Lab: Dental Instruments Flashcards
What are the hand instruments used during a dentistry procedure
Calculus forceps Dental Hoe or Chisel Dental probe and explorer Dental mirror Hand-scaling instruments: Dental scalers Curettes Periosteal elevators Luxators Winged- Elevators Extractor forceps Root tip pick
describe supra gingival
the exposed tooth surface (“above the gumline”)
Most visible part of the procedure for the owner
least important part for the patient’s dental health
describe sub gingival
Subgingival: part of the tooth that is covered by gingiva
What instruments are used to remove heavy gross calculus
Calculus removing forceps
Dental Hoe scaler or Chisel
Describe calculus removing forceps
Curved beak instrument
USE: Allow easy removal of HEAVY GROSS calculus from the tooth surface (SUPRAgingical) decreasing chance of fracturing the tooth
Usually is the 1st instrument to use before power scaling and manual scaling
Describe the dental hoe or chisel
Wide working tip, chisel*-like blade Different sizes and shapes Strong instrument USE: SUPRAgingival HEAVY GROSS calculus removal only How to use: pen grip Certain prefer hoe than calculus forceps
what are the instruments used to perform a dental exam and charting
Dental probe
Dental explorer
Dental mirror
Describe the dental probe
Also called periodontal probe, since evaluating periodontium
Graduated, blunt ended probe at one end
Sharp shepherd’s hook at the other end : explorer
May also be single-ended
The blunt tip can be round or flat and graduated in mm or colour coded in bands.
What is the use of the dental probe
Used:
1) subgingivally to explore the sulcus…
Crevice that surrounds the tooth (between tooth and free gingival margin) to mainly to determine PPD: periodontal probing depth
2) but also for locating the subgingival calculus and other problems
This must be done before OR after the dental procedure. Record is written on a dental chart
What is the normal periodontal probing depth for a dog
1-3mm
what is the normal periodontal probing depth for a cat
0.5-1mm
what happens if your probing depth is deeper than it should be
If deeper: indicates a “pockets” due to:
Detachment of the PL
Bone resorption
What is the dental explorer used for
Evaluate: enamel, subgingivally for plaque, caries, FORL (feline orthodontoclastic resorptive lesions) Calculus left behind
What is the dental mirror used for
Mirror good for seeing lesions palatally or lingually easily. Takes some getting used to
What are the instruments used for periodontal therapy
Manual Dental scaler
Manuel Curettes
Universal
Gracey
Describe the dental scaler
Triangular blade in cross section, with cutting capability at all three points of the triangle.
2 parallel cutting edges
Pointed toe
Used for removing supragingival calculus only.
It is NEVER used subgingivally!
Can distend or lacerate tissue
It requires a modified pen grip.
This instrument must be kept sharp.
Due to improvements in ultrasonic scaler tip technology, we tend to use it less but should be used after power scaling.
Describe the curette
Doubled-ended instrument for easier access of all sides of tooth
On end going to the right, one end going to the left
What are the common elements of a curette
Common elements:
Rounded back
Rounded toe (so less traumatic than scaler)
Semi-circular cross section
Why do we use a curette
Type of scaler designed for moderate calculus removal on SUPRAgingival and SUBgingival surfaces (called periodontal therapy)
Should be used after power ultrasonic scaling procedure.
Be carefull! Stronger, sharper instruments
Take more efforts that power ultrasonic scaling
Describe the universal curette
Universal: designed for easy adaptation on all tooth surfaces (thus the name “universal”)
Describe the gracey curette
Gracey: designed to use on specific tooth surfaces that improve adaptation and calculus removal
How do you use a universal curette
Shank parallel to the tooth surface being scaled
Cutting edge of blade is applied to the tooth surface and facial surface of blade is tilted toward the tooth to achieve 70-85° angle between tooth and blade
Apply lateral pressure against the tooth and pull upward while maintaining contact with the tooth
How do you use a gracey curette
Shank parallel to the tooth surface being scaled
Lower cutting edge of blade is applied against the tooth surface
Apply pressure against the tooth (root) and pull upward, maintaining the parallel shank
What are the dental instruments used to extract teeth
Periosteal Elevators
Luxators
Elevators (winged-elevators)
Root tip pic
Describe the periosteal elevators
Other name: periosteotome: instrument used to cut the periosteum: membrane that cover the surface of all bones
Thin and small very delicate ends
Describe the use of the periosteal elevators
USE: Mainly used to lift full thickness soft tissue flaps, usually gingiva from alveolar bone before extraction
After incision is made on the gingiva of one side or either side of the tooth to be extracted
The tips require protection and need to be kept very sharp otherwise shredding of the flap can happen.
What do we use luxators and elevators for
“leverage”: displace tooth root from its socket
PL: periodontal ligament
Alveolus : tooth socket
Describe luxators
Very fine and sharp instruments with flap tip
Can be easily damaged if used as elevator
The tip is not designed for the extra force used with elevation (not for “leverage”) : they will break!
How do you use a luxator
USE: for cutting the PL and expanding the alveolus (“to luxate the tooth”)
…by inserting the instrument tip into the periodontal space with a gentle side to side rocking motion continuing down the length of the root
Describe elevator
Have thicker working ends
Winged elevators: makes extractions easier, added leverage
How do you use an elevator
USE: to stretch, cut, tear the PL + displace tooth root from its socket (so for leverage)
So can be used as luxator and elevator
What are the 2 uses of extraction forceps
1) Primarily for gripping the tooth or a root for removal during extraction once it has been luxated loose
2) Can also be used to remove gross supragingival calculus instead of using calculus forceps
What do you use a root tip pick as
For removing small pieces of broken root tips
Some use it as a luxator
Very sharp
What is in a Vanier suture kit
fine scissors, scalpel handle, suture material, periosteal elevator, rat tooth tissue forceps, olsen hagar needle drivers, scalpel blades
How do you clean dental instruments
Cleaning and sterilization process same as surgical instruments
Sterilized dental instrument kit per patient
Describe the importance of dental instrument sharpening
Only basic sharpening techniques will be covered
Sharpening should be done after each use
One vet tech should be in charge
Sharp instruments is the key for an enjoyable procedure
What are the basic materials needed for dental sharpening
Basic materials: Mineral oil: provide fine finish, and little of the instrument is reduced Wipe clean after used May be autoclaved Arkansas flat stone (coarse and fine) Conical stone: to removed spicules Acrylic test stick or syringe case: to evaluate sharpness To dig the instrument in not to scrape the acrylic
What is the basic instrument sharpening technique
Put 1 drop of oil on the stone and distribute the oil
You want to sharp only the cutting end of the instrument
Depending of the instrument….
place on the stone and move back and forth (curette, scaler) OR
Place on the stone, sharp down or in circle then replaced it up, then sharp down or in circle (periosteal elevators, winged elevators)
