WORRIED ABOUT DENTAL AEROSOL? | 6
5 | WORRIED ABOUT DENTAL AEROSOL?
THE ANATOMY OF SCALERS & CURETTES More frequent use of hand instruments requires highest quality and ergonomically designed instruments.
INSTRUMENT HANDLES
Instrument handles are available in a variety of shapes and styles. The following factors should be considered when selecting instrument handles: • Weight: Hollow handles increase tactile transfer and minimise fatigue. • Diameter: Large handles maximise control and encourage a lighter grasp. • Serration: Knurled handles enhance control by providing a positive gripping surface.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention:
Handle Options
THE SCALER WORKING END
Neurologists recommend alternating instrument handle sizes as one means of reducing stress. Larger diameter handles (#6, #7, #C8 and #9) help lighten instrument grasp. Using a combination of various handle sizes plus a more relaxed grasp can help lessen the severity of the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Source: Gerwatowski, L.J., McFall, D.B., Stach, D.: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Risk Factors and Preventive Strategies for the Dental Hygienist. Journal of Dental Hygiene, February 1992.
HEEL
The working end (blade) is made up of several components: the face, the lateral surfaces, the cutting edge and the back. A blade that ends with a rounded tip (toe) is classified as a curette. A blade designed with a pointed tip is classified as a sickle scaler.
Handle 9
TOE
TIP
CCH - Smooth Handle
CURETTE
SICKLE
70 °
Resin 8 Colors
CUTTING EDGE
TERMINAL SHANK
TERMINAL SHANK
TERMINAL SHANK
TOE
FACE
CUTTING EDGE
CUTTING EDGE
CUTTING EDGE
TERMINAL SHANK
FACE
CUTTING EDGE
CUTTING EDGE TOE
BACK
LATERAL SURFACE
CUTTING EDGE
TOE
FACE
FACE
BACK
FACE
TIP
LATERAL SURFACE
FACE
FACE
TOE
CUTTING EDGE
BACK
TIP
FACE
LATERAL SURFACE
TIP
TIP
BACK
BACK
LATERAL SURFACE
INSTRUMENT BALANCE
BACK
BACK
BACK
°
LATERAL SURFACE
LATERAL SURFACE °
LATERAL SURFACE
°
LATERAL SURFACE
To function most effectively, an instrument should be balanced. A balanced instrument has working ends that are centered within 2 mm of the long axis of the handle line.
°
STRAIGHT SICKLE SCALER
CURVED SICKLE SCALER
UNIVERSAL CURETTE
GRACEY CURETTE
°
°
°
Balanced
°
Unbalanced
THE INSTRUMENT SHANK
The terminal shank extends between the blade and the first bend. The terminal shank position is used to correctly adapt the working end. The length of the terminal shank is a determining factor when selecting curettes for subgingival vs. supragingival access. The functional shank length extends from the working end to the handle. The functional shank can be short, long, or moderate in length. Moderate to long functional shanks are needed to reach the tooth surfaces of posterior teeth or root surfaces of teeth with periodontal pockets. Short functional shanks are used to remove supragingival calculus deposits or to reach the surfaces of anterior teeth.
terminal shank
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functional shank
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