Sickle Scalers Flashcards
What are anterior sickle scalers used for?
Used in the anterior region to remove supragingival calculus deposits
Anterior sickle scalers are used in the anterior region to remove _________________ calculus deposits
supragingival
What is the instrument design of an anterior sickle scaler?
◦ Straight, rigid shank
◦ 2 cutting edges on each working-end
◦ Pointed tip (hence “sickle”)
When adapting the anterior sickle scaler, the shank and handle should be ________ to the long axis of the tooth
parallel
What is wrong with this anterior sickle scaler?
sharp tip not adapted to tooth
What is wrong with this anterior sickle scaler?
attempts to adap to root concavity results in gouging
What is wrong with this anterior sickle scaler?
tip adapted but rear portion of blade distends tissue
What are the correct ways to use an anterior sickle scaler (image)?
Proper angulation (cutting edge against the tooth) for anterior sickle scaler =
45-90°
What will over angulation (greater than 90°) of an anterior sickle scaler do?
result in burnished calculus and/or tissue laceration
What will under angulation (less than 45°) of an anterior sickle scaler do?
result in burnished calculus
Proper angulation of the anterior sickle scaler will occur naturally if the shank/handle of the scaler is kept _________ to the long axis of the tooth
parallel
What is an exploratory stroke for anterior sickle scaler?
- Light grasp, minimal pressure (think perio explorer)
What is a working stroke for anterior sickle scaler?
Tighten grasp, apply lateral pressure to tooth on coronal stroke
Where should you sit for surfaces facing toward you?
Right-hand: 8:00
Left-hand: 4:00
Where should you sit for surfaces facing away from you?
Right-hand: 11-12:00
Left-hand: 12-1:00
What is the posterior sickle scaler used for?
meant to scale interproximal regions of posterior teeth, supra- and subgingival (slightly below the tissue) if spurs of interproximal calculus are present
The posterior sickle scaler is used in what area of the posterior teeth?
interproximal regions, supra- and subgingival
What are posterior sickle scalers NOT designed for?
scaling deep periodontal pockets
What is the difference in shape between a posterior and anterior sickle scaler?
Posterior is same as anterior, but it has a bend in the shank (complex design) for access in the posterior region
For a posterior sickle scaler terminal shank is ________ to the long axis of the tooth
parallel
Can you scale the buccal and lingual surfaces with a posterior sickle scaler?
NO
