What is the 11 12 Explorer used for?
The ODU 11/12 explorer is the most commonly used instrument in calculus detection during clinical practice and in clinical licensure examinations. The instrument’s thin tip allows vibrations to transfer from the tip to the handle which enhances tactile sensitivity for the practitioner.
How does a dentist detect calculus?
The presence of green light indicates cementum and blue light indicates calculus. An additional acoustic signal sounds, when the calculus is detected. The advantage of the ultrasonic calculus-detection technology is that the diagnosis and treatment modes can be used successively on the surface of the same tooth.
What is a universal curette?
Universal curettes are designed so that it is possible to adapt the one instrument to all tooth surfaces by making use of both cutting edges on each blade. Area-specific curettes, such as the Gracey curettes, are designed so that each blade adapts to a specific tooth surface or area.
How does a dentist mirror work?
A concave mirror gives the dentist a magnified reflection of the mouth while also refracting a bit of light. This means the image in the mirror is larger, brighter, and, for the dentist, easier to see. Another plus of using a concave mirror is that the image in the mirror isn’t inverted.
Can you use a dental mirror on yourself?
A small mirror that you purchase at a drug store and a flashlight are necessary tools to have on hand. Begin with the last tooth on the left side of the lower jaw. Gently pull the check back away from the tooth and with the other hand shine the light on your back teeth. Use the mirror to see the teeth reflecting in it.
What is a dental explorer used for?
The dental explorer or probe (Fig. 1.3), a sharp-ended instrument, is used to: Determine the presence of caries. Explore other enamel and dentin defects, e.g. fracture, odontoclastic resorptive lesions.
What is a sickle scaler?
$21.75. SKU: D1009. This scaler is used to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surface. The sickle scaler tip can be used to remove calculus from the developmental grooves and blood grooves in canine teeth.
Should calculus be removed?
Bigger problems arise, however, if plaque stays on your teeth and hardens into tartar. Tartar, also called calculus, forms below and above the gum line. It is rough and porous and can lead to receding gums and gum disease. It must be removed with special tools in the dentist’s office.
Which toothpaste removes tartar?
Sensodyne Tartar Control toothpaste for sensitive teeth works deep inside the tooth to soothe painful tooth sensitivity* and helps keep that pain from coming back while also fighting tartar build-up.