Dental Anatomy and Terminology
Tooth Identification and Classification
Tooth #28 is identified as the lower right first bicuspid, crucial for understanding dental
charts.
Lower centrals and laterals are designated as teeth #23, 24, 25, and 26, which are
essential for identifying anterior teeth.
The mesial of tooth #19 touches the distal part of tooth #20, highlighting the importance
of tooth relationships in dental procedures.
Dental Instruments and Their Uses
The double bow rubber dam clamp is specifically designed for anterior teeth, ensuring
effective isolation during procedures.
Instruments such as the cleoid-discoid and interproximal are used for carving amalgam
after condensation, demonstrating the importance of instrument selection in restorative
dentistry.
The amalgam carrier is essential for transporting filling material, emphasizing the need
for proper tools in dental practice.
Endodontics and Root Canal Treatment
Causes and Diagnosis of Root Canal Needs
A tooth may require root canal treatment due to traumatic blows, extensive decay,
mechanical exposure, or chemical irritation, which are critical factors in dental
assessments.
Useful diagnostic tests include percussion, thermal (hot and cold), and electric pulp
tests, which help determine the vitality of the tooth.
Temporary and Permanent Filling Materials
Common temporary filling materials include cavit, which is widely used in endodontics,
and IRM, which serves as a base under permanent restorations.
, Zinc phosphate cement must be mixed slowly on a glass slab, highlighting the
importance of proper technique in material preparation.
Dental Procedures and Protocols
Infection Control and Safety Measures
Disinfection is the standard method for cleaning work surfaces, crucial for maintaining a
sterile environment in dental practices.
To protect against overexposure to x-rays, it is recommended to leave the room during
exposure, ensuring safety for dental professionals.
Patient Management and Documentation
The health history form is filled out by patients to disclose medical conditions and
allergies, which is vital for safe treatment planning.
The Pre-Estimate form is submitted to insurance companies to determine benefits
before treatment, illustrating the administrative side of dental care.
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Dentistry
Supervision and Responsibilities
Direct supervision requires the dentist to be physically present during procedures
performed by dental auxiliaries, ensuring quality control.
Expanded functions are specific intraoral tasks delegated to auxiliaries, necessitating
additional training and skill.
Legal Framework and Patient Rights
Respondeat superior holds employers liable for employees' actions, emphasizing the
importance of legal accountability in dental practices.
Abandonment occurs when a dentist terminates the patient relationship without
reasonable notice, highlighting ethical obligations to patients.
Preventive Dentistry and Patient Education
Topical Fluoride and Its Importance
Topical fluoride is directly applied to teeth to prevent decay and promote oral health.
The goal of preventive dentistry is to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent dental
diseases.