Unit 9

Question 1

A very large supragingival calculus deposit probably cannot be removed as a single piece; it will need to be removed in sections. In removing a large supragingival calculus, it is helpful to adapt the middle-third of the working-end so that you are using the strongest section of the working-end.

Answer 1

The first statement is true; the second statement is false.

Question 2

Effective calculus removal depends on a combination of firm lateral pressure and an angulation of between 45 and 90 degrees. Inadequate lateral pressure and/or incorrect angulation can result in a burnished calculus deposit.

Answer 2

Both statements are true

Question 3

For successful instrumentation, correct angulation of the working-end must be maintained throughout the instrumentation stroke. Incorrect angulation can result in a burnished calculus deposit.

Answer 3

Both statements are true

Question 4

James is removing calculus deposits located at the gingival margin of a mandibular anterior tooth. As he works around the tooth, his instrument cuts the soft tissue of the gingiva. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the tissue trauma?

Answer 4

Adapting the middle-third of the working-end to the tooth

Question 5

Judy has burnished the surface of a calculus deposit. Which of the following technique errors is the most likely cause of the burnishing?

Answer 5

Incorrect angulation during calculus removal

Question 6

Pinch pressure refers to the force applied to the fulcrum finger. Lateral pressure should be applied between instrumentation strokes.

Answer 6

Both statements are false

Question 7

“Positioning the first 1 to 2 mm of the working-end’s lateral surface in contact with the tooth” is a definition for which of the following?

Answer 7

Adaptation

Question 8

Put the following steps for supragingival calculus removal in the correct sequence.
1) Large supragingival deposits removed in sections
2) My index finger and thumb apply pinch pressure on handle
3) My fulcrum finger presses down on the occlusal tooth surface
4) My fulcrum finger is straight supporting my hand
5) Position the working-end
6) Lock the toe-third of the instrument
7) Activate the instrument stroke

Answer 8

1, 5, 6, 4, 3, 2, 7

Question 9

Removing supragingival calculus deposits is a challenging task since the clinician cannot see the deposits hidden beneath the gingival margin. Instrumentation strokes are short, biting strokes

Answer 9

The first statement is false; the second statement is true.

Question 10

The purpose of establishing the proper degree of angulation with the instrument against the tooth, is that if the angulation is incorrect ____

Answer 10

all of the choices are correct

Question 11

“The relationship between the face of a calculus removal instrument and the tooth surface to which it is applied” is a definition for which of the following?

Answer 11

Angulation

Question 12

Which of the following correctly describes the character of the instrumentation strokes used with supragingival calculus removal stroke?

Answer 12

Biting strokes, short in length

Question 13

Which of the following correctly describes the type of lateral pressure used with a calculus removal stroke?

Answer 13

Firm pressure to remove deposit from tooth

Question 14

Which of the following correctly describes the type of lateral pressure used with an assessment stroke?

Answer 14

In contact with the tooth surface, but no pressure

Question 15

Which of the following is the ideal recommended angulation for a calculus removal stroke?

Answer 15

60 to 80 degrees

Question 16

Which of the following statements about angulation is true?

Answer 16

The face-to-tooth surface angulation for supragingival calculus removal is between 45 and 90 degrees.

Question 17

Alberto has positioned the working-end of a sickle scaler apical to (beneath) a large supragingival calculus deposit. Which of the following is the recommended angulation for a calculus removal stroke with a sickle scaler?

Answer 17

70 to 80 degrees

Question 18

All stroke directions should be away from the soft tissue. Maximize the number of instrumentation strokes to be sure all deposits are removed.

Answer 18

The first statement is true; the second statement is false.

Question 19

An anterior sickle scaler has a rounded toe. One working-end is used for the facial surfaces and the opposite working-end is used for lingual surfaces.

Answer 19

Both statements are false

Question 20

Calculus removal strokes are activated by pushing the working-end toward the junctional epithelium (base of the pocket). Before beginning a calculus removal stroke, the hand is stabilized by applying inward pressure against the handle with the middle finger and thumb.

Answer 20

Both statements are false.

Question 21

Effie is instrumenting the line angle region of a molar tooth with a sickle scaler. To maintain adaptation, Effie should _____.

Answer 21

roll the instrument handle slightly

Question 22

James is about to use a sickle scaler. What is the function of this instrument?

Answer 22

Remove large supragingival calculus deposits

Question 23

Sela is employing oblique calculus removal strokes with a sickle scaler. Because she is using oblique strokes, Sela is most likely instrumenting which of the following tooth surfaces?

Answer 23

Facial surface of a molar

Question 24

The pointed tip of a sickle scaler _____

Answer 24

provides good access to proximal surfaces apical to contact areas

Question 25

Which of the following situations would be considered an inappropriate use of a sickle scaler?

Answer 25

Removal of subgingival calculus on the mesial of tooth 12