Perio - NST hand instruments

Question 1

Describe the characteristics of the mini sickle (red).

Answer 1

Double ended point scaler.
Triangular cross section.
2 cutting edges per blade.
Used supra-gingivally for any surface of the mouth but is particularly useful in buccal and lingual EMBRASURE.

Question 2

What colour is the mini sickle?

Answer 2

Red

Question 3

What are the limitations of the mini sickle?

Answer 3

Cannot be used subgingivally due to its sharp point. Would cause laceration to the pocket wall.

Question 4

How do you differentiate between the mini sickle and the Columbia/universal curette?

Answer 4

Mini sickle toe has a triangular cross section with a sharper point, the Columbia has a more rounded toe with a semi-circular cross section.

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of the Columbia/ universal curette 4R - 4L (red). (7)

Answer 5

Can be used anywhere in the mouth. 
Can be used supra and sub gingival.
Double ended curette.
Semi-circular cross section. 
2 cutting edges per blade. 
Rounded toe.
Removes calculus at 90 degrees.

Question 6

What colour is the Columbia curette and what letters and numbers follow its name?

Answer 6

Red

4R - 4L

Question 7

What are the limitations of the Columbia curette? (3)

Answer 7

Cannot reach deep into the gingival pockets.

If the cutting edge is held less than 45 degrees to the tooth’s surface the blade will slide over the calculus and not remove it.

If the cutting edge is held greater than 90 degrees to the tooth’s surface the cutting edge is no longer against the tooth surface and can cause trauma to the soft tissues/pocket.

Question 8

How do u tell which side is the cutting edge on a Gracey Curette?

Answer 8

Look at it from above;

The larger outer curve is the cutting edge.

Question 9

Describe the characteristics of the Gracey Curette 1-2 (grey). (4)

Answer 9

Double ended curette.
Single cutting edge on each blade.
Used for fine/deep sub-gingival scaling.
Used in anterior upper and lower teeth.

Question 10

What colour is the Gracey Curette 1-2?

Answer 10

Grey.

Question 11

Describe the Characteristics of the Gracey Curette 7-8 (green)

Answer 11

Double ended curette.
Single cutting edge on each blade.
Used for fine/deep subgingival scaling.
Used in posterior buccal and lingual surfaces.

Question 12

Describe the characteristics of the Gracey Curette 11-12 (orange)

Answer 12

Double ended curette.
Single cutting edge on each blade.
Fine/deep subgingival scaling.
Used on the mesial surfaces of posterior teeth.

Question 13

What colour is the Gracey Curette 11-12?

Answer 13

Orange.

Question 14

What colour is the Gracey Curette 7-8?

Answer 14

Green.

Question 15

Describe the characteristics of the Gracey Curette 13-14? (blue)

Answer 15

Double ended curette.
Single cutting edge on each blade.
Used for fine / deep subgingival scaling.
Used on the distal surface of posterior teeth.

Question 16

What colour is the Gracey Curette 13-14?

Answer 16

Blue.

Question 17

Describe the characteristics of the Hoe Scaler 134-135 (Yellow) (4)

Answer 17

Double ended scaler.
Used for gross supra gingival and sub gingival scaling.
Used on buccal and lingual surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth
Blade set at an 100 degree angle to the shank.

Question 18

What colour is the hoe scaler 134-135?

Answer 18

Yellow

Question 19

Describe the characteristics of the Hoe scaler 156-157 (red)

Answer 19

Double ended scaler.
Used for gross supra gingival and sub gingival scaling.
Used on the mesial and distal surfaces.
Can be used anteriorly and posteriorly.

Question 20

What colour is the hoe scaler 156-157?

Answer 20

Red

Question 21

What are the limitations of the hoe Scalers?

Answer 21

Can be too bulky for some narrow pockets - curette might have to be used.

Question 22

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the buccal of the 14-18?

Answer 22

9 O’clock

Question 23

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the palatal of the 14-18?

Answer 23

11 O’clock

Question 24

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the labial of the 13 - 23?

Answer 24

11 O’clock

Question 25

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the palatal of the 13 - 23?

Answer 25

11 O’clock

Question 26

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the buccal of the 24-28?

Answer 26

11 O’clock

Question 27

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the palatal of the 24-28?

Answer 27

11 O’clock

Question 28

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the buccal of the 34 -38?

Answer 28

11 O’clock

Question 29

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the lingual of the 34 -38?

Answer 29

9 O’clock

Question 30

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the labial of the 33-43?

Answer 30

7 O’clock

Question 31

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the lingual of the 33-43?

Answer 31

7 O’clock

Question 32

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the buccal of the 44 -48?

Answer 32

9 O’clock

Question 33

Where should you be seated if you’re working on the lingual of the 44 -48?

Answer 33

11 O’clock

Question 34

List the unique features of the Gracey Curettes.

Answer 34

Single cutting edge:
Larger outer curve.

Area specific:
Anterior: 1-2 grey.
Buccal and lingual: 7-8 green.
Mesial: 11-12 orange.
Distal: 13-14 blue.

Off set blade.

Blade has curves on 2 planes.
Toe curves upwards.
Blade curves outwards to the side.

Question 35

How should the hand instruments be held?

Answer 35

Modified pen grip

With a stabilising fulcrum finger on the adjacent tooth.

Question 36

Describe the position of the terminal shank when hand scaling.

Answer 36

The terminal shank should be parallel to the long axis of the tooth.

Question 37

What instruments can be used to scale the surfaces of upper and lower anterior teeth? (5)

Answer 37

Mini sickle
Columbia
Gracey 1-2 (grey)
Hoe 156-257 red
Yellow hoe 134-135