Anterior and posterior sickle scaler, and scaler sharpening

Question 1

List and describe the design characteristics of an anterior sickle scaler

Answer 1

• The anterior sickle scaler has two cutting edges which meet at a pointed tip
• The tip is triangular in cross section
• The anterior sickle scaler has a curved face, and pointed back

Question 2

Define the concept of instrument “Adaption”

Answer 2

Adaption is the correct positioning of the working end against the tooth surface to achieve the most effective calculus removal

USE TIP THRID

Question 3

List the correct order of stroke sequence for the sickle scalers, and describe the steps to an ideal stroke production

Answer 3

1. Placement stroke:
   This stroke is used to position the working end of an instrument at the tip top of a calculus deposit. Light contact is made with the tooth while positioning the working end.
2. Assessment stroke:
   Used with a sickle scaler with a relaxed grip to feel for vibrations to locate then remove the supragingival calculus deposits not visibly evident. Longer, flowing strokes with minimal pressure. When no deposits are detected, air dry and an explorer is used to thoroughly re-assess the tooth surface for any remaining calculus deposits or other irregularities.
3. Calculus removal strokes:
   Used to remove calculus in sections (divide the tooth into 3). Overlapping strokes are used to clean the tooth entirely. This cane be done with sickle scalers and curettes. Strokes are short in length with moderate to firm pressure against the tooth to fracture calculus deposits from its surface

Question 4

List and describe the design characteristics of an Posterior sickle scaler

Answer 4

• Curved back
• Pointed tip, triangular in cross section
• Two cutting edges
* Terminal shank to face is 90 D

Question 5

Discuss and list the advantages for having a sharp sickle scaler (5)

Answer 5

• Easier to remove Calculus
• Less pressure is needed
• A reduced amount of strokes is needed
• Less time so increased patient satisfaction 
* Reduced fatigue for the clinician

Question 6

List the disadvantages of having a dull/blunt scaler (4)

Answer 6

• Calculus is burnished or “smoothed over” not being completely removed
• Increased forced needed
• Increased time needed
* Increased chances of clinician fatigue and injury

Question 7

Describe how to evaluate a scalers sharpness

Answer 7

Vision:
* A sharp cutting edge does does not reflect light, whereas a blunt one does

Tactile evaluation principle:
• A sharp cutting edge will grab or snatch the surface of a sharpening test stick when angled at 60-80 degrees
• A dull cutting edge will slide over the surface of a test stick

Question 8

List 4 types of sharpening stones, their primary use and lubricants

Answer 8

Arkansas:

• Best for routine sharpening
• It has a fine grit
• Mineral oil
• Metal fillings will accumulate in the form of sludge due to oil

Synthetic ceramic:

• Best for routine sharpening
• It has a fine to medium grit
• Only metal shavings will accumulate
• Water

India Synthetic stone (I stone):

• Best for recontouring very blunt instruments
• Fine to medium grit
• Sludge accumulation
• Mineral oil

Diamond sharpening cards:

• Can be used from fine sharpening to recontouring of very blunt scalers
• Extra fine, fine, medium and course grits
• Accumulation of metal shavings
• Water or dry use

Question 9

State how often a clinician should sharpen their scalers both ideally and from a practical perspective

Answer 9

• After each session of use
  • Ideally instruments should be sterilized before sharpening, sharpened, then sterilized again before use
  • Regularly maintained cutting edges only need a few light sharpening strokes

When to Sharpen “practical” options:
• Before every scaling session, using sterile instruments and gloved hands only. A ceramic stone is best as water can be used as a lubricant
• The instrument must be thoroughly wiped after to remove metal shavings

During Treatment:
• Ceramic stone is best as water can be used as a lubricant
• Sharpen slowly with care so as not to cause a sharps injury