Dental instruments and equipment.

Question 1

What is a periodontal probe used for?

Answer 1

These instruments are inserted into the gingival sulcus to detect changes in probing
depth. It is important to always use a feather light touch (using the modified pen/pencil grip)
during this procedure to avoid damage to the fragile junctional epithelium.

Question 2

How can you identify a periodontal probe?

Answer 2

Periodontal probes are always blunt ended instruments and always have some measurement
markings etched or printed on the working end.

Question 3

What denotes a Williams periodontal probe?

Answer 3

Williams probes have single millimetres marked from the tip of the instrument as
individual millimetre markings at one, two and three mm. These 3 millimetres are then
followed by 2 two-millimetre markings (therefore to 5 and 7 mm from the tip) and then the
markings continue as single millimetre marks again.

Question 4

How is a University of North Carolina (UNC) probe identified?

Answer 4

All the markings on the University of North Carolina (UNC) probe are single millimetres but
the fifth, 10th and 15th mm have a solid black bar that makes reading of the measurements
easier.

Question 5

What are explorers used for?

Answer 5

These fine instruments with very sharp tips are used to identify irregularities on the
crown/tooth surface.
Explorers never have millimetre markings on the working end.

Question 6

How should explorers be used?

Answer 6

These instruments are always used perpendicular to the crown or root
surface and irregularities are detected by a tactile signal or a ping sound. It is important that
these instruments are never inserted into the gingival sulcus

Question 7

How is magnification useful?

Answer 7

Operating loupes with 2.5 to 3.5 times magnification are extremely helpful in all dental
procedures but especially in those of small dogs and cats. Many loupes have a light source
attached and this combination has significant benefits to the surgeon. Because of the
extremely narrow zone of focus operating loupes are very helpful to force surgeons to
maintain good posture too.

Question 8

Discuss subgingival curettes?

Answer 8

As indicated earlier, subgingival curettes have rounded tips and a rounded leading-edge.
The working blades are inserted into the sulcus or pocket with this rounded edge leading
the way. A change of angle would engage the face of the instrument with the root surface
and draw it upwards towards the crown, remove subgingival calculus and also superficial damaged layers of cementum. A good indication of effective sub gingival debridement is
that the remaining surface is smooth with no indication of any irregularity.