Instrument Design And Recognition Flashcards
Three basic parts of instrument
Working end
Shank
Handle
Structure of dental instrument handle
Ergonomic (looks after clinician)
Evenly weighted
Flexibility/rigidity (dependent on handle type)
Textures (mesh, dots, metal, silicone)
What shank type forms the bent section nearest working end?
Lower terminal shank
What type of shank extends from 1st bend from handle, up to working end?
Functional shank
What is a simple shank and where is it used?
Not many bends, pretty straight.
Anterior teeth
What is a complex shank and where is it used?
More bends than a simple shank to aid with access.
Posterior teeth.
What scaler has a pointed tip?
Sickle scaler
What scaler has a rounded toe end?
Curette
Micro anatomy of the working end
Face/back
Lateral surface
Cutting edge
Toe/tip
Middle and heel
What creates the cutting edge(s)
1 or 2 lateral surfaces + face = cutting edges
What surface of the scaler do you use to debride
Cutting edges
What section of the instrument does most of the work
First 3mm of cutting edge
Structure of a sickle scaler
Triangular
Pointed back
Blade 90 degrees towards shank
2 cutting edges
Cutting edges meet at pointed tip
Structure of universal curette
Rounded back
Semi circular in cross section
Blade 90 degrees towards shank
2 cutting edges
Cutting edges meet at rounded toe
Spoon shaped working end
Assessment periodontal instruments
Periodontal probes
Explorers
Structure of periodontal probes
Rod shaped working end
Smooth round tip
Round or rectangle in cross section
Instrument of measuring or evaluation
Structure of explorers
Fine, wire like working end
Sharp point
Circular in cross section
Caries detection
Used to determine location and extent of calculus deposits
More flexible shank
What is a simple sickle scaler?
H6/7
What sickle scaler has a bigger shank and more complex?
M23
Where should sickle scalers be used?
Supra gingival, in gingival sulcus, not on root surfaces.
Where can universal curettes be used?
Supra and sub gingivally, light to moderately sized calculus (better suited for sub).
Can be inserted into periodontal pockets without causing trauma due to rounded shape.
Structure of site specific curettes
Rounded back
Rounded toe
Semi circular in cross section
One cutting edge per working end
Long and complex shank design
Degree of blade on a gracey curette
70 degrees
What gracey curettes are site specific to incisors
Gracey 1/2 (grey)
Gracey 5/6 (yellow)
