2 (18mm), no.4 (22mm) and no.5 (24mm). Features to look out for include anti-grip for improved handling, scratch resistance for less distortion and minimal crevices for easier cleaning.
Dental probes, sometimes referred to as explorers, are sharp, thin and flexible instruments used to examine teeth for decay, calculus and other oral issues. They can also be used to detect the integrity of fillings with the surrounding teeth and check margins of crowns.
The three main types of explorers are distinguishable by their working ends. Most common is the Shepherds Hook (No. 23) which has a curved end. The No. 17 Explorer has a flatter and shorter hook and is used for interproximal areas between the teeth. The third type is the Pigtail Explorer, which is used to curve under and around the teeth.
Dental probes
Dental probes, sometimes referred to as explorers, are sharp, thin and flexible instruments used to examine teeth for decay, calculus and other oral issues. They can also be used to detect the integrity of fillings with the surrounding teeth and check margins of crowns.
The three main types of explorers are distinguishable by their working ends. Most common is the Shepherds Hook (No. 23) which has a curved end. The No. 17 Explorer has a flatter and shorter hook and is used for interproximal areas between the teeth. The third type is the Pigtail Explorer, which is used to curve under and around the teeth.