I'm just curious cause it felt like a lot of pressure was being used when probing my teeth, and i have this feeling like a metal pick shoved into a tooth would damage the enamel. Obviously I'm not a dentist but it doesn't feel right.
2007-10-17 16:49:57 · 9 answers · asked by intracircumcordei 4 in Health ➔ Dental
Metal picks are used because of the ease of manufacturing them for the intricate designs and the sanitation.
Plastic and other materials may be difficult to use other than metals. There are various metals available and the hardness can be modified if needed.
2007-10-17 16:57:11 · answer #1 · answered by PJA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The metal "explorer" was invented in the late 1700's, with no scientific evidence of efficacy. There are studies to show that bacteria from a cavity can be transferred to a healthy tooth. The idea of using heavy pressure on the tooth is old school(I teach too). This dentist is using archaic tools when better exist. The use of the "diagnodent" increases the accuracy of decay detection, WHEN used properly. Look for a dentist using 1990's technology and get out of the 1700's!!!
Good Luck!..................I just read Dr. Al's lame nswer, what a dope... his dentistry is in the dark ages.
2007-10-17 16:56:41 · answer #2 · answered by Helen DDS 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only way I can see it is that if they were to use something besides metal, would it break in your mouth and have you wind up choking? I guess it is a safety precaution. Since they are certified Dentists, I am sure they know how to operate a tooth pick :D
2007-10-17 16:53:23 · answer #3 · answered by Brianna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THE METAL PICK IS CALLED A DENTAL EXPLORER.
IF THE ENAMEL IS SOFT IT'S IS DECAYED AND A FILLING MUST BE DONE. HEALTHY ENAMEL IS AS HARD AS GLASS AND WILL NEVER BE DAMAGED BY PICKING.
2007-10-17 17:02:41 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats why the dentists use the picks and not the general public.
2007-10-17 16:53:00 · answer #5 · answered by zeusifer1973 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
now ihave that sound in my head ofwhen they pick at ur teeth with the metal thing. ughhh... it makes my teeth cringe.
2007-10-17 16:52:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Job security! LOL
2007-10-17 16:51:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
job security.
2007-10-17 16:57:24 · answer #8 · answered by Dragonflygirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i believe they use them to remove tarter
2007-10-17 16:58:23 · answer #9 · answered by richard t 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋