Clinical Foundations - Outcome 4 Flashcards
Dr. Black’s Instrument Classification
Dr. Black played a significant role in the development of many aspects of dentistry. Dr. Black’s instrument formula describes the dimension and angulation of hand instruments. This formula is applied to all hand cutting instruments that have cutting edges. The formula consists of three or four units, each with a measurement based on the metric system. This formula is stamped on the handle of the instrument by the manufacturer (Bird and Robinson, 2024, p 457).
Note: The higher the number, the larger the instrument.
The Three-Number Formula
The first number indicates the width of the blade in tenths of millimeters.
The second number indicates the length of the blade in millimeters.
The third number indicates the angle of the blade in relation to the long axis of the handle in degrees centigrade.
The Four-Number Formula
The first number indicates the width of the blade in tenths of millimeters.
The second number designates the angle of the cutting edge in relation to the blade.
The third number indicates the length of the blade in millimeters.
The fourth number indicates the angle of the blade in relation to the long axis of the handle in degrees centigrade
Instruments are Classified into 4 Categories
Examination instruments
Hand (Manual) cutting instruments
Restorative instruments
Accessory instruments
Basic Exam Kit
A typical exam kit will include three basic dental instruments. These are the mouth mirror, the explorer, and the cotton forceps. Each dentist may
customize their exam kit by adding additional instruments. These may include different types of explorers, probes, or forceps.
This basic set-up or kit is then set out for every procedure with other instruments added onto the tray. At SAIT, basic instruments have been selected to
complete the SAIT Basic Exam Kit. These instruments will be used throughout the program.
consumable or disposable dental supplies
designed as single-use and disposed of after each patient
Re-usable Dental Supplies
considered as reusable and must be reprocessed after each use
What type of instruments are the engraved numbers found on?
Hand-cutting instruments and surgical instruments
What is the purpose of numbers on dental instruments?
The numbers represent identification of instruments, it is helpful when ordering specific type of instrument
required by the dentist
What type of instruments will you find the 3 or 4 instrument number identification?
Hand cutting instruments
What types of premade cassette/ tray is available for a specific appointment?
Exam, Restorative, Prosthodontic, Endodontic, Surgical, Hygiene
Why is important to assemble instruments in order of use inside the premade cassette?
Instrument cassettes help keep you be more organized, improve efficiencies (time), extend the life of your
instruments and significantly reduce your risk of injury.
What type of instrument will be set up for the dentist to remove decay manually or form specific angles?
Hand (Manual) Cutting Instrument
What is the purpose of accessory instruments?
Accessory Instruments are used as additional aid during the procedure
What is an Amalgam carrier used for?
To transfer/pass material
What are the Scissors used for?
To cut dental material
What is an Articulating paper holder used for?
To check how patient bites teeth together
What is a Mixing spatula used for?
To mix dental materials
What is the purpose of the dental probe?
To measure; depth, length, distance in millimeters, used to measure over bite and overjet, gums depth
What type of dental explorers are available?
Pigtail - used posterior, Shepard’s hook- used to examine teeth, Orban - used anterior
In which ways can you use a dental mirror?
indirect vision (looking through the mirror), tissue retraction (to move tissue away from working area like tongue or lip for example, light reflection to shine light through the mirror or tissue protection; to protect
tissue from injury when dentist uses sharp instruments (high speed headpiece for example)
Mouth Mirror Functions & Characteristics
Functions - to provide indirect vision, retract lips, cheeks & tongue, to reflect light into the mouth
Characteristics - front surface mirrors or double sided mirrors
Explorers Functions & Characteristics
Used to examine teeth for decay, calculus, other abnormalities
-pointed tips; sharp, thin, flexible
-single or double ended
Orban - for anterior teeth
Pigtail - for posterior teeth
Shepard’s Hook - for occlusal surfaces
Cotton Forceps (Pliers) Functions & Characteristics
Function - to grasp or transfer items and/or material into and out of the oral cavity
Characteristics - Plain or serrated tips
Pointed or rounded tips
Thin or thick tips
Locking forceps
range of sizes available
