Oral Hygiene: Supragingival Calculus Removal

Supragingival Calculus

• Located coronal to the gingival margin, usually found on teeth.
• Ideal angulation for calculus removal is 70 degrees.
• Angulations of 60-90 degrees should be used; greater than 45 degrees but less than 90 degrees is preferred.

Instrumentation Preparation

• Fulcrum finger should be kept straight to support the hand.
• Pressure is applied by the fulcrum finger against the occlusal/incisal surface.
• Index finger and thumb apply inward pressure against the instrument handle.

Instruments for Calculus Removal

• Light supragingival deposits are typically removed with sickle scalers or curets.
• Heavy supragingival deposits are managed with sickle scalers, periofiles, and ultrasonic scalers.

Periodontium Composition

• Comprised of gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone.
• Periodontal ligament attaches alveolar bone to the cementum covering the tooth root.

Angulation Impact

• Angulation greater than 90 degrees can injure surrounding tissues.
• Angulation less than 45 degrees may burnish the outer layer of calculus, making removal difficult.

Techniques for Instrumentation

• Pinch Pressure: Pressure from fingers during modified pen grasp.
• Stabilization (Fulcrum): Preparing for an instrument stroke by locking fingers and applying pressure against the support surface.
• Lateral Pressure: Equal pressure from index finger and thumb against the instrument handle, engaging the cutting edge against the tooth surface.

Pressure Application

• Light touch required for assessment of dental structures.
• Firm pressure necessary for effective calculus removal.
• Less pressure is needed for routine cleaning than for calculus removal.

Importance of Complete Deposit Removal

• Removal of all deposits is crucial; the periodontium will not heal unless all deposits are eliminated.

Stroke Technique

• Short, biting strokes are recommended for effective calculus removal.

This quiz covers the techniques and concepts related to the removal of supragingival calculus, including ideal angulation and the preparation for instrumentation strokes. Test your knowledge on the instruments used and the proper posture for effective dental hygiene practices.