When you visit your dentist for a dental procedure, you will notice the types of tools your dentist use. Depending on the dental treatment plan, your dentist will select different sets of tools or devices to perform a treatment. This allow the dentist to perform specialize procedures in the most specific and precise way. Each tool is made for a particular task. The tools can range in shape, size, and attributes. Some tools have curves, pointed tips, or very thin to blunted surfaces. The shape and size dictate how the tool will be used to perform various levels of a task.
Mouth Mirror
The mouth mirror is the simplest tool your dentist will use. Despite its simplicity, the mouth mirror helps your dentist check the teeth. (Of course, an intraoral camera with screen can help dentists better.)
Sickle Probe
This type of dental probe is shape like a sickle with a pointed tip. The point of the tip helps your dentist probe for soft spots on your teeth.
Dental Scaler
The dental ultrasonic scaler is similar to the sickle probe. The difference is that a dental scaler has a large tapered edge surface. A dental scaler is often not use to probe for cavities because it is less tactile, but it is used to scale tartar and plaque buildup around the tooth. During your annual dental examination and cleaning, the dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a dental scaler. The hard surface is very effective at removing plaque and tartar that otherwise would difficult with a tooth brush. The curved edge helps remove plaque and tartar in difficult areas.
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