This invention is directed to a dental instrument and the use of this dental
instrument to measure deposits and other imperfections on a tooth surface. The
dental instrument has an elongated portion and on at least one end a general curvature
portion. The general curvature portion will have the general curvature of a posterior
tooth or an anterior tooth. Preferably it also will be marked with measured segments.
By placing the general curvature portion against a tooth a deposit or imperfection
on a tooth can be measured. In a preferred embodiment the dental instrument will
have a general curvature portion in each end; the general curvature on one end
being for posterior teeth and the general curvature on the other end being for
anterior teeth. When measuring plaque and related deposits a dye solution can be
used to make the deposit more visible.
