If there is one thing that triggers fear and anxiety in patients when they are scheduled to go to their dentist is the type of tools that professionals may be using during their appointment. But when it comes to dental cleanings, High Point residents should be made aware that there is little to nothing to be scared of when a dental assistant is cleaning your teeth. Even if some notices that a dental professional is going to a different dental tool for the procedure, there is not much of a chance of someone being uncomfortable or in pain because of it. Here are some of the popular tools that dental professionals will be using during a dental cleaning.
Sickle Probes
One of the most notorious dental instruments that scares people the most is one that is not as worrisome as some people make it out to be. When it comes to dental cleanings, High Point dental professionals might use a sharp hooked instrument known as a sickle probe. Most people assume that a dental professional is going to poke or stab them with this utensil, but this is not how the tool is supposed to be used! It is used to scrape tough plaque and tartar off of teeth and also used to test for tooth hardness to determine if tooth decay is present.
Saliva Ejector or Suction Device
Another commonly misrepresented dental tool that is used in regular dental cleanings is known as a saliva ejector. This tool is simply used to remove saliva from your mouth while professionals are working on a patient during dental cleanings. High Point residents might think at first glance that this tool might hurt them in some way, but it is completely harmless. Keep in mind that saliva ejectors come in a few different shapes or configurations, so they may not always look the same, but their functions are the same, and will not hurt anyone.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*