Reference Guide
Scalers & Curettes
All dental instruments follow basic design characteristics. The following diagrams outline the key principles of scaler and curette instrument design.
TERMINAL SHANK
All instruments have three components: 1. Handle: for grasping the instrument.
WORKING END
2. Shank: connects the handle to the working end and allows adaptation of the working end to tooth surfaces. 3. Working end: carries out the function of the instrument and is unique to each instrument type.
FUNCTIONAL SHANK
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. 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. The Scaler working end 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
CUTTING EDGE
CUTTING EDGE
FACE
LATERAL SURFACE
LATERAL SURFACE
BACK
CROSS SECTION
HEEL
TOE
TIP
CURETTE
SICKLE
Illustrations courtesy of Nield, J.S.: Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene Instrumentation, Ed 2: Lea & Febiger, 1988.
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