Dental excavators are restorative instruments used to remove soft dentin, debris, and decay from cavity preparations. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit teeth and cavities.
These tools are also used for preparing teeth for fillings and other restorations. They are small handheld instruments with spoon-shaped working ends.
Spoon Excavator
A spoon excavator is a tool that’s used to remove decay from teeth. It’s commonly paired with other dental tools to help get the job done quickly.
The working end of the spoon excavator is rounded and scoop-like, and there are multiple sizes in “spoon” or “blade” shapes. This design makes it useful for many tasks, including removing soft dentin and other materials like temporary restorations and cement from a tooth.
Another use for this tool is to remove caries using a chemically active decay-attacking liquid or other fluid. The device can be used to lift up areas of carious material to provide better access for the liquid, and it can also be used to remove caries during and after the application of the liquid to hasten its effect.
A spoon excavator is a great tool to have in your toolbox. It’s easy to use and helps you remove debris and decay without damaging your patient’s teeth. The tool comes in various styles and sizes, and it’s durable enough to be used for long periods.
Burnisher
The Burnisher is a tool that can be used to remove the decay in teeth. Different types of Burnishers are available, including the flat plastic, ball burnisher, cone burnisher, and pear-shaped burnisher.
These dental hand instruments are used during restorative procedures to prepare teeth for the placement of various dental materials. Some of these restorative hand instruments include the Amalgam Carrier, Burnisher, Condensers, Composite Placement Instruments, and Carvers.
A Burnisher can be used to shave away the excess material, smooth the surface of a tooth, and polish the amalgam or composite restoration. This process can help improve the restoration’s appearance and increase patient satisfaction.
Depending on the type of Burnisher you’re using, you may need to use a burnishing solution to help you achieve the best results. This can be done by mopping the solution onto the floor or carrying a spray bottle with the solution in it and applying it as you work.
Some Burnishers are also made of a flexible shaft, making manipulating the device easier as you burnish. This can be especially helpful if you’re working in a tight space or a large area.
To use a Burnisher, start by making sure the device is positioned correctly, and the pad is firmly in place. You can then work the machine over the surface of the tooth with a burnishing solution or cream of your choice.
Scaler
When plaque accumulates on a tooth, it can lead to a buildup of bacteria and tartar that causes decay. The bacteria can eat away at the tooth, causing pain and discomfort.
Removing this tartar is a critical step in preventing this from occurring. Using a scaler, the dentist or dental hygienist can remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth, leaving it smooth and free of bacteria.
Scalers are also effective at removing dark materials from teeth that have become stained with food, tea, or tobacco products. These stains can be very unsightly, and it is important to remove them in order to make the tooth look as clean as possible.
To use a scaler, place the sharp edge against the tooth and slide it down into the gum pocket. The scaler must not touch the tooth itself or the gum, but it should scrape the tartar that is forming deep inside the pocket.
There are many different types of scalers available for use by dentists. Some are hand-held, while others are electric. They are used for removing plaque and calculus from the surface of teeth.
Polishing Machine
Polishing is the process of smoothing or refining a material, usually by rubbing it against a polishing pad. The products used during this process determine the level of finish desired – from a coarse cutting compound that removes more material quickly to a finer finishing compound or polish that is designed to create a very thin, microscopic layer of scratches on the surface, which can be re-absorbed by the material.
There are many different kinds of polishing machines, but the most common type is the rotary polisher. These machines use a rotating spindle to rotate a polishing pad in concentric circles and a wider circulating motion, which helps polish more surfaces in less time.
One of the best ways to clean your rotary polisher is with a cleaning wand, which is a hand-held tool that has a pressurized fluid and filter system. The wand can be used to clean any polishing machine and fixture brand.
Another important thing to remember when using a polishing machine is ventilation. This is crucial, especially in a dusty environment. Plenty of polishing machines available have blowers to capture the airborne particles while you’re working.
You should also periodically replace the pads and polishing compounds to keep your machine working properly. If you’re unsure which ones to use, test them out first to ensure they are the right fit.
Tooth Cleaner
There are many tools a dental hygienist uses to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. These instruments can be handheld or powered and are often used in conjunction with an ultrasonic scaler.
A dental explorer resembles a hook and gently taps around your tooth in search of decay. It’s usually only used for the most simple tasks, like checking if you have a cavity in a particular spot.
The ADA recommends using floss as a daily tool for cleaning your teeth, which can help reduce your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. The ADA also notes that interdental cleaners are an important part of your oral hygiene routine, which helps to clean hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
One of the most common dental tools used to remove plaque and tartar is a handheld metal tool with sharp, curved blades. These tools can be used to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth and can also be used to dry off a tooth.
Another dental tool a dentist uses to remove plaque and tartar is an air/water syringe, which dispenses water and air. These tools are most commonly used during a dental cleaning but can also be used to dry your tooth.
The newest tool in the teeth-cleaning department is an ultrasonic scaler, which uses high-frequency vibrations to break up and remove plaque and tartar. This tool can be used to clean your teeth faster than a manual dental scaler.
Scraper
A dental scraper, also referred to as a plaque remover, is one of the most common tools your dentist uses to remove decay. The saliva, bacteria, and proteins that naturally live in your mouth form a thin plaque layer covering your teeth. If not removed, this plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease.
During routine cleanings, your dentist will use a plaque remover to remove the plaque on your teeth and prevent future problems. A scraper is a stainless steel dental instrument that has scraping sides and a narrow end, making it easy to remove the plaque from your teeth without leaving behind a film of plaque.
For more advanced procedures, your dentist may also use the scraper to slightly reshape your teeth before a dental filling is placed. This will make your tooth less susceptible to future damage and allow your dentist to place the filling more securely.
A periodontal probe is another common tool that your dentist will use to examine the health of your teeth and gums. This implement looks a little like a mosquito leg, with tiny markings spaced one millimeter apart. When the dentist slides this device into the space between your tooth and gums, it can indicate how much bone loss is present around the tooth and whether gingivitis or periodontitis is present.
