Dentist tools are instruments used by dental specialists to provide daily treatments in dental practice. These tools allow them to examine, diagnose, and treat teeth, including fillings and dental restorations.
Dentists around the world use dental instruments as an essential part of their daily work to treat teeth and other oral structures.
What Are the Devices and Tools Used by Dentists?
Examination and Diagnostic Tools:
- Dental chair (Dental unit)
- Dental mirror: Comes in various sizes — large, medium, and small — and is available in both plastic and metal types. Some are anti-fog mirrors, all of which help the dentist get a clearer internal view of the teeth.
- Dental probe (Explorer): This tool has different shapes — straight, curved, or sickle-shaped — and can have one or two working ends.
- Tweezers (Cotton pliers): Available in multiple sizes and angles.
- Sterile plastic gloves: Worn during examination or under dental gloves as an extra protective layer.
- Face masks.
- Medical gauze.
- Cotton rolls.
- Caries detection tools: Includes special dyes and lights that help detect areas affected by tooth decay.
- Pulp testing tools: Devices that emit electrical signals to test the tooth’s nerve response and determine the degree of pulp inflammation.
Oral and Dental Surgery Instruments:
- Local anesthetic and dental syringe.
- Sutures: Available in various types depending on the surgical site — some are resorbable, others non-resorbable, and can be natural or synthetic.
- Needle holders: Resemble scissors but are designed to hold the surgical suture needle.
- Surgical blades: Come in various shapes and sizes.
- Extraction forceps: Specialized for tooth extraction; each tooth or group of teeth has its specific type that fits its shape and size to ensure safe and quick extraction.
- Elevators: Used to loosen or lift teeth using mechanical leverage to facilitate extraction.
- Iodoform gauze.
- Scalpel handle.
- Hemostats.
- Surgical elevators: Used to raise and reflect gum tissue during incision.
- Curettes: Some types are used to remove abscesses beneath inflamed teeth.
- Bone file.
- Chisel.
- Surgical scissors.
- Hemostatic agents (bleeding stoppers).
- Saline solution.
- Bone scrapers and surgical burs: Used to section teeth or remove parts of bone during extractions.
Dental Filling Tools:
- Carriers, burnishers, carvers, condensers, distributors, and amalgam files: These are the tools used for silver amalgam fillings.
- Amalgam fillings and amalgamator machine: Used for mixing filling materials.
- Composite fillings: These are tooth-colored (white) resin fillings, available in various types. Some are semi-liquid for sealing small gaps, others are paste-like and commonly used, available in multiple shades of white to match each patient. There are also special types for posterior teeth (more durable) and anterior teeth (more translucent and aesthetic). All harden using a blue curing light after placement.
- Glass ionomer fillings: Often used when decay is deep, as they stimulate dentin formation beneath them. However, they are temporary due to wear from chewing, though some are resin-reinforced for added durability.
- Pit and fissure sealants: Used to fill natural grooves in teeth to prevent decay.
- Matrix band and retainer: Helps shape the tooth properly during filling placement.
- Caries softener solution.
- Dental drills and burs: Used to remove decayed tooth structure.
- Temporary fillings.
- Articulating paper: Used to check the patient’s bite after filling placement.
Fixed Prosthodontic Tools:
- Wax.
- Tooth preparation burs: Used to shape the tooth for receiving a crown or bridge.
- Dental impression materials: Can be putty-like or digital (electronic scanners).
- Temporary crown or bridge.
- Articulating paper: To check bite alignment after placement.
- Dental cement or adhesive.
- Temporary gingival retraction cord: Used to expose the margin beneath the gum for accurate impressions.
- Dental stone (gypsum).
Removable Prosthodontic Tools:
- Dental impression materials: Both putty and digital types.
- Dental stone.
- Custom impression trays.
Endodontic (Root Canal) Tools:
- Endodontic files and reamers: Metal pins used to clean and shape root canals mechanically.
- Root canal filling materials (Gutta-percha).
- Root canal sealers (adhesives).
- Root canal irrigants: Solutions used for cleaning inside the canal.
- Apex locator: Device used to measure the length of the root canal precisely.
- Thermal obturation devices: For sealing canals with heat.
- Calcium hydroxide.
- Dental cement: Used to seal perforations in the roots or to fill canals completely after cleaning.
Orthodontic Tools:
- Brackets: Hold the orthodontic archwire in place.
- Orthodontic wires.
- Elastic bands (rubber ligatures).
- Molar bands and band holders.
- Separators and separator holders: Used to create space between molars.
- Interarch elastics: Used to correct bite alignment.
- Wire-bending pliers.
- Expander activator: Used to widen spaces between teeth.
- Elastic or metal ties: To close spaces between teeth.
- Metal expanders: To open interdental spaces.
- Space maintainers.
Dental Implant Instruments:
- Implant drilling unit: For drilling into bone to place the implant.
- Saline solution.
- Dental implant and implant driver.
- Implant cover screws: To prevent gum tissue from growing into the implant.
- Temporary implant crowns or abutments.
- Bone graft material (synthetic or natural).
- Surgical tools: Including elevators, scalpels, scalpel handles, and suture holders.
Dental Radiology Materials:
- Periapical X-ray film.
- Bitewing X-ray film.
- Film developing chemicals.
- Digital X-ray sensors and computer system.
- X-ray machine.
How Are Dentist Tools and Devices Sterilized?
During sterilization, the sterilization technician washes all tools thoroughly under running water, then removes debris using a special coarse brush. After cleaning, tools are placed into sterilization pouches that allow the autoclave to sterilize effectively. These pouches have color indicators that confirm when sterilization is complete.
The pouches are then placed inside the autoclave (sterilizer) for one of the following cycles standard cycle: 45 minutes at 121°C, or fast cycle: 15 minutes at 135°C. Both methods ensure complete sterilization of all dental instruments.
How to Choose the Right Dental Clinic Based on Its Equipment
Ensure the clinic uses modern digital equipment such as intraoral scanners and CBCT imaging.
Observe the level of sterilization and cleanliness of tools before treatment.
Ask if the clinic uses single-use disposable tools.
Notice the dentist’s proficiency and how safely the team handles technology.
The presence of a CAD/CAM system is a strong indicator of high-quality dental restorations.
Conclusion
Choosing a dental clinic equipped with modern and comprehensive instruments is not a luxury — it’s essential for ensuring your oral health and personal safety.
At Wonders Dentistry, we use the latest dental tools and technologies to provide you with precise treatments and a safe, comfortable experience.
Restore your confident smile — take your first step with Wonders Dentistry today. Book your consultation now.
