Hand Instruments Flashcards
The “tip” of a hand instrument actually has 4 separate parts to it. What are these parts?
Terminal shank - the bend or curve from the Shank introducing the working end
Working end - the functional part of the tool
Face - the functional side of the working end
Toe - the true tip of the instrument
What is the primary purpose of a Periodontal probe?
Measure periodontal pocket depth and determine degree of ginigval inflammation
Periodontal probes are calibrated in what unit of measurement?
mm
Traditional periodontal probes go from 1mm to 10mm and are missing numbers ___ and ____
4 and 6
_____ periodontal probes are impossible to use in cats
flat
To measure pocket depth with a periodontal probe, where do we measure from and to?
From gingival margin to the base of the pocket
Explorers typically come in what 2 shapes?
Shepard’s hook or Pig tail
What is the primary purpose of the Explorer?
To glide along the tooth surface feeling for irregularities
What is the primary purpose of the Dental mirror?
To better visualize the palatal/lingual surfaces
Define scaling
removal dental deposits from supra and subgingival surfaces
______ (instruments) are best for subgingival calculi removal.
Curettes
______ (instruments) are best for supra-gingival calculi removal
Scaler
Why can’t hand scalers be used sub-gingival?
The sharp tip cannot be used below the gumline, it is damaging
What is included in the working end of a hand scaler?
The face and 2 cutting edges
What shape is a scaler in cross-section?
Triangle
What shape is a curette in cross section?
Semi-circle
What are the 2 main kinds of Curette?
Universal and Gracey
Where can the Universal Curette be used?
Anywhere in the mouth
Where can the Gracey Curette be used?
Deep scaling only
How is a Luxator designed to be used?
Luxators are thinner and sharper than Elevators. Luxators are used for tight spaces, in a circular cutting motion to separate tooth from bone and ligament. DO NOT use in prying motion like Elevators
What are Root Picks used for?
Removing tips or fragments that may break away from the tooth during extraction or are in difficult to reach places
Extraction forceps are used to ______
loosen
Scalpel blades are used for what?
To free the gingival attachment
Grasping a hand instrument has 3 basic rules. What are they?
- Use modified pen grasp to hold
- Use 45-90 degree angle to the tooth surface
- Always use pull stroke - away from gingiva
