Have you ever wondered what’s on that tray your dental hygienist pulls up next to the chair when you’re getting your teeth cleaned? There are over a dozen tools at their disposal to help keep your teeth healthy. Learn some of the more commonly used tools at Today’s Dentistry in Knoxville, TN below.
Dental Hygienist Tools
Mirror
The mirror is the most important tool the hygienist uses because it allows them to see your teeth at multiple angles. These small, rounded mirrors help us see your teeth and use our other tools effectively.
Probe
Probes look like hooks and are used to check gum health and measure pocket depths around a tooth. There are multiple probes that are each designed to detect specific oral health issues.
Scaler
The scaler is what actually scrapes away plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is the tool that you probably wish we had to use less, but offers several benefits to your oral health!
Curette
A curette scrapes tartar from underneath the gums. It has a rounded, spoon-shaped end with a hole in it, and this allows the hygienist to remove dental calculus, which is a hard deposit at the base of the teeth.
Polisher
This tool is what we use at the end of your cleaning to make your teeth shiny and bright. This removes surface level stains and makes teeth smooth after being scaled.
Suction
Your hygienist likely uses a suction tool to remove saliva from the mouth while your teeth are cleaned. This eliminates the need for you to spit over a sink and helps us keep your teeth dry when necessary, such as during a filling procedure.
Taking Care of Your Oral Health in Knoxville, TN
We know that a trip to the dentist isn’t usually at the top of your to-do list, but scheduling regular dental exams offers several key benefits to your oral health. Once plaque has hardened on the teeth, it cannot be removed by brushing alone. Your at-home oral hygiene routine, when supplemented by professional cleanings and exams every 6 months, can help you prevent tooth decay for a lifetime.
Schedule your appointment with Today’s Dentistry online today or call our office at (865) 219-3622.
