Instrument Sharpening Flashcards
Advantages of sharp instruments
Easier calculus removal Improved stroke control Reduced number of strokes Increased patient comfort Reduced clinician fatigue
What is the junction of the cutting edge formed by?
The face and lateral surfaces
What is the internal angle on a universal curet, area specific curet, or sickle scaler?
Between 70 and 80 degrees
What kind of cutting edge will reflect light?
A dull, rounded edge
How will a sharp edge affect a sharpening test stick?
It will grab or scratch. Dull will slide
Why do we sharpen the cutting edge in sections?
To preserve design characteristics, whether curved or straight
Divided into heel, middle and toe
Common sharpening errors
Altering working-end design
Removing unnecessary metal
Only sharpening the tip and middle thirds
Flattening a rounded cutting edge
When can instrument tip breakage occur?
Frequent sharpening can make the tip too small and cause it to snap off
What to do if an instrument breaks in a patients mouth
Stop instrumentation-mRemain calm
Maintain retraction and patient head position
Examine areas around where the fracture occurred
When located, blot with gauze
If that does not wrk, use curet or college pliers to retrieve fragment
If unable to locate, take radiographs, refer to periodontist, possible chest xray
How often should instruments be filed?
After each use or during instrumentation of needed
What to do if you need to sharpen during treatment
Use sterile sharpening stone, gloves, good lighting, and a stable work surface
Ceramic is best choice, natural stone needs oil lubrication
What is in your sharpening armamentarium?
Sharpening stone Plastic test stick Magnifying lens Gauze, lubricant Gloves, safety glasses, mask
How to care for a sharpening stone
Use appropriate lubricant (water, oil)
Lubricants reduce friction and keep metal fragments from sticking to stone
Ultrasonic to remove particles
Dry and sterilize
At what angle should instruments be sharpened?
110 degrees so the 70-80 degrees inside angle is maintained
Greater that 80 degrees will create a bulky edge
Less than 70 degrees will change the type of instrument (ex. curet to sickle), working end is weakened
In what order do we sharpen?
Starting heel to toe
What is the moving stone technique?
Moving a sharpening stone over a lateral surface of a stabilized instrument
How to set up for the moving stone technique?
Use a palm grasp Stabilize hand on counter Stabilize instrument with thumb Position face parallel to countertop Maintain internal angulation of 70-80 degrees (face to stone angle 110)
Implementing the moving stone technique
Lubricate the stone
Grasp instrument, stabilize hand on counter
Position instrument face parallel to the counter/floor
Grasp the stone by the edges
Position stone 100-110 degrees from face
Sharpen heel third, then middle
If sharpening a universal curet or sickle, reposition working end to sharpen second cutting edge
Sharpening the curet toe
Face the toe at 3 o’clock, stone at 2 o’clock
How to evaluate sharpness using a test stick
Adapt cutting edge at same angle you use against tooth surface
Sharp edge will scratch, dull edge will glide. Test all thirds then check under magnification
How do we avoid metal burs collecting on sharpened edges?
Finish with a down stroke
