Parts of the Instrument, Grasp, Fulcrum, Use of the Mirror, Instrument Design and Classification

Question 1

What is knurling?

Answer 1

Texture on handle of instruments for better grip

Question 2

What is an unpaired instrument?

Answer 2

When the working ends on either side of the instrument are different (not mirrored)

Question 3

Explain instrument balance

Answer 3

the center of the working end is level with the center of the handle

Question 4

Shank

Answer 4

Located between the handle and the working end. It increases the length of the instrument so that the working end can be correctly positioned on the tooth/root

Question 5

Where is a simple shank used?

Answer 5

On anterior teeth

Question 6

Where is a complex shank used?

Answer 6

Posterior teeth

Question 7

What is supra?

Answer 7

Above the gingiva

Question 8

What is sub?

Answer 8

Below/under the gingiva

Question 9

Where would you use a short shank instrument?

Answer 9

Supra-gingival

Question 10

Where would you use a complex shank with a short functional end?

Answer 10

Supra-gingival on the posterior teeth

Question 11

Where would you use a simple shank with an extended functional end?

Answer 11

Sub-gingival on the anterior teeth

Question 12

Where would you use a simple shank with a short functional length?

Answer 12

Supra-gingival on the anterior teeth

Question 13

Where would you use a complex shank with an extended functional end?

Answer 13

Sub-gingival on posterior teeth

Question 14

What would you use a flexible shank for?

Answer 14

Assessments, light calculus, tactile sensitivity.

Question 15

What would you use a rigid shank for?

Answer 15

Calcified deposit and stain removal

Question 16

What is the cutting edge of the instrument?

Answer 16

The lateral surface and the face create the cutting edge

This is the surface that you will use to scrape and remove debris

Question 17

What is a toe and what instruments have this?

Answer 17

The toe is a rounded working end. Curets have this end

Question 18

What instruments have a “tip”

Answer 18

Sickles (only supra until more experienced)

Question 19

What instruments are for assessments?

Answer 19

Periodontal probes and explorers

Question 20

Which instruments are for calculus removal?

Answer 20

Sickle scalers, curets, periodontal files, chisel, and hoes

Question 21

What are the two sections of the instrument shank?

Answer 21

Functional (whole shank) and terminal (just the small part before the working end)

Question 22

What would you use the periodontal probe for?

Answer 22

Measuring pockets or lesions

Question 23

What is the recommended grasp?

Answer 23

Modified pen grasp

Question 24

What is the purpose of the modified pen grasp?

Answer 24

Allows precise control of the working end, wide range of movement, and tactile skill

Question 25

What are the functions of the fulcrum finger?

Answer 25

Serves as a support beam, enables hand & instrument to move as a unit, and allows for precise control of stroke pressure and length

Question 26

What is a same arch fulcrum?

Answer 26

When you place the fulcrum finger on the occlusal/incisal surface near the tooth being instrumented

Question 27

What is opposite arch fulcrum?

Answer 27

Fulcrum on one arch and instrument on the opposite

Question 28

What are the 3 types of dental mirror surfaces?

Answer 28

Front surface, concave, and plane/flat surface

Question 29

What is a front surface mirror?

Answer 29

Reflecting surface, most commonly used, scratches easily

Question 30

What is a concave surface mirror?

Answer 30

Produced distorted magnified image

Question 31

What is a plane/flat surface mirror?

Answer 31

Produced double image, reflecting surface on back of lens

Question 32

What is indirect vision?

Answer 32

using the mirror to view a tooth/surface that cannot be seen directly

Question 33

What is retraction?

Answer 33

Using the mirror head to hold the patient's cheek, tongue, lips to the clinician can get a better view

Question 34

What is direct illumination?

Answer 34

Using the mirror to reflect light onto a tooth surface in a dark area of the mouth

Question 35

What is transillumination?

Answer 35

Directing light off of the mirror and through the anterior teeth. Another way to see incipient lesions in the tooth

Question 36

When do you use the modified pen grasp with the mirror?

Answer 36

For retraction of the tongue and cheeks

Question 37

When do you use the palm grasp with the mirror?

Answer 37

For retracting the upper and lower lips to see the labial/facial surfaces