What are the primary purposes of instruments in minimal invasive dentistry?
To examine, clean, cut and help restore teeth
Instruments include both handheld and rotary types.
List the types of instruments used in minimal invasive dentistry.
- Handheld
- Rotary
- Fiber optic lights
- Caries detection technologies
- Light curing systems
- Modern caries removal systems
- Ultrasonic scalers
- Reusable and single use items
What materials are hand instruments manufactured from?
Medical grade stainless or carbon steel, sometimes tungsten carbide brazed to the cutting edge
This enhances longevity and sharpness.
What constitutes the basic kit for oral examination?
- Mouth mirrors
- Dental probes/explorer
- Locking tweezers
What type of probe is used for periodontal examination?
Blunt/ball ended probes
They assess surface roughness of enamel and occlusal surfaces.
What is the purpose of locking tweezers in dentistry?
To place/remove cotton wool rolls and remove larger pieces of intraoral debris.
What are the types of carious tissue removal instruments?
- Excavators
- Hoes
- Hatchets
Describe the design of a D-hand excavator.
Discoid or ovoid blade sharpened to the cutting edge to remove soft carious dentine and shape occlusal morphology.
What are the functions of chisels, hatchets, and hoes in dentistry?
To remove unsupported enamel and bevel cavity margins.
What are flat plastic instruments used for?
To convey, place and shape plastic materials that do not require heavy pressure.
What is the main function of a condenser in restorative dentistry?
To place restorative materials into cavities under pressure and eliminate voids.
What are carving instruments used for?
To shape/contour occlusal morphology of a final restoration using cutting or scraping action.
What is the purpose of burnishers in dental procedures?
To finish occlusal surfaces of a plastic restoration and eliminate irregularities and voids.
What types of rotary instruments are commonly used?
- Dental drills/handpieces
- Surgical drill bits
- Dental burs
- Stones
- Cutting and polishing discs and tips
What is the rotational speed range of high-speed air turbine handpieces?
250,000 to 500,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).
What precautions are taken to manage heat generation during rotary instrumentation?
Using water spray to dissipate heat and prevent damage to the pulp.
What is the role of finger rests in dental procedures?
To stabilize the operator’s hand and reduce the risk of iatrogenic damage.
Fill in the blank: Tactile sensation plays a vital role while _______ carious tissues.
excavating
True or False: Rotary instruments can create a smear layer that affects adhesion.
True
What is the purpose of using a rubber dam and high volume suction during procedures with rotary instruments?
To limit aerosol generation.
Which instrument is NOT used for caries tissue removal?
Burnisher
Caries tissue removal instruments include hoe, hatchet, and excavators.
