Instruments for restorative dentistry

Here, too, treatment begins with diagnostics and an inventory of the patient’s dentition – are there cavities or other anomalies, are all the teeth vital, how healthy is the periodontium? If defects in the teeth and/or inflammation in the root area are detected during the examination, the dentist will correct them with appropriate treatment.

During filling procedures, the original condition of the problematic tooth is restored. Depending on the shape of the cavity, which is classified according to the system of the American dentist Dr. Black, the practitioner treats the diseased tooth differently and uses appropriative restorative instruments.

Enamel hatchets work particularly well when preparing a cavity, especially in difficult-to-reach areas (known as line angles) or when removing hard caries.

This is where Dr. Black’s formula comes into play. This formula is based on the concept of instrument symmetry and consists of three or four numbers. It is useful for making balanced hand instruments that are used to prepare cavities. Instrument symmetry is achieved by keeping the instrument blade within 2 mm of the longitudinal axis of the handle. Exact symmetry is essential to achieve optimal cutting with minimum effort.