Dentists help their patients take care of their teeth and
gums, and they provide solutions for weak, decayed or missing teeth. Becoming a
dentist requires graduating from an accredited dental school, and although
admission policies vary, most require aspiring dentists to earn a bachelor's
degree first. Following dental school, dentists can complete a residency of one
to two years to specialize in a particular area. It is during dental school and
residencies that dentists learn how to use the tools. Dental
Equipment online needed for patient care.
Equipment
Dentists are trained in the use of dental X-ray machines.
Panoramic X-ray machines take images of a patient's entire mouth at one time,
while intraoral machines can provide images of a single tooth. Dental lasers
can be used to whiten teeth or, in some cases, in lieu of drills. Oral surgery
may require the use of a surgical magnifier or microscope. Dentists also learn how
to use an autoclave to sterilize their tools.
Tools
Dentists use a variety of both manual and power tools.
Dental mirrors allow dentists to see the backs of patients' teeth and those
teeth normally hidden by the cheeks. They use probes to explore suspicious
areas or to remove debris. Dentists use files and rasps to smooth bones or
perform root canals. Scalers remove plaque and tartar. Forceps are used to grip
teeth during extractions.
Prosthetic Equipment
The practice of general dentistry, as well as some
specialties, such as prosthodontics, can require the replacement of missing
teeth or the use of crowns to repair damaged ones. Dentists use a variety of
tools to create impressions so that the substitutes will fit properly.
Impression trays help dentists create templates for bridges and crowns. Wax
knives are sometimes used to carve models. Crown pullers help dentists remove
caps or crowns that have been cemented in place.
Miscellaneous Equipment
Dental procedures need to be safe for both patients and
dentists, so dentists typically wear disposable gloves and may wear masks and
safety glasses. Dentists who administer nitrous oxide -- commonly called
laughing gas -- must learn how to use masks through which the gas is delivered.
Dentists learn how to mix cements for securing crowns and materials used for
fillings. Rubber dams are sometimes used to isolate the tooth on which the
dentist needs to work. Tips and plungers help the dentist accurately place
cement or pack a root canal. Some dentists employ computer technology in their
practice, such as using a small camera to send images of the patient's teeth to
a monitor. Dentists also use suturing equipment and suture scissors to remove
stitches.
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