Essential Dental Hygienist Tools: A Guide for Professionals
Do you have cavities? If so, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 46% of children in the US have dental caries that are either untreated or require restoration. However, many of the dental conditions can be prevented if proper teeth hygiene is maintained. For this purpose, the services of a dental hygienist should be sought who has the essential dental hygienist tools to perform preventive dental care.
Dental hygienists enhance the overall health of the patient’s teeth
In this article, we will explore the tools used by dental hygienists and the various tasks they perform. In addition, some of the well-known dental care brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
Who are Dental Hygienists?
Dental hygienists are oral healthcare experts who are trained to clean the teeth thoroughly to prevent the incidence of dental infections and other oral diseases. They work alongside the dentists and ensure that the patient’s teeth as well as gums remain healthy.
What are the Dental Hygienist Tools?
Although dental hygienists do have the expertise and training regarding good dental care, half of the job is done with the essential dental hygienist tools. These are a collection of professional instruments that add to the capability of dental hygienists and also make the patient comfortable during the cleaning procedure.
Essential Dental Hygienist Tools
The following are some of the widely used dental hygienist tools that help clean the teeth and oral cavity and prevent disorders:
1. Ultrasonic Scalers
Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened, yellowish deposition on the teeth that is formed due to improper removal of bacteria while brushing. As this calculus is the cause of numerous gum and tooth diseases, its removal is necessary by professional means.
Ultrasonic scalers are power-driven instruments that are used to remove these calculua deposits. The instrument uses high-frequency vibrations that are between the ranges of 25,000 to 45,000 cycles per second that impact the calculus deposits until they are shattered. Moreover, the instrument also helps create a cavitation effect that disturbs the bacterial colonies around the teeth.
2. Scalers and Curettes
Scalers and curettes are manual, handheld dental hygienist tools that are used for removing dental plaque as well as tartar or calculus. The scalers are ideal for removing the plaque from the teeth surface while curettes have a curved design for cleaning the area below the gumline. The key differences between both of these have been enlisted in the given table:
| Features | Scalers | Curettes |
| Tip Shape | Pointed | Rounded or curved |
| Cross-section | Triangular | Semi-circular |
| Use | Supragingival or teeth surface scaling | Subgingival scaling (below the gumline) and root planning |
3. Periodontal Probes
Periodontal probes are thin dental instruments with blunt ends that are used to check the overall health of the gums as well as the tissues surrounding the teeth. These are also employed to measure the depth of the space between the gums and the tooth to assess how severe a dental disease is.
In addition, these probes are also helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of the treatments being given for periodontal diseases.
Oral care keeps the patients healthy and protected from infections
4. Dental Mirrors
Dental mirrors are one of the basic dental hygienist tools that every hygienist keeps in the office. These are handheld instruments that are used to visualize the hidden corners and crevices within the mouth. These have long handles with almost a quarter-sized mirror at one end. This way, every part of the teeth can be checked thoroughly and treatment can be given accordingly.
5. Dental Explorers
Dental explorers are hook-shaped dental hygienist tools that are thin and sharp at the tip. These are employed by hygienists to examine plaque, cavities, calculus, as well as other dental irregularities. These are helpful as they allow the visualization of minor issues in the oral cavity which often go unnoticed.
These dental hygienist tools are used simply by putting them on the rough spots on the teeth. The sharp edge of the instrument indicates if there is a pit in the teeth or if the area has become softer due to decay.
6. Digital Imaging Devices
Digital imaging devices are one of the essential dental hygienist tools that capture digital X-rays of the teeth. The device can take pictures of teeth as well as jawbones. In addition, soft tissues around the teeth and gums can also be visualized. This way, oral health can be thoroughly examined. Some of the leading models of these digital imaging systems offer the following advantages:
- High-definition image capturing
- Cordless camera allows single-handed operation
- Integration with practice management software
- Consistent imaging with illumination systems
7. Magnification Loupes and Headlights
Another important item in the list of essential dental hygienist tools is the magnifying loupes and headlights. As these magnifying loupes have a magnification of around 2.5X to 4.5X, these are capable of revealing the smallest details within the oral cavity which are often skipped while examination with the naked eye.
In addition, the complementary LED headlights provide consistent illumination in the oral cavity without producing shadows that could hinder the vision.
8. Dental Dams
Dental dams or rubber dams are sheets that are fixed within the oral cavity. The purpose of their use is to isolate a specific dental area from the rest during a dental procedure. This way, the dam acts as a barrier and protects the surrounding tissues from getting accidentally damaged. In addition, contamination due to exposure to saliva, blood, and other debris is also prevented.
9. Polishing Systems
The polishing systems are the devices used for removing dental stains. These are specialized tools that smoothen and refine the surface of the teeth. These dental hygienist tools serve several purposes including removing dental plaque, reducing surface imperfections, as well as enhancing the teeth aesthetics.
10. Saliva Ejectors
Saliva ejectors, also known as spit suckers, may sound gross but are helpful during oral procedures. These instruments are based on a disposable tube that resembles a curved straw and work by sucking the collected saliva out of the oral cavity when the hygienist or dentist is performing a procedure. This way, the oral cavity remains clear and the chances of drooling are avoided which makes the patient uncomfortable.
Dental mirrors allow the visualization of hard-to-reach areas within the oral cavity
Dental Hygienist Tools at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Dental and oral hygiene is important as poor oral health has been linked to a number of diseases. In this regard, apart from visiting a dentist, regular dental cleaning should also be scheduled with a dental hygienist. They use some of the essential dental hygienist tools to keep the teeth clean and healthy.
When it comes to learning about dental hygienist tools, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
HU-FRIEDY CP-12 Color-Coded Periodontal Probe PCP128
US$37.88
Product Details
The HU-FRIEDY CP-12 color-coded periodontal probes are the devices that have been designed for accurate periodontal pocket depth measurements. These are also considered ideal for the assessment of gingivitis. The probe has a single-ended tip design that comes with an ergonomic #8 ResinEight handle. This resin-based handle allows a secure grip and makes the dental hygienist comfortable during the procedure.
Moreover, these HU-FRIEDY CP-12 dental hygienist tools have a Qulix probe with color-coded markings. These markings do not chip, fade, or flake over extensive use and, therefore, ensure long-term readability as well as precision over the years. The tip of these instruments is constructed using stainless steel that offers precise tactile sensation as well as high durability.
Furthermore, these HU-FRIEDY color-coded periodontal probes are CP-12 which refers to the specific probe design with markings at 3, 6, 9, as well as 12 mm. The primary function of these devices is to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets or gingival sulcus. In addition, the product is also useful for assessing the effect of medications on the teeth and gums.
HU-FRIEDY SNEV1/H58 Scaler Nevi DE 1/H5
US$52.88
Product Details
HU-FRIEDY SNEV1/H58 scaler Nevi DE 1/H5 are the double-ended or DE products with a size 1 tip and an H5 tip. This particular design helps the device to work on the calculus over the teeth surface and remove it effectively. The tip is #1 Nevi which is elongated in design and has a disk shape. This type of tip is excellent for the removal of anterior lingual stains.
Moreover, these HU-FRIEDY SNEV1/H58 scalers come with the H5 tip that has a curved blade to ease cleaning near the cervical anterior areas as well as interproximal corners. The handle is #8 ResinEight which is lightweight, has a large diameter, and an ergonomic design. The product provides comfort and stability as it eases handling.
Furthermore, these HU-FRIEDY SNEV1/H58 scalers are made up of high-quality stainless steel. Therefore, the instrument can be autoclaved to sterilize it after every use.
HU-FRIEDY EverEdge 2.0 Gracey Curette 1/2R SG1/2R9E2
US$57.88
Product Details
HU-FRIEDY EverEdge 2.0 Gracey curettes are double-ended scalers that are area-specific. These are highly effective when employed for periodontal debridement as well as removal of the subgingival calculus. The tip of these dental hygienist tools is a Gracey 1/2R tip design that also has a 70-degree offset blade. This helps scaling as well as root planning.
Moreover, these HU-FRIEDY EverEdge 2.0 Gracey curettes have a #9 handle that provides a cushioned grip to the hygienist. The instrument can be subjected to sterilization due to its stainless steel-based construction.
COLTENE 60034427 HySolate Latex Dental Dam 6×6
US$28.88
Product Details
COLTENE 60034427 HySolate latex dental dams are powder-free, low-protein solutions that are highly effective for infection control. These are also employed for retraction as well as isolation during dental procedures. Their construction material is natural rubber latex. To further reduce the risk of latex hypersensitivity, the product is kept powder-free.
Moreover, these COLTENE 60034427 HySolate latex dental dams allow a dry operation field by acting as a barrier in the oral cavity. The lighter color of these dams aids the natural illumination of the operating field. In addition, the risk of patient aspiration as well as swallowing of any material is also minimized.
*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Teeth care and whitening also increase the patient’s self-esteem
The dental hygienist tools mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of dental care products.
Conclusion
Dental hygiene, if compromised, becomes the cause of many infections as well as other diseases. These infections can proceed from the oral cavity and spread into other parts of the body as well. Therefore, keeping the teeth clean is essential. In this regard, visiting a dental hygienist is your best choice.
These are the experts who use different dental hygienist tools including scalers, mirrors, probes, headlights, etc. to view and clear out the inside of the oral cavity. As a result, both major and minor spots, soft areas, as well as infectious points get caught easily followed by proper treatment. This way, oral hygiene can be maintained in a way that a person’s overall health also becomes better.
Considering their importance, dental hygienist tools should be kept in bulk in dental care facilities so that the flow of patients can be accommodated. For purchasing different types of dental hygienist tools, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
Medtronic Medical Devices Available at Health Supply 770: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
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