Sickles Flashcards
Where is the sickle used?
Crown of teeth, can be used on anterior and posterior
Where can anterior sickle be used?
On anterior only, 2 different sickles
Where can posterior sickle be used?
On both anterior and posterior (mirror image sickles)
How do you establish correct angulation?
Lower shank and tilt slightly toward the tooth surface 70-80 degree
What kind of deposits are removed w/ sickle scaler?
Medium to large sized deposits
What surfaces does the sickle reach?
Proximal surface of anterior crown
Enamel surfaces apical to contact areas of posterior teeth
What is the calculus removal stroke?
Tip 1/3 cutting tip, make sure adapated
70-80 degree
Moderate to firm pressure against tooth, short controlled stroke away from soft tissue
What are vertical strokes used for?
Anterior, M and D of posterior
What are oblique strokes used for?
F and L of posterior
What are horizontal strokes used for?
Lines angles of posterior
Midlines of F and L of anterior
How do you find the correct working end for posterior?
Lower shank parallel to distal surface
Functional shank goes up and over tooth
What is the inner cutting edge
Used to instrument distal surfaces
What is the outer cutting edge?
Used to instrument F, L, and M surfaces
Do sickles have assessment strokes?
No all are engagement strokes
What are indications of sickles?
Supragingival Calculus
Line Angles
What are the most common surfaces for supragingival calculus?
Mandibular anterior linguals
2+3 and 14+15
How far can you go into the gingiva w/ sickle?
Can rock up to 1 mm, if more will do harm to the gingiva
What are some errors occuring during calculus removal?
Over-angulation (curratage)
Under-angulation (burnished)
Inadequate pressure (gouge)
Not sharp enough
Not finishing stroke more than 1/2 way through
Not going to base of sulcus
Strokes are too far apart (not overlapping)
