1. Mr. Caputo Unit #1 Lesson #3
Dental Instruments
Mr. Caputo
Unit #1 Lesson #3

2. Today’s Class
Driving Question: How can a dental assistant identify instruments being used during a procedure?
Learning Intentions: We will be able to state the names, features, and functions of various dental hand and rotary instruments.
Anchor: During a dental visit what does the instrument set-up look like? Explain

3. Introduction to Unit #1
This unit the student is introduced to dental instruments, both hand and rotary. Dental hand instruments may all appear different, but they all have the same basic components, whereas the working ends are designed to meet the various functions. Hand instruments are identified by instrument number formulas. Rotary instruments, including handpieces, burs, and attachments, are designed for different purposes. Burs, like hand instruments, have a basic design and are identified by numbers. Because there are so many different instruments, dental offices must practice a method of instrument organization. Preset trays, cassettes, and tubs are all used to increase efficiency in instrument care, storage, and use.

4. Introduction to Unit #1
The upcoming lessons focus on the form and function of dental hand instruments. Hand instruments have three basic parts, the handle, shank, and working end. Each working end is different. To help identify the instruments, a three- or four-number formula created by G.V. Black is used. Hand instruments are also categorized by function, including examination, operative/restorative, and adjunctive. Every procedure tray setup begins with the “basic setup,” which includes the mouth mirror, explorer, and cotton pliers.

5. Dental Instruments Include those used in the oral cavity:
by manual hand implementation
through use of mechanical devices
DA must know all instrument names and how they are utilized in order to effectively prepare for dental procedures

6. Functions of Hand Instruments
Explore
Cut
Carve
Place
Condense

7. Basic Components of Dental Hand Instruments
Courtesy Hu-Friedy

8. Handle Designed to give stable grip and leverage
Round, hexagonal, serrated, smooth, or padded
Ring finger of operator’s hand acts as a fulcrum
Dentist signals dental assistant when an instrument is to be passed
DA should grasp new instrument at non-working end between thumb and forefinger in a pen grasp close to treatment area and parallel to current instrument being used

9. Shank
Tapered and may be straight, mono-angled (one angle), bi-angled (two angles), or triple-angled (three angles)
Connects handle to working end of the instrument
Angle is designed so that a specific area in the mouth can be reached with that particular instrument

10. Working End

11. Double-Ended Hand Instruments
Courtesy Hu-Friedy

12. G. V. Black’s Categories of Instruments
Cutting (hand and rotary)
Condensing
Plastic
Finishing and polishing (hand and rotary)
Isolation
Miscellaneous

13. G. V. Black’s Instrument Formula

14. Major Categories of Dental Instruments
Examination
Operative/restorative
Adjunctive
sterile dental instruments are always organized on the tray in their sequence of use from left to right, or from closest to patient to farthest from patient
first instrument closest to patient is always the mouth mirror, which is the primary instrument in every dental setup

15. Dental Examination Instruments
Designed to be used specifically for examining teeth and oral tissues
Used to examine the tooth or other structures during initial oral diagnosis or after placing a restoration
Basic examination setup:
mouth mirror
explorer
cotton pliers
periodontal probe
articulating paper
2 x 2 gauze squares

16. Mouth Mirror
May be plane glass mirrors, magnifying mirrors, or front-surface mirrors
Available in metal, fiberglass, or disposable plastic
Metal mouth mirrors are designed as cone and socket so mirror head can be replaced when necessary
Most common sizes are numbers 4 and 5
Uses of mouth mirror
allow for indirect vision, reflect light into dark areas of mouth, retract soft tissues of tongue, cheek, and lips

17. Explorers
Sharp, pointed metallic instruments designed so various surfaces of the teeth may be conveniently reached with tip
Double-ended explorers may be combination of shapes with different style at each end
Varieties include: shepherd’s hook, pigtail, and right angle

18. Uses of Explorers What is the difference between supragingival
Locating caries and enamel defects on tooth surfaces
Locating supragingival and subgingival calculus
Locating faulty margins on dental restorations
What is the difference between supragingival
and subgingival calculus?

19. The Shepherd’s Hook, Pigtail Explorer, and Right-Angle Explorer
Courtesy Hu-Friedy

20. Cotton Pliers
Tweezer-like metallic instruments available as locking or nonlocking
Working end consist of two tapered opposing portions
Supplied with serrated or smooth beaks
Courtesy Hu-Friedy

21. Uses of Cotton Pliers
Handling small cotton pellets, cotton rolls, small instruments
Handling small items placed into or withdrawn from mouth
Carrying medications
Transporting items from drawers and containers in treatment room to avoid cross-contamination

22. Periodontal Probes Determine depth and outline of soft tissue pockets
Used with light pressure to probe root contours when exploring for calculus and root roughness
Single-ended or double-ended
Slender, tapered, flat or cylindrical
Indentations or color markers spaced in millimeters
Expro: periodontal probe on one end and #17-right angle explorer on other end

23. Double-Ended Periodontal Probe and Single-Ended Periodontal Probe
Courtesy Hu-Friedy

24. Homework #1
Bring classroom contract back signed