Loupes, Lasers, and Other Cool Tools in the Dental Office
21 Nov 2016
Technology Makes Your Dental Visit Fun!
Going to the dentist? While you’re in the chair, keep your eyes open for some cool new technology and some tried and trues!
Dental Loupes
Have you noticed your dentist’s head-gear? Those giant magnifying lenses peering into your mouth are called loupes. Dentists and jewelers use them for the precision work they do. Some come equipped with headlamps and adjustable magnification. Dentists work in fractions of millimeters. These loupes are an awesome tool to ensure perfection down to the nanometer!
Lasers
Lasers are nothing new to dentistry, but their use is expanding. There are different dental lasers for different jobs from whitening to periodontal surgery, and their use is the future of dentistry is just growing!
Digital X-Rays
Pay attention at your next visit when your x-rays are being taken. Instead of having your films run through a processor that takes minutes, digital x-rays allow the image of your teeth to appear immediately on a screen! Digital x-rays use less radiation, no chemicals, and no actual film! Good for your body and the environment!
Curing Light
Have you ever wondered about that bright blue light that is shined in your mouth? It’s a UV curing light. Many dental materials are light-curable to allow for shaping of the material while it is in putty form, before hardening it with a light.
The Explorer
Not as exciting to look at, but still vital for diagnosing your teeth is the dental explorer. Named for its purpose, the explorer has a very fine tip that is used to explore the surfaces of your teeth.
The Periodontal Probe
Your hygienist uses a probe to measure the distance from the edge of your gums to where they attach to the teeth. The probe is simply a tiny ruler for your gums! It is also able to find bleeding points and inflammation. Sometimes the simplest of tools are the best for the job.
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