Dental instruments: names and uses

For scaling instruments, one manual names three common parts: the handle, which you hold; the shank, which connects the handle to the working end; and the working end, which does the work.

Source: MD0513 ¶3-3b.

For hand instruments generally, another counts four: the handle, the shank, a blade or nib, and at the tip a cutting edge on a cutting instrument, or a face or point on a non-cutting one.

Source: MD0503 ¶1-3.

Examination

Mouth mirror

Shows, by reflection, surfaces of tissues and teeth that cannot be seen directly. (MD0503 ¶1-9a)

Explorer

Used for diagnosis, by touch and by probing defects in tooth surfaces. (MD0503 ¶1-9b)

Cotton pliers

Handle cotton pellets, cotton rolls, small instruments and other small items going into or out of the mouth. (MD0503 ¶1-9c)

Periodontal probe

Locates and measures the depth of a gingival crevice or periodontal pocket. (MD0503 ¶4-2g)

Hand cutting

Spoon excavator

Removes debris and decayed dentin from cavities. (MD0503 ¶2-10b)

Enamel chisel

Cleaves enamel along the enamel rods and prepares the walls and accessible margins of a cavity. (MD0503 ¶2-10c)

Enamel hatchet

Also cleaves enamel along the rods and prepares the walls and accessible margins of a cavity preparation. (MD0503 ¶2-10d)

Gingival margin trimmer

Bevels the enamel at the cervical seat of a cavity preparation. (MD0503 ¶2-10e)

Restorative

Matrix retainer

Holds and adjusts matrix bands on the teeth. (MD0503 ¶2-11a)

Amalgam carrier

Carries silver amalgam into place in a prepared cavity. (MD0503 ¶2-12d)

Amalgam plugger

Condenses amalgam in a cavity preparation. (MD0503 ¶2-12f) Also called a condenser. (NAVEDTRA 14275 Condensers)

Amalgam carver

Carves anatomy into a partially set amalgam restoration. (MD0503 ¶2-13a(1))

Burnisher

Polishes, work-hardens or burnishes gold or other metals and materials. (MD0503 ¶2-13b(1))

Surgical

Extraction forceps

Remove teeth. (MD0503 ¶3-5a)

Root elevator

Loosens or removes roots, root fragments or teeth. (MD0503 ¶3-6)

Periosteal elevator

Separates and raises periosteum from the bone and retracts the tissue flap. (MD0503 ¶3-7)

Hemostat

A small forceps that stops the flow of blood by clamping blood vessels. (MD0503 ¶3-23)

Needle holder

Holds and manipulates the suture needle during suturing, in a groove on each jaw. (MD0503 ¶3-24)

Periodontal

Periodontal scaler

Removes calculus and stain from the clinical crown of the tooth. (MD0503 ¶4-2b)

Periodontal curette

Removes calculus, smooths root surfaces, and works on the soft tissue wall of the pocket. (MD0503 ¶4-2c)