Sharpening and Scaler Care Flashcards
What is best practice?
To sharpen each instrument after cleaning and disinfecting and before every use
Sterilization reduces what?
The risks of cross-infection among patients and from patients to staff members
How do you tell if an instrument is sharp?
The two planes come together at a precise angle
Visual inspection and sharpening sticks
What method was used to check for sharpness, but for reasons of hygiene, it is no longer recommended?
The “fingernail”
When performing a visual inspection, all that is needed is a bright light and a sharp eye. The instrument is held and rotated toward the light source. What does it look like when it is dull?
The edges are rounded and it reflects light
When performing a visual inspection, all that is needed is a bright light and a sharp eye. The instrument is held and rotated toward the light source. What does it look like when it is sharp?
The edge does not reflect light
What is a sharpening stick?
An acrylic or plastic rod or a syringe casing may be used
When using a sharpening stick, how do you tell if a blade is dull?
It will glide over the surface without catching it
When using a sharpening stick, how do you tell if a blade is sharp?
A sharp blade easily catches as the instrument is drawn against the surface of the sharpening stick
What are the stones used for sharpening?
The Arkansas stone
The India stone
The ceramic stone
The conical stone
The Arkansas stone is used for what?
The final sharpening of an instrument that is already close to the sharpness
What is the India stone used for?
“Coarse” sharpening of an overly dull instrument or for changing the plane of one or more of the sides of the instrument
Sharpening with the Inida stone is followed by the use of what?
The Arkansas stone
Both the Arkansas and India stone require what to be effective?
Oil
What may be used for fine sharpening?
The ceramic stone
What is generally used with ceramic stones instead of oil?
Water
What is considered a round Arkansas stone?
A conical stone
What is a conical stone used for?
To provide a final sharpening to the instrument by working on its face
What is one technique to sharpen an instrument with a flat stone?
To hold the instrument motionless and move the stone
What is a second method used to sharpen an instrument with a flat stone?
To move the instrument against a stationary stone
What is the first step in sharpening an instrument?
To hold it firmly against the edge of a table, with the tip facing the operator
Where is the conical stone rolled over?
The face of the instrument
Overuse of this technique does what to the instruments?
Shortens the life of the instrument
Where does the strength of the instrument lie?
The direction from the face of the instrument to the back of the instrument
If the face is removed, the instrument becomes what?
Weaker
What are the advantages of sharpening with a flat stone?
The strength of the instrument is maintained even as the sides of the instrument become worn
Thininng of the sides with the flat stone makes the instrument better suited for what?
Subgingival work
Conical stones can be used to sharpen what?
Dental elevators when the manufacturer has sharpened the elevator from the concave side
What is a unit used to simplify sharpening?
The Rx Honing Machine
What does the Rx Honing Machine consist of?
Diamond disk Carbide disk Round hone U-shaped hone Perio & scissors guide
What is the diamond disk used for?
To sharpen extremely dull instruments
What is a carbide disk used for?
To maintain an edge with the removal of a minimal amount of metal
What is a round hone used for?
To sharpen explorers and spoons
What is a U-shaped hone used for?
To round off the edge of curettes and keep them sharp
What is used to establish the angle at which the instruments should be sharpened?
Perio & Scissors Guide
