• Dental tools are small to ensure that several will fit into a patient's mouth simultaneously.dentist image by Sandor Kacso from Fotolia.com
  
  Dental tools are often small, as dentists must ensure that several tools can fit into a patient's mouth at the same time. Many dental tools measure under one inch, not including the handle.
  
  

Hand-held Probes

• Hand-held probes are used during examinations to determine the status of the patient's teeth. Hand-held probes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all of which are under one inch, not counting the handle, the most common being a thin sickle. Hand-held probes can detect holes and pits in the teeth. Other common probes are periodontal probes and briault probes.
  
  

Dental Mirror

• A dental mirror is a small, circular and often two-sided mirror that is used during examinations and surgeries to get focused, up-close views inside the patient's mouth. Dental mirrors are used to detect the status of a patient's dental health by showing pits, rotting and/or other visible conditions, as well as give dentists and hygienists various views of the teeth and gums during cleanings and other dental procedures. Many dental mirrors are disposable.
  
  

College Tweezers

• College tweezers are a set of mini tweezers that are used to remove substances from hard-to-reach spots, such as between the patient's teeth or between the teeth and gums. These tweezers are often used before a routine cleaning.