INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL HYGIENE

INSTRUMENTS

Dr. Shahzadi Tayyaba Hashmi

shahzadi@inaya.edu.sa

• An instrument may be defined as a small object which is held in hand e.g mirror, probe, tweezers, excavator and plastic instruments etc

• There are certain types of instruments used in dentistry

INSTRUMENTS

• Examination instruments• Isolation instruments• Cutting instruments• Condensing instruments • Plastic instruments• Finishing and polishing instruments

CATEGORIES OF INSTRUMENTS USED IN DENTISTRY

• Dental mirror• Probe• Excavators• Tweezers

• Cotton pliers

1. EXAMINATION INSTRUMENTS

• Rubber dam• Saliva ejectors• Cotton rolls

2. ISOLATION INSTRUMENTS:

• The word isolation is defined in dentistry as, “ exclusion of moisture and soft tissues from the site of operation for

• achievement of proper vision, • easy access to the site for proper instrumentation,• prevention of injury to the adjacent tissues,• avoiding the salivary contact to the restorative materials• Avoiding the irritation of dental medicaments to the soft

tissues

ISOLATION:

Isolation may be achieved by use of rubber dam which is the best available method while use of

cotton rolls and saliva ejectors are other alternates

• Is a sheet of rubber available in different sizes, thickness and colour• Dark colors are preferred• Rubber dam kit consist of rubber sheets, the punch, the clamps and the

clamp forceps• ADVANTAGES:• Ideal isolation for long time• Irritation to the oral cavity caused by different materials and by the

instrumentation is very much reduced• Small instruments slipped accidentally will not enter to air or food passages

• DISADVANTAGES:• Takes a bit more time• Need more skill for application• May be hesitantly accepted by the patient•  

1. RUBBER DAM:

• Not ideal• Cannot provide proper isolation• Different sizes of cotton rolls are available and are used

according to the need• Rolls are placed to buccal as well as lingual sides

2. COTTON ROLL ISOLATION: