Sickle Scalers

Question 1

when are anterior sickle scalers used

Answer 1

in the anterior region to remove supragingival calculus deposits

Question 2

what is the instrument design of the anteiror sickle scaler

Answer 2

• straight, rigid shank
• 2 cutting edges on each working end
• pointed tip

Question 3

when using anterior sickle scaler the shank and handle should be _____ to the long axis of the tooth

Answer 3

parallel

Question 4

what is the proper angulation for anterior sickle scaler

Answer 4

45-90 degree

Question 5

what will over angulation of anterior sickle scaler result in

Answer 5

burnished calculus and/or tissue laceration

Question 6

what will under angulation of anterior sickle scaler result in

Answer 6

burnished calculus

Question 7

what is the exploratory stroke

Answer 7

light grasp, minimal pressure

Question 8

what is the working stroke

Answer 8

tighten grasp, apply lateral pressure to the tooth on coronal stroke

Question 9

describe the posterior sickle scaler

Answer 9

same as anterior sickle scaler but with a bend in the shank for access in the posterior region (complex design)

Question 10

what is the posterior sickle scaler meant to scale

Answer 10

interproximal regions of posterior teeth, supra and subgingival if spurs of interproximal calculus are present
- not designed for scaling deep perio pockets