Before a dental clinic or room can be regarded as one, there are certain things it must have in place. Apart from registrations, licenses, and other necessary permits, the pieces of equipment that will be used are a must. Without these pieces of equipment, the dentist won’t be able to carry out his trade.
Therefore, we have decided to compile a list of the must-have pieces of equipment of a dental room/clinic. Having this knowledge will help you if you plan to own a clinic. Also, if you have no intention of owning a dental practice, but you have frequent appointments at one, you will easily be able to assess their level of professionalism. You can check out The Dental Room to see how a professional establishment is set up.
Basic Equipment
These instruments are regarded as basic because they are commonly used and should always be available.
Examination Mirror
This mirror aids the dentist in his examination of the oral cavity of the patient and plays the role of mouth separator. Two vision techniques can be employed when using this mirror. These techniques are direct and indirect viewing.
The size of the mirror is small which makes it very adaptable and versatile. It is a very practical item that cannot be done without.
Probes
Despite their scary look, these items are used to examine and explore a patient’s mouth. There are different types of probes used by dentists and they have different functions. For example, the scanning probe is used to check caries and bacterial plague levels. The sickle probe, on the other hand, is used in locating cavities as well as other dental issues. The dentist uses the periodontal probe as a measurement for a periodontal pocket: They are also used to detect issues like gum recession.
Pliers
Yep, dentists also use pliers. However, they aren’t as thick or large as regular pliers used by an electrician. Various types of pliers are employed in dentistry and carry out a wide range of functions. They are used particularly in orthodontics. In the lab, they are used to bend hooks, cut dowels and wires, etc. Sometimes, they are used for cutting plaster.
Forceps
Forceps are used in the field of dentistry for multiple tasks. This is because there are different types which include ligatures, surgical, and hemostatic forceps. Some of the tasks they are used for include tissue separation, holding tissues together, suturing tissues, and moving small items out of or to the patient’s oral cavity.
Rotary Equipment
These instruments are those with rotation movements that can move at varying speeds to rotate a dental bur that is located at its tip. These pieces of equipment required a connection to the hose of other equipment for them to be operational. The couplings are of different kinds, but they are dependent on the connection type.
Turbines
This rotary device is moved as a result of air compression that comes from the connected hose thanks to the coupling in place. When compared to other rotary devices, the speed of turbines is the highest. Ironically, its torque is the lowest. Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_drill#Torque to learn about the torque of dental handpieces.
This device is suitable for any job that demands more resistance when administering the treatment. An example is the removal of hard tissue such as prosthetics material or enamel from a patient’s tooth.
Micromotors
They are employed to treat dental issues that are semi-hard. They make use of a variable coupling system to connect to the equipment’s hose. Their speeds, as well as torques, vary. There are two instrument types that one can place on micromotors: contra-angle and straight handpieces.
Contra-Angle Handpieces
These instruments have low sped but high torques. They are used for removing decaying material, fillings removal, and preparation of crowns or cavities. Furthermore, they are used for finishing and polishing dental as well as restorative surfaces.
Straight Handpieces
When compared to other rotary instruments, the speed of these devices is the lowest with a range of 20,000 to 40,000 rotations per minute (RPM). Unlike the other rotary devices, they aren’t used within the oral cavity; rather, they help in prosthesis refining. These devices aren’t utilized independently but always placed on a micromotor. Interestingly, they may carry light or they may not.
Small-Sized Appliances
Light Curing Lamps
They are used on materials such as composites and adhesive to carry out light curing processes. They function using UV (ultraviolet) light capable of polymerizing and hardening such materials quickly.
Apex Locators
These appliances measure the frequency, resistance, and impedance of materials that are around it to determine the root’s canal working length.
Large Machinery and Appliances
Autoclaves
This machine is used for proper sterilization. Class B autoclaves can provide steam that will reach a high temperature of over 100°C. Click here to watch the sterilization process of dental instruments using an autoclave.
X-Rays
The importance of this machinery cannot be overemphasized. The dentist uses it to carry out radiographic tests to determine the extent of the dental issue.
Furniture
Although the furniture in dental clinics will vary, three pieces of furniture must always be present.
Cabinet Lamps
You cannot do without a cabinet lamp. They consist of a bendable head and arm with a concaved surface that allows the reflection of LED or halogen light. The Kelvin temperature of this light must be natural.
Medical Stools
When purchasing this stool, the dentist has to consider ergonomics. This will prevent any posture-associated issues in the future.
Dental Chairs (Dental Unit Optional)
A dental chair will be needed where patients will be treated. You can choose to get the chair alone or you can get the complete dental unit which includes the regular handpiece equipment such as turbine, straight handpiece, micrometer, ultrasound, etc. Some models come with other items such as autoclaves, control panels, etc.
Consumables
These pieces of equipment are used daily and are easily disposed of after use. Some of these items are listed below:
- Latex Gloves
- Composites
- Bib Napkins
- Endodontic Instruments
- Burs
- Sutures
- Orthodontics
Conclusion
With all that we have listed above, you can now determine how professional your dentist is the next time you have an appointment.