Sickle Scalers

Question 1

Anterior Sickle Scaler
Used in the anterior region to remove

Answer 1

supragingival
calculus deposits

Question 2

Anterior Sickle Scaler
Instrument Design:
(3)

Answer 2

◦ Straight, rigid shank
◦ 2 cutting edges on each working-end
◦ Pointed tip (hence “sickle”)

Question 3

When adapting, the shank and handle should
be

Answer 3

parallel to the long axis of the tooth

Question 4

Proper angulation (cutting edge against the tooth) for
anterior sickle scaler =

Answer 4

45-90°

Question 5

Over angulation (>90 °) will result in

Answer 5

burnished calculus
and/or tissue laceration

Question 6

Under angulation (<45 °) will result in

Answer 6

burnished calculus

Question 7

NOTE: proper angulation will occur naturally if the
shank/handle of the scaler is kept

Answer 7

parallel to the long axis
of the tooth

Question 8

Exploratory stroke:

Answer 8

• Light grasp,
minimal pressure
(think perio
explorer)

Question 9

Working stroke:

Answer 9

• Tighten grasp,
apply lateral
pressure to tooth
on coronal stroke

Question 10

Operator Positioning

Answer 10

Surfaces toward you (max/mand arch):
Right-hand: 8:00
Left-hand: 4:00
Surfaces away from you:
Right-hand: 11-12:00
Left-hand: 12-1:00

Question 11

Posterior Sickle Scaler

Answer 11

Same as the anterior scaler, but with a bend in the shank (complex design) for access in the
posterior region
This instrument is meant to scale interproximal regions of posterior teeth, supra- and
subgingival (slightly below the tissue) if spurs of interproximal calculus are present
Not designed for scaling deep periodontal pockets

Question 12

Terminal shank is parallel to
the long axis of the tooth
Insert at — and scale
into the —

Answer 12

line angle
interproximal

Question 13

DO NOT SCALE THE (2) SURFACES
WITH THIS INSTRUMENT

Answer 13

BUCCAL
AND LINGUAL