dental unit to irrigate the treatment site with water or water spray. The tip of the three-way syringe rotates easily to direct the water, spray, or air at the specific treatment sites. The tip disconnects to allow for sterilization.
When you irrigate treatment sites during surgical procedures, you will use a sterile saline solution or sterile water as the irrigation solution. Sterile saline or sterile water is applied by using a bulb-type or Luer (piston-barrel) syringe. The main purpose for irrigation during surgical procedures is to keep a clean treatment site. The cleansing is not complete until the irrigating solution is aspirated from the mouth.
Aspiration is necessary to remove blood, pus, saliva, and debris from the treatment site and oral cavity. This is done by using the high-volume evacuator (HVE) or saliva ejector. Figure 4-36 illustrates the reverse palm grasp and modified pen. grasp that should be used when you are using the HVE. As the dental assistant, you must assure that a sterile or disposable tip is in place for each patient. When using either of these, always place the tip in the upright position before turning the aspiration off. This helps prevent materials from dripping out or clogging the hoses. You must also clean and maintain the evacuation system as instructed in the manufacturer's operation and maintenance instructions.
Figure 4-36. - Reverse palm grasp and modified pen grasp using an HVE.
Operative dentistry strives to restore decayed or fractured teeth to their original functional ability and esthetic quality of healthy dentition. In general, procedures include the following:
Determining the procedure to be done
Administering anesthesia
Placing a rubber dam
Preparing the cavity or cavities to be filled
Placing filling material into prepared cavity preparations
Carving and finishing restorations
Smoothing and polishing restorations
As an assistant in operative dentistry, you will perform many of the basic clinical procedures discussed earlier, such as:
Preparing the dental treatment room (DTR)
Performing proper infection control procedures
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
Selecting and arranging instruments and materials required for the procedure
Receiving and preparing the patient
Preparing local anesthetic
Irrigating and aspirating throughout the procedure
Retracting tissue to maintain a clear field of vision
Preparing and assisting with the placement of the rubber dam
Preparing, passing, and receiving instruments and materials Figure 4-37 illustrates a typical selection and arrangement of instruments for a routine operative procedure. Items should be arranged in sequential order of the procedure to proceed smoothly without delay.
For the necessary treatment procedures to proceed smoothly and without delay, you need to understand some basic terminology and classification of cavities.
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