Dental Instruments

Question 1

Curette

Answer 1

Used for subgingival removal of calculus and root planing; can also be used supragingivally; has a rounded back and tip

Question 2

Elevator

Answer 2

Used for breaking down the periodontal ligament with pressure and leverage

Question 3

Luxator

Answer 3

Used for breaking down/cutting the periodontal ligament; not used for leverage

Question 4

Extraction Forceps

Answer 4

Used to extract (pull out) the tooth after the periodontal ligament has been
broken down

Question 5

Probe

Answer 5

Has a blunted tip; inserted into gingival sulcus to measure pocket depth and
evaluate mobility

Question 6

Polisher

Answer 6

Removes plaque and smoothes the scaled tooth surface; used with prophy paste and done on slow speed (not faster than 1000 rpm or may cause thermal damage)

Question 7

Scaler

Answer 7

Used for supragingival removal of calculus (NOT subgingival due to sharp tip)