Suction Equipment
| While the dentist or dental hygienist is working on a patient, an excess amount of saliva will accumulate in the mouth. A suction instrument, called a saliva ejector, removes the accumulated moisture. Rolls of cotton are also used to absorb blood, dental debris and saliva. Normally, the suction device is placed in the patient's lower jaw area inside the bottom row of teeth to pick up excess moisture during the procedures.
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Drill
| The dentist's drill has a quickly rotating bit that makes holes in the tooth to remove decayed material, or plaque, from a cavity. While the tooth is being drilled, tiny diamond chips on the drill's tip erode the plaque and damaged enamel. Once the plaque is removed from the tooth, the bacteria have nowhere else to live, so no more decay can occur. The hole is then filled with a material that makes the tooth stronger and helps prevent further damage. The dental drill bit, or bur, is very durable and able to withstand the high amount of heat that is generated with the fast rotation. A number of different bur shapes are produced, each having its own cutting capabilities.
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Mirror
| Dentists use a round mirror at the end of a stainless steel pen-like handle to see into hidden parts of the mouth and teeth. They are particularly looking for gums that are red, swollen or bleeding, decayed teeth and areas where tartar is heavily built up. When dentists cannot see with the mouth mirror's indirect vision, they will use the mirror to reflect light from above the patient's chair onto dark internal surfaces.
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2015-08-21
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