What Are All Those “Things” In Your Dentist’s Office?

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babylonAn appointment with your dentist can be intimidating, partly because there are so many machines and tools in the office that seem so foreign to many of us. What are they, and what is your dentist going to use them for? Getting an answer to those questions does more than satisfy your curiosity. It gives you a little more comfort about what to expect from your next dental visit.

While dental tools can sometimes look scary, you’ll quickly discover with a little explanation that they’re all designed to avoid pain and give you the cleanest, healthiest mouth possible.

The Basics

Anyone who has ever had a dental cleaning knows a few instruments by sight immediately. The mouth mirror has been designed to comfortably fit into your mouth and show the dentist every angle inside. If you’ve ever tried to look around inside your own mouth, you’ll know it’s a bit cramped and hard to get a good sighting on a lot of corners. The mouth mirror makes it easy for your dentist and comfortable for you to find out what’s going on in there.

The tools a dentist uses to clean and check your teeth include a number of probes, scalers, curettes, and other tools that can look scary but are designed to be similarly convenient, controllable, and comfortable for both parties. These tools allow the dentist to remove hardened plaque called calculus.

Removing that calculus from the mouth and avoiding the mouth filling with saliva requires that suction device that also sprays water. This keeps the dentist’s “working space” tidy and makes sure you don’t swallow all that calculus or choke on your spit.

Finally, you may also have some X-Ray images taken during a normal visit. Your dentist will put a lead cover over you to protect you from the radiation. The images allow your dentist to see what’s going on below the surface, within your teeth, and in your gums, so they can know if there are any serious problems to look out for.

Tools to Fix Bigger Problems

If you aren’t just getting a normal cleaning, you’re probably going to see a few more tools. For instance, if your dentist sees something they don’t like on the X-Ray, you may be asked to create a mould, in which you bite down on a liquid that hardens into a cast of your whole mouth or a particular section. This allows your dentist to see the precise issues with your teeth more clearly so they can make the best choices for your treatment.

If a procedure is likely to cause a lot of pain, your dentist may administer local anesthetic through a syringe right into your gum. This numbing agent allows you to go through the whole operation without pain, making it easier for your dentist to work and also making sure you don’t suffer.

The dental drill often makes patients nervous, but it has a completely benign purpose. It can be used to remove decay so a cavity can be filled, or else to polish the tooth after a procedure. The vibration might feel awkward, but it isn’t hurting your teeth. When the decay around the tooth is soft, a dentist will use a spoon excavator instead of a drill.

Finally, burnishers may be used after a procedure to remove scratches from your tooth and make it look clean, smooth, and good as new.

At Babylon Dental Care our expert hands only work with the highest quality tools in order to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful. We have over 35 years of experience caring for people just like you across New York. Call us at (631) 983-6665 to set up your appointment with us today.

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“This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

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“I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

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“At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

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“I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

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“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

Jessica C

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“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

Joseph S

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“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

Pete R

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“Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

Verona B

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“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

Nick S

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“I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

Scott A

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

Chuck M

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“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

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“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

Cara P

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“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

Regina B

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“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

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“Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

Susan G

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“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

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“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

Elisabeth D

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“Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

Marian P

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

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Gillian W

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Angela P

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“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

Brian K