An Introduction to Basic Dental Students

GENERAL FEATURES OF DENTAL INSTRUMENTS

Working end(s) of instruments

•Are the functional parts of the instrument

• Can have a variety of functions including: cutting, packing, carving, placing and condensing

•Are adapted to the function of the particular instrument

•May be bevelled (i.e. the working end is cut at an angle)

• An instrument can be single-ended (one working end) or double-ended (two working ends)

Shank of an instrument

• The part between the working end and the handle

• Can be straight or angled

• The function of the instrument determines the angle and flexibility of the shank 

Handle of an instrument

• Is the part of the instrument that the operator grasps

•Provides stability and leverage

• Design is related to the function of the instrument

• Examples:

   The handle of an upper extraction forceps may be curved to facilitate a palm grasp for the operator

 The handle of a rubber dam clamp forceps is rounded to fit in the palm of the operator’s hand

 A serrated handle allows a better grip

 A large handle allows a palm grasp

THE BASIC DENTAL INSTRUMENTS

Mouth mirror and handle

Functions

•To provide indirect vision

•To reflect light

• For retraction and protection of oral tissues

• For magnification (the number of the mirror represents size of mirror head)

Varieties

• Single-sided or double-sided

• Can be disposable

• Plain or magnifying

Sickle/contra-angled probe

Functions

• Detection of:

 defective pits and fissures

 calculus

 deficient margins of restorations, crowns and bridges

 caries

• Examination (pointed tip allows good tactile sensitivity)

Varieties

• Can be single-ended or double-ended

• Many different styles available

•Working ends may vary (straight, curved)

Periodontal probe

Function and features

• Measure the depth of periodontal pockets

•Tip is calibrated in millimetres

•Blunt end reduces the possibility of tissue trauma

Varieties

• Single-ended or double-ended

• Can be straight, curved or at right angles

• Plastic types available

Briault probe

Function and feature

• Detection of caries on mesial and distal surfaces

• The angled working ends facilitate adaptation to interproximal surfaces

College tweezers and Locking college tweezers

      locking

Functions

• Placing small objects in the mouth and retrieving small objects from the mouth

• Locking type ‘lock’ to prevent dropping materials

Varieties

• Locking and non-locking types

•Working ends can be straight, curved, serrated or smooth

Metal ruler

Function

Measurement of length, e.g. endodontic K files

Varieties

• Can be calibrated in different units of measure

• Plastic type available