Tools Used During a Dental Checkup

During a dental checkup, the dentist will use a wide range of tools on the patient’s teeth. But there are some critical ones to be aware of during the appointment. Knowing more about the tools can help patients gain more information about the dental checkup and what to expect. Keep reading to learn more about the tools you can expect to have used on you.

The basics of dental checkup tools

The instrument has a working end, which does the job, and it often angles away from the contact surface. That way, it is easier to access the teeth during the checkup. There is a shank between the working end and handle, which also has more bends. It allows the dentist to access all areas of the mouth easily. The dentist will hold it by the handle. There is a basic kit with tools like probes, mirrors, tweezers, and periodontal probes.

About the tools

The mirror is one of the most crucial parts of the dental checkup kit. There are a few sizes to meet the needs of patients with every size mouth. The mirror allows the dentist to direct light in the mouth to see better. It also lets the dentist see difficult-to-access areas, such as the backs of the teeth. The dentist may use the mirror to hold tissue like the cheek and tongue out of the way.

A dental probe is equally essential, and it allows the dentist to examine the surfaces of the teeth. The dentist can use it to look for areas with decay or calculus buildup. The dentist has to avoid pressing down too hard and causing a decayed area to become a cavity. Plus, the dentist might use it to check for issues with restorations, like slight overhangs.

A periodontal probe is useful for checking the gums. A basic probe has a small ball at the end, and there is also a black band. The size depends on the type of probe. It allows patients to have a gum disease checkup. The dentist can use the tweezers for picking items up, including cotton wool and other things.

A three-in-one syringe is often useful for cleaning the teeth using water. It can help rinse away debris from the area. The dentist can also use the device for drying areas using air, such as before a restoration. It can help wash away acid from etching the teeth and drying the teeth to find decay. It is also useful for drying the area before filling a cavity.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Sun Prairie, WI

Making a dental checkup appointment today

Knowing more about what to expect with the dental checkup can help you reduce any anxiety you might feel. The dentist has a range of tools to make the dental checkup as painless and easy as possible. That reduces the number of time the patients need to spend at the office. Plus, it allows the dentist to find more issues than would be possible otherwise.

Request an appointment or call 608 Family Dental at 608-713-9418 for an appointment in our Sun Prairie office.

Related Posts

What A Dental Checkup And Cleaning Include

The dentist often does a dental checkup and cleaning to look for cavities or other teeth issues. That way, the patient can have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Many times, patients do need to come in more often than that. That is true if the patient is at risk for an oral…

Common Myths About Dental Checkups

Most people grow up believing certain myths about dental checkups. Online information can also be misleading when it comes to dental healthcare. As innovations in dental health continue to surface, most of these falsities are debunked. Below are some of the common dental checkup myths and the truth behind each of them.Fact: Firm or medium-bristled…

Dental Visit - Dental Checkup And Cleaning

Getting a dental checkup is one of the essential steps in your oral care routine. But you might wonder what you can expect during a checkup and cleaning. That way, you can make a more informed decision for your health. Keep reading to learn more about what the procedure involves.The dental hygienist and dentist will…

608 Family Dental

Share
Published by
608 Family Dental

Recent Posts

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips from a Family Dentist

If you want to protect your smile and, more importantly, your mouth, gums, tongue, and…

1 week ago

Preventative Dental Care – Picking the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Preventative dental care involves keeping up with routine dental visits and recommendations, and it requires…

1 week ago

Preventative Dental Care for Avoiding Tooth Loss

Preventative dental care such as visiting the dentist is a huge cause of anxiety and…

2 weeks ago

Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures: What You Should Know

In-office teeth whitening is a popular procedure. It is for individuals who want a quick…

3 weeks ago

Preventative Dental Care Against Plaque and Tartar

Preventative dental care, also preventive dentistry, is crucial to maintaining your teeth healthy throughout your…

3 weeks ago

Preventive Dental Care – Proper Brushing

Many things go into good preventative dental care. One of the most important is brushing…

4 weeks ago