This article will cover a range of standard equipment often used at dental practices. At Kew Road Dentist in Richmond, we understand the importance of using cutting-edge equipment to ensure our patients receive the most comfortable treatments with optimal outcomes. The items listed below are just a random selection of dental-related items. A brief description of their purpose and common uses will be provided.
Dental Chairs
Critical for all practices, dental chairs are far more than just regular chairs. They have been designed specifically for dental-related activities. Some of the key attributes that make them so important include:
- Ergonomic Design: Designed to keep both patients and the dentist comfortable. Many areas are adjustable and electronically operated, creating strain-free positioning.
- Patient Comfort: Consisting of comfortable materials, with customisable areas helping to reduce anxiety and relax patients.
- Cleanability: Chairs are made from materials that are easy to clean, non-porous, and stain-resistant. The surfaces are designed to be cleaned easily.
- Motorised and foot control: Often designed so that they can be controlled by foot pedals, allowing dentists to concentrate on the procedure. Motors are designed to be quiet to enhance patient comfort.
- Colour variations: Completely customisable colours allow dental practices to enforce branding whilst using calming tones.
- Durability: They are built using high-quality materials and supports, are in constant use, and are designed to last many years.
Specialist Lighting
LED lights are commonly used for most dental procedures. They can be mounted above seats, on arm rests or attached to the dentist. They come in varying intensity levels and colours.
- Illumination: allows for focused light illuminations to help dentists see better detail.
- Variable light: They can be tailored for different procedures, allowing varying light levels and colours.
- Motion operation: Some can be controlled through motion or voice control.
- No glare: Many modern lights have glare-reducing coatings designed to reduce glare..
- Shadow suppression: Modern designs allow for light scattering, which helps to reduce shadows.
X-ray Equipment
X-ray machines are in constant use; they are vital in helping dentists better understand the following:
- Decay: X-ray machines allow dentists to look beneath the enamel and identify cavities that would otherwise be impossible to see.
- Planning: Creating detailed imagery helps dentists plan their treatments. They can view a detailed outline of teeth, jaws and associated areas.
- Development: Significant for children, X-rays allow dental professionals to analyse development and create preventive treatment plans.
- Bones: Provide detailed information on bone health, including their density and planning treatments (such as dental implants).
Some of the technical advances and selling points of the machines include:
- Radiation shields: Lead and backscatter shields to help protect dentists and patients.
- Full Jaw View: Panoramic complete jaw outline provides a detailed view of the upper and lower jaw.
- Compact Design: Designed to be sleek and compact, lightweight and portable.
- Instant: Instant high-quality imagery with no waiting time.
Ultrasonic Scalers
Ultrasonic scalers are tools dentists use to help remove foreign bodies from teeth, such as plaque and stains. There are two types: magnetostrictive (vibrates) and piezoelectric (uses ceramic discs). Their main benefit over manual scaling is that it reduces patient discomfort, is a less invasive procedure and reduces pressure on the teeth.
- Water irrigation: Water has several purposes: It keeps the scaler's tip cool, cleans the working area, and helps with patient comfort.
- Quicker: Allows for quicker completion of dental procedures, reducing patient anxiety and allowing for additional appointments.
- Various shapes: Scalers have tip types for different tasks. Each one is built specifically for a set purpose.
- Improved cleaning: It delivers a far superior cleaning experience, allowing dentists better access. With 20000-50000 cycles per second, it effectively cleans teeth.
- Reduced fatigue: They are ergonomically built and light to help dentist perform their work.
Saliva Evacuator
The primary purpose of a saliva evacuator is to keep the area of the mouth being worked on dry (improves visibility). It also removes access material from treatments such as fillings or cleaning waste. Patients also benefit as they do not get a build-up of fluid in their mouth that can become uncomfortable.
Loupes (Magnifying Glasses)
Loupes are designed for dentists to use and help magnify their vision during procedures. They are often used in treatments such as fillings, root canals, general inspections and dental care. Depending upon the procedure, loupes can magnify from 2x to over 6x. Loupes are custom-made for the dentist, often with an attached light to further enhance visibility.
Summary
Dental equipment is pivotal in helping dentists and improving patient care and outcomes. We use the latest proven technologies at Kew Road Dental to deliver efficient and effective treatments. If you require further information or want to book an appointment, contact us anytime.