Clinical Foundations - Outcome 4

Question 1

Dr. Black’s Instrument Classification

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

The Three-Number Formula

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

The Four-Number Formula

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Instruments are Classified into 4 Categories

Answer 4

Examination instruments

Hand (Manual) cutting instruments

Restorative instruments

Accessory instruments

Question 5

Basic Exam Kit

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

consumable or disposable dental supplies

Answer 6

designed as single-use and disposed of after each patient

Question 7

Re-usable Dental Supplies

Answer 7

considered as reusable and must be reprocessed after each use

Question 8

What type of instruments are the engraved numbers found on?

Answer 8

Hand-cutting instruments and surgical instruments

Question 9

What is the purpose of numbers on dental instruments?

Answer 9

The numbers represent identification of instruments, it is helpful when ordering specific type of instrument
required by the dentist

Question 10

What type of instruments will you find the 3 or 4 instrument number identification?

Answer 10

Hand cutting instruments

Question 11

What types of premade cassette/ tray is available for a specific appointment?

Answer 11

Exam, Restorative, Prosthodontic, Endodontic, Surgical, Hygiene

Question 12

Why is important to assemble instruments in order of use inside the premade cassette?

Answer 12

Instrument cassettes help keep you be more organized, improve efficiencies (time), extend the life of your
instruments and significantly reduce your risk of injury.

Question 13

What type of instrument will be set up for the dentist to remove decay manually or form specific angles?

Answer 13

Hand (Manual) Cutting Instrument

Question 14

What is the purpose of accessory instruments?

Answer 14

Accessory Instruments are used as additional aid during the procedure

Question 15

What is an Amalgam carrier used for?

Answer 15

To transfer/pass material

Question 16

What are the Scissors used for?

Answer 16

To cut dental material

Question 17

What is an Articulating paper holder used for?

Answer 17

To check how patient bites teeth together

Question 18

What is a Mixing spatula used for?

Answer 18

To mix dental materials

Question 19

What is the purpose of the dental probe?

Answer 19

To measure; depth, length, distance in millimeters, used to measure over bite and overjet, gums depth

Question 20

What type of dental explorers are available?

Answer 20

Pigtail - used posterior, Shepard’s hook- used to examine teeth, Orban - used anterior

Question 21

In which ways can you use a dental mirror?

Answer 21

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)

Question 22

Mouth Mirror Functions & Characteristics

Answer 22

Functions - to provide indirect vision, retract lips, cheeks & tongue, to reflect light into the mouth

Characteristics - front surface mirrors or double sided mirrors

Question 23

Explorers Functions & Characteristics

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Cotton Forceps (Pliers) Functions & Characteristics

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Periodontal Probe Functions & Characteristics

Answer 25

Function - to measure periodontal pocket depth in millimeter increments

Characteristics - Flat or rounded ends
Millimeter-increment markings vary for each style (Colour coded, indentations, etc).

Question 26

High Volume Suction Tip (HVE) Functions & Characteristics

Answer 26

Functions - to evacuate large volumes of fluid and debris from the oral cavity

Characteristics - Stainless steel evacuator tip or plastic evacuator tip (disposable plastic)
straight or slightly angled at one or both ends

Question 27

Low Volume Saliva Ejector Tip (LVE) Functions & Characteristics

Answer 27

Functions - To evacuate smaller volumes of fluid from oral cavity

Characteristics - Disposable plastic for single use only, can be bent for placement under tongue and in other areas of mouth or can be used straight

Question 28

Dappen Dish

Answer 28

for mixing acrylics and amalgams, can withstand any liquid used in a dental operatory.

Question 29

Air/Water Syringe Functions & Characteristics

Answer 29

Function - To rinse and dry specific teeth or entire oral cavity

Characteristics - also referred to as three-way syringe

Left button expels water, right button expels air