Periodontal Instruments

Question 1

Used in the anterior region to remove supragingival calculus deposits

Answer 1

anterior sickle scaler

Question 2

Can anterior sickle scaler go sub G?

Answer 2

NO; pointed toe more likely to injure tissue

Question 3

When adapting the anterior sickle scaler, how should the shank and handle be oriented?

Answer 3

parallel to the long axis of the tooth

Question 4

When adapting an instrument, what part is in contact with the teeth?

Answer 4

the tip, terminal 1/3

Question 5

What is proper angulation for the anterior sickle scaler? What will result if you have over/under angulation?

Answer 5

45-90 degrees; burnished calculus for both, tissue laceration for over angulation

Question 6

When do you sit for surfaces towards you for anterior teeth?
Away from you?
What is the exception?

Answer 6

• toward = 8 o’clock
• away = 11-12 o’clock
• exception = facial surfaces of maxillary anteriors

Question 7

Where is the posterior sickle scaler used?

Answer 7

interproximal regions of posterior teeth, both supra- and subgingival
(not designed for scaling deep periodontal pockets)

Question 8

Correct orientation for posterior sickle scaler?

Answer 8

terminal shank parallel to the long axis of the tooth

Question 9

Do you scale the buccal and lingual surfaces with posterior sickle scaler?

Answer 9

NO

Question 10

What is the name for the periodontal explorer?

Answer 10

ODU 11-12

Question 11

Uses of periodontal explorer.

Answer 11

• to detect subG calculus and tooth irregularities
• allows clinician to assess the amount of calculus prior to removal
• used to evaluate root surfaces following calculus removal

Question 12

What is the correct working end of the periodontal explorer?

Answer 12

tip “curves” towards the mesial of the tooth

Question 13

Do you flip explorer for distal surfaces?

Answer 13

no, you offset

Question 14

Universal curette for posterior teeth, short terminal shank.

Answer 14

Columbia 13/14

Question 15

Universal curette for posterior teeth, long terminal shank (used for deep pockets).

Answer 15

4R/4L

Question 16

Universal curette for with smoother curving shank. (maybe for anteriors?)

Answer 16

McCall’s 17/18

Question 17

Where can universal curettes be used?

Answer 17

all surfaces of all teeth! (universal)

Question 18

What is the ideal stroke for using a universal curette across a tooth surface (especially direct buccal/lingual)

Answer 18

oblique and overlapping

Question 19

Perio probe is most important instrument for what?

Answer 19

assessing and diagnosing periodontitis

Question 20

A Nabers probe is used to?

Answer 20

evaluate the bone support in the furcation areas of bifurcated and trifurcated teeth

Question 21

What probe is in the perio kit at UMKC SoD? What is the other one?

Answer 21

Marquis probe (markings every 3mm); UNC-12 (markings every 1mm)

Question 22

What is the exception for perio probe being parallel to long axis of tooth?

Answer 22

interproximal space due to gingival col

Question 23

6 sites probing depths are recorded.
If there are multiple depths within a region, which is recorded?

Answer 23

• DF, F, MF, DL, L, ML
• deepest reading obtained is recorded