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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!

 

 

Dentist goggles, protective glasses in dentist's office. Dentistry. Dental loupes.

 

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.

 

 

Dental curing 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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