LO 2

Question 1

Why is the modified pen grasp the recommended grasp for holding a periodontal instrument?

Answer 1

1. Facilitates precise control of instrument
2. Lessons musculoskeletal stress
3. Allows detection of rough areas on tooth surface
4. Periodontal instruments are held in the clinician’s dominant hand

Question 2

An incorrect grasp makes it _______

Answer 2

1. Difficult to control the instrument
2. Difficult to roll the handle between the fingers
3. Causes the finger pads to lift off of the handle

Question 3

What is important to understand about the index, middle, and ring finger in the modified pen grasp?

Answer 3

They should all be in contact at least one point to provide stability and strength in the grasp

Question 4

Short-fingered clinicians tend to hold their instruments _______, while long fingered clinicians tend to hold their instruments ______

Answer 4

1. With rounded fingers higher on handle
2. With straighter fingers lower on handle

Question 5

What is the issue with hypermobile joints?

Answer 5

1. Makes the hand less stable and the muscles must work a lot harder to grip and manipulate objects
2. Clinician must learn to grasp an instrument without having joints collapse inward
3. Instrumenting with hyperextended joints may cause injury from over stretching

Question 6

What are the four functions of the mouth mirror?

Answer 6

1. Indirect vision
2. Retraction
3. Indirect illumination
4. Transillumination

Question 7

What is transillumination?

Answer 7

1. The technique of directing light off of the mirror surface and through the anterior teeth to see curious lesions
2. Caries will appear as dark shadows

Question 8

How do you ensure clear vision with a dental mouth mirror?

Answer 8

1. Wipe the mirror with a gauze square moistened with water
2. Wipe the mirror against the client’s buccal mucosa
3. Discard scratched mirror heads as needed