Parts of the Instrument, Grasp, Fulcrum, Use of the Mirror, Instrument Design and Classification Flashcards
What is knurling?
Texture on handle of instruments for better grip
What is an unpaired instrument?
When the working ends on either side of the instrument are different (not mirrored)
Explain instrument balance
the center of the working end is level with the center of the handle
Shank
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
Where is a simple shank used?
On anterior teeth
Where is a complex shank used?
Posterior teeth
What is supra?
Above the gingiva
What is sub?
Below/under the gingiva
Where would you use a short shank instrument?
Supra-gingival
Where would you use a complex shank with a short functional end?
Supra-gingival on the posterior teeth
Where would you use a simple shank with an extended functional end?
Sub-gingival on the anterior teeth
Where would you use a simple shank with a short functional length?
Supra-gingival on the anterior teeth
Where would you use a complex shank with an extended functional end?
Sub-gingival on posterior teeth
What would you use a flexible shank for?
Assessments, light calculus, tactile sensitivity.
What would you use a rigid shank for?
Calcified deposit and stain removal
What is the cutting edge of the instrument?
The lateral surface and the face create the cutting edge
This is the surface that you will use to scrape and remove debris
What is a toe and what instruments have this?
The toe is a rounded working end. Curets have this end
What instruments have a “tip”
Sickles (only supra until more experienced)
What instruments are for assessments?
Periodontal probes and explorers
Which instruments are for calculus removal?
Sickle scalers, curets, periodontal files, chisel, and hoes
What are the two sections of the instrument shank?
Functional (whole shank) and terminal (just the small part before the working end)
What would you use the periodontal probe for?
Measuring pockets or lesions
What is the recommended grasp?
Modified pen grasp
What is the purpose of the modified pen grasp?
Allows precise control of the working end, wide range of movement, and tactile skill
What are the functions of the fulcrum finger?
Serves as a support beam, enables hand & instrument to move as a unit, and allows for precise control of stroke pressure and length
What is a same arch fulcrum?
When you place the fulcrum finger on the occlusal/incisal surface near the tooth being instrumented
What is opposite arch fulcrum?
Fulcrum on one arch and instrument on the opposite
What are the 3 types of dental mirror surfaces?
Front surface, concave, and plane/flat surface
What is a front surface mirror?
Reflecting surface, most commonly used, scratches easily
What is a concave surface mirror?
Produced distorted magnified image
What is a plane/flat surface mirror?
Produced double image, reflecting surface on back of lens
What is indirect vision?
using the mirror to view a tooth/surface that cannot be seen directly
What is retraction?
Using the mirror head to hold the patient’s cheek, tongue, lips to the clinician can get a better view
What is direct illumination?
Using the mirror to reflect light onto a tooth surface in a dark area of the mouth
What is transillumination?
Directing light off of the mirror and through the anterior teeth. Another way to see incipient lesions in the tooth
When do you use the modified pen grasp with the mirror?
For retraction of the tongue and cheeks
When do you use the palm grasp with the mirror?
For retracting the upper and lower lips to see the labial/facial surfaces
