Curette descriptions

Question 1

Instrument description of ‘the point scaler’

Answer 1

The term point scaler encompasses all scaling
instruments whose working blade converges to a point. Within this group are
curved sickle scalers, straight sickle scalers (jacquettes) and other
instruments, which are modifications of these patterns. A point scaler is
included in the scaling kit (mini sickle) and this has a curved blade, which is
triangular in cross-section, with two cutting edges which converge to a sharp
point

Question 2

Area of application for ‘the point scaler’

Answer 2

All buccal and lingual embrasure areas, supragingivally

and also immediately below the gingival margin.

Question 3

Usage of ‘the point scaler’

Answer 3

The scalers are manipulated so that the point always moves towards
and into the embrasure.

Question 4

Limitations of ‘the point scaler’

Answer 4

Deeper subgingival use is prevented by the sharp point of the
sickle, which would tend to groove the root surface or lacerate the pocket wall.

Question 5

Instrument description for the hoe

Answer 5

The hoe has a blade set at a 100° angle to the shank
and the cutting edge is beveled at 45°. Hoes are shaped to permit access and
designed to slip into the pocket. A set of four hoes is required to give access to
all tooth surfaces. In the scaling kit there are two, double-ended hoes

Question 6

Usage for the hoe

Answer 6

The hoe is used mainly for removing subgingival calculus and the cutting edge should be angulated at 90° to the tooth surface (Fig. 6). Ensure
correct angulation is established before activating your pull stroke. This contact provides leverage and control for breaking off heavy deposits. The hoe should be used in overlapping strokes.

Question 7

Area of application for the hoe

Answer 7

all surfaces of all teeth. The hoe is useful for dislodging

tenacious calculus deposits.

Question 8

Limitations for the hoe

Answer 8

In particularly narrow pockets the hoes are restricted in access by
their bulk and often the curette is more effective in this situation. The hoe must
be properly seated to avoid gouging the root surface with the corner of the
blade; subsequent grooves in root surface could be mistaken for subgingival
calculus.