The 5 Basic Dental Instruments Names, Functions and Types

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that deals with problems related to the oral cavity, gums, and teeth, and dentists.

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that deals with problems related to the oral cavity, gums, and teeth, and dentists are the surgeons who specialize in this field. The instruments used in this field are different from the other surgical instruments in their design and texture because of the hard nature of the tooth and the sensitivity of the oral cavity. Other than dental surgical instruments, hygiene instruments are also manufactured both for personal and clinical use. Our topic of concern is dental surgical instruments. Many biomedical companies are offering them on an international level. We will discuss some of the major instruments:

1. Explorer

It is thin and flexible and made of stainless steel. The working end is long and pointed and may be straight or curved. Function: It is used for the detection of cavities, calculus, and pits inside the teeth to check for any defects in the surface.

Types:

• Octagonal handle explorer.
• Columbia Universal Explorer.

2. Pusher

It is usually cylindrical with a sharp or blunt working end. Function: Its function is to condense the filling materials into the cavities to eliminate any kind of void. They are also known as pluggers or condensers.

Types:

• Amalgam Condenser
• Composite Plugger
• Flat-end pusher
• Ball End Pusher
• Double-Ended Pusher
• Serrated pusher
• Elliptical pusher
• Elliptical-shaped pusher
• Angled pusher
• Paddle pusher

3. Elevators

It is also a type of dental instrument that consists of a tip, shank, and handle. The tip is usually single-ended. The shank is long and may be straight or angled. The handle can be smooth, serrated, or hollow. Function: It is used to elevate the tooth cavity to create space for the instruments so that they can be applied.

Types:

• Cannula-only Elevators

• Replacement gasket elevators

• Davis Dental Elevators

• West Dental Elevators

• Heidbrink Dental Elevators

• Howard Apexo Dental Elevators

• Lecluse Elevator Dental

• Winter Dental Elevator

• Barry Dental Elevators

• Bein Sharp Dental Elevators

• Hylin Dental Elevator

• Coleman Dental Elevator

• Clarizio Serrated Elevator

• Cogswell B Elevator

• Crane-Pick Elevator

• Serrated Elevators

• Periotome Handle Elevator

• Seldin Elevators

• Apical Flohr Elevator

• Beck elevator serrated

4. Forceps

They are long and have pointed beaks. Function: They are designed to grip the tooth anteriorly to remove it.

Types:

• Witzel Extracting Forceps

• Lower molars: extracting forceps

• Pediatric serrated extracting forceps

• TC serrated extracting forceps

• Cuspids Extracting Forceps

• Kells Extracting Forceps

• Nevius Extracting Forceps

• Tomes Extracting Forceps

• Parmly extracting forceps

• Clevedent Extracting Forceps

• Harris Extracting Forceps

• Woodward extracting forceps

• Henahan upper incisors and roots: extracting forceps

• Lower universal pediatric mini-extracting forceps

• Exodontia Forceps Legend upper universal pediatric mini

• Upper molars extracting forceps

5. Retractors

They are of different types, usually soft and smooth. Function: Their functions depend upon the type of retractor that is used. They usually hold the cheeks, lips, and tongue during dental procedures. They help in clear exposure of the operation site for a successful operation.

Types:

• Cheek retractor

• Palate Retractors

• Blade Retractor

• Cheek Retractor

• Austin Retractor

• Chalazion Retractor

• Goelet Retractor

• Hager Werken

• Lip Retractor

• Minnesota Retractor

• Photo Retractor

• Gingival retractor

Conclusion

Dental instruments are exclusively manufactured by taking into consideration the toughness and close alignment of teeth inside the oral cavity. They are usually hard and heavy, with strong grips. They are readily available in the market with a wide range of quality and price. For more information please visit our website Allnet.