Scalers

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What part of the sickle instrument is typically pointed?

Middle

Toe

Heel

Tip (correct)

What does the design number associated with a dental instrument signify?

The color of the handle

The shape of the working end

The specific identification of the design (correct)

The grade of material used

Which term describes a cross-section that appears triangular?

Universal

Scaler

Curette

Sickle (correct)

What is the primary purpose of stamping a design name on a dental instrument?

To identify the school or designer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms best describes the working end of a scaler?

Gracey Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of periodontal probes?

To measure periodontal pockets Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of periodontal probes is particularly useful for assessing periodontal health?

Millimeter markings on the probe Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of having a rounded edge on periodontal instruments?

It reduces the risk of tissue trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following instruments is NOT classified as a periodontal instrument?

Syringe Signup and view all the answers

What type of cross-section does an UNC15 probe have?

Rectangular Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of site-specific curettes?

They have a rounded back and toe. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of universal curette?

Lange Signup and view all the answers

For which purpose should site-specific curettes primarily be used?

On subgingival surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the design feature of the shank of site-specific curettes?

Long and complex Signup and view all the answers

Which blade angle is crucial for effective cutting with curettes?

165 degrees Signup and view all the answers

How many working edges do site-specific curettes have per end?

One Signup and view all the answers

What type of surfaces are universal curettes designed to work on?

Both subgingival and supragingival surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the rounded toe on a site-specific curette?

Facilitates access to tight spaces Signup and view all the answers

Which Gracey instrument is specifically designed for the anterior region?

Gracey 5/6 Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Gracey 1/2 working end compared to the 5/6?

It has a smaller working end. Signup and view all the answers

Which Gracey instrument is used primarily for distal surfaces?

Gracey 13/14 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features a rounded toe and is used for multirooted teeth?

Gracey 11/12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cutting edge of the Gracey 9/10?

To enhance accessibility for molars. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Gracey instruments is characterized by its complex shank?

Gracey 9/10 Signup and view all the answers

Which Gracey instrument has a bigger working end than the Gracey 1/2?

Gracey 5/6 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the curved cutting edge of the Gracey 13/14?

Treating mesial furcations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic parts of a periodontal instrument?

Shank, Handle, Working End Signup and view all the answers

What aspect significantly affects the functionality of the shank in periodontal instruments?

Type of bend and length Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes instruments with more than one bend in their shank?

Complex shanks Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the instrument handle can enhance tactile sensitivity?

Thinner construction Signup and view all the answers

What part of the working end is primarily responsible for cutting?

Cutting edge Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a functional aspect of the shank?

Allowing access to specific tooth areas Signup and view all the answers

How is the micro-anatomy of the working end categorized?

Face, Lateral surface, Cutting edge Signup and view all the answers

For which type of dental procedures are simple shank designs typically suited?

Accessing anterior teeth Signup and view all the answers

What ergonomic feature may vary among handles to accommodate clinician preferences?

Weight distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the heel in the working end micro-anatomy?

Facilitating balance and stability Signup and view all the answers

How does the flexibility of shanks influence instrument use?

Allows for better access to roots Signup and view all the answers

Why might a thicker handle be preferred by some clinicians?

It improves instrument control Signup and view all the answers

What type of hand scaling instrument would be more suitable for removing heavy calculus?

Instruments with larger diameter and more rigidity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Instrument Design

Periodontal instruments have three basic parts: the working end, the shank, and the handle.
Handles are ergonomically designed for comfort and grip.
Handles can vary in size, weight, texture, and rigidity based on clinician preference.
Shanks connect the working end to the handle and facilitate access to different areas in the mouth.
Shanks can be simple or complex, with varying degrees of bend and flexibility.
Working ends are the functional part of the instrument and are designed for specific tasks.
Working ends can be classified into types such as sickle, curets, and explorers.

Working End Micro-Anatomy

The working end has micro-anatomical components:
- Face: The flat surface of the blade.
- Lateral surface: The side of the blade.
- Cutting edge: The sharp edge that removes calculus.
- Toe/tip, Middle, and Heel: Anatomical divisions of the working end.

Working End Types

Sickle:
- Pointed tip, single cutting edge, triangular cross-section.
Curets:
- Rounded toe, two cutting edges, semi-circular cross-section.
Universal curets:
- Rounded back, rounded toe, semi-circular cross-section, single cutting edge, and a long, complex shank.
- Can be used on multiple surfaces.
Site specific curets:
- Semi-circular cross-section, one cutting edge per working end, long complex shank, only used on specific surfaces and areas.

Instrument Classification

Instruments have a design name and a design number.
The design name identifies the school or designer of the instrument.
The design number is assigned based on the instrument's design, material, and function.

Periodontal Instruments

Periodontal instruments are used for assessment and deposit removal.
Explorers are used to detect calculus, plaque, and other irregularities.
Sickles are efficient for removing supra-gingival calculus.
Curets are used for sub-gingival calculus removal.

Periodontal Probes

Periodontal probes are used for measuring pocket depths, evaluating tissue health, and locating calculus deposits.
They have rounded or rectangular working ends.
Some probes have millimetre markings for precise measurements.

Blade Angles

Blade angle and tilt are important for efficient and safe calculus removal.
Specific instruments and techniques require unique blade angles.

Site-Specific Curets

Site-specific curets are designed for specific areas of the mouth.
Common examples include Gracey curets.
Gracey curets are classified by their design number and are used on specific teeth and surfaces.

Gracey Curets Examples

Gracey 1/2 and 5/6 are used for anterior teeth.
Gracey 9/10 are used on molars.
Gracey 11/12 and 13/14 are used for multi-rooted teeth.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the design and anatomy of periodontal instruments, focusing on the three main parts: the working end, the shank, and the handle. Learn about the various types of working ends and their micro-anatomy, including components like the face, cutting edge, and types of blades. Test your knowledge on ergonomic design features and the function of these essential dental tools.