{"id":244,"date":"2022-11-21T21:37:40","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T21:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universitydentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=244"},"modified":"2022-11-21T21:37:42","modified_gmt":"2022-11-21T21:37:42","slug":"common-dental-instruments-and-what-they-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universitydentalgroup.com\/blog\/2022\/11\/21\/common-dental-instruments-and-what-they-do\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Dental Instruments You\u2019ll See at Your Checkup"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Closeup<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When you look over at the dental instruments lying next to you at your checkup<\/a>, do you feel your heart sink into your stomach? Don\u2019t worry \u2013 you\u2019re not alone. In fact, nearly 50% of Americans struggle with some form of dental-related anxiety. The good news is that alleviating some of that might be as easy as learning more about your dentist\u2019s most-used tools and what they do. So, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dental Mirror<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with the instrument you\u2019re probably already familiar with: the dental mirror. This tool is easy to spot because it has a small, circular mirror on the end. As you might have guessed, it\u2019s designed to allow your dentist to look at the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, including the back of your molars!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explorers and Probes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These two tools are probably the first ones your dentist will reach for. About the size of a pen, explorers are distinct because they have a thin hook-like tip at the end, and they are used to screen for cavities, check the condition of restorations, and more. Periodontal probes, however, allow your dentist to check the health of your gums by measuring gum recession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scalers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scalers also have a hook, but it\u2019s slightly thicker so it can remove stubborn plaque and tartar. Since your toothbrush and floss can\u2019t remove these anywhere near as effectively, it\u2019s easy to see why this instrument is so important! Without it, your teeth and gums would be vulnerable to serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air\/Water Syringe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As your dental team is cleaning your teeth, they will use the air\/water syringe to remove debris. This nifty tool administers air, water, or a combination of both \u2013 all with a simple click! Most often, it\u2019s used in tandem with the suction tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As previously mentioned, the suction is often used alongside the air\/water syringe to effectively remove debris. However, this instrument can also remove saliva that pools in the back of your mouth so you don\u2019t have to continually swallow. Oftentimes, it\u2019s gently hung over the side of your lower teeth to constantly keep your mouth clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Dental Polisher and Prophy Cup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you love how white and clean your teeth look at the end of your six-month visit? That\u2019s largely due to a dental polisher! When hooked up to a power supply, this stainless-steel wand spins at a high rate. When combined with a prophy cup filled with a polishing paste, your dental team can thoroughly clean the surface of each tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At your next visit, don\u2019t hesitate to ask your dentist about any unfamiliar tools you see. That way, you have a better understanding of what they are and how they improve your oral health!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

University Dental Group<\/a> is a top-rated dental office in Worcester that\u2019s proud to offer essential preventive care, tooth-saving restorative treatments, smile-enhancing cosmetic dentistry, and so much more. At each visit, you\u2019ll be cared for by our exceptional, highly-trained, and friendly team who share a passion for top-notch dentistry. If you have a question about the examination process or it\u2019s been more than six months since your last appointment, don\u2019t hesitate to visit our website<\/a> or call (508) 753-1911<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When you look over at the dental instruments lying next to you at your checkup, do you feel your heart sink into your stomach? Don\u2019t worry \u2013 you\u2019re not alone. In fact, nearly 50% of Americans struggle with some form of dental-related anxiety. The good news is that alleviating some of that might be as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n6 Dental Instruments You\u2019ll See at Your Checkup | Simply Orthodontics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do dental instruments make you feel on edge? 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