Keep this one page instructional shortcut near your sharpening area in your office for quick reference!
WHY SHARPEN Instruments should be kept sharp and true to their original design. Dental procedures are most effective when using sharp instruments because they reduce fatigue, improve deposit removal, save time, enhance tactile sensitivity, and minimize patient discomfort. WHEN TO SHARPEN Repeated use of an instrument wears away minute particles of metal from the blade causing the cutting edge to take on a rounded shape resulting in a dull, ineffective blade. When the blade is dull, the clinician loses the ability to “feel” the sharp edge “grabbing” onto a surface. Instead, the blade “slides” over the surface or deposit which causes the clinician to use more lateral pressure and repetitive strokes in an effort to remove deposits. This could result in burnishing rather than removing the deposit. For best results, instruments should be sharpened lightly after each use rather than reconditioning or recontouring after repeated use. Consistent sharpening on a regular basis will conserve more of the blade as compared to grinding away an excessive amount of metal when recontouring an extremely dull instrument. HOW TO DETERMINE SHARPNESS A hard acrylic test stick can be used to determine the sharpness of the blade. It is designed specifically for this purpose. When the proper testing procedure is followed, a sharp edge will bite into or “grab” the test stick and produce a metallic clicking sound. A dull edge will slide over the surface of the test stick. Another way to test the sharpness of an instrument is to inspect the blade visually. Hold the instrument under a light (and if possible, under magnification) and rotate the instrument until the edge is facing the light. A dull cutting edge will reflect light when it has become rounded from use. WHEN TO REPLACE INSTRUMENTS Thoroughly inspect each blade after sharpening to determine if the original shape has been significantly altered, or if the strength and integrity has been compromised.
A Timely Approach to Instrument Sharpening L For Left Handers
It’s About Time A Classic Approach to Sharpening Scalers & Curettes This manual describes a classic approach to sharpening periodontal scalers and curettes. Traditional sharpening techniques have relied upon “degrees of angulation” to achieve the correct position of the stone in relation to the blade while sharpening. This alternative method utilizes the simple visual imagery of the hands of the clock to establish the correct positions while holding the instrument stationary and moving the stone. This manual is designed to be used independently or in combination with the DVD “It’s About Time: A Classic Approach to Sharpening Scalers and Curettes.”
LEARNING OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this manual, the participant will be able to: List the benefits achieved when utilizing scalers and curettes with sharp cutting edges. 1. Distinguish a “dull“ cutting edge from a “sharp” edge. 2. Characterize the Arkansas Stone, the India Stone, and the Ceramic Stone according to: a. Appearance b. Coarseness or Grit variations c. Preferred lubricant 3. Describe how the traditional “degrees of angulation” correspond with the clock positions in this strategy. 4. Identify the essential grasp of both the instrument and the sharpening stone as defined in this technique. 5. Describe the sharpening procedure for Sickle Scalers, Universal Curettes, and Gracey Curettes as outlined in this technique. 6. Define the procedure for determining when a “sharpened” cutting edge actually is “sharp”.
SICKLE SCALERS & UNIVERSAL CURETTES
6. Place side of stone against left lateral surface. 7. Tilt top of stone toward to 3 minutes before 12:00. 8. Using continuous up and down motions, move along the blade starting at the heel third, middle third and finally the toe third. 9. To round the toe of curettes, direct the toe toward 9:00. 10. Position the stone at 10:00. 11. Use continuous and overlapping up-and-down motions to “round” the toe. 5. Tilt terminal shank to 3 minutes past 12:00. 6. Hold stone against left lateral surface and tilt to 3 minutes before 12:00. 7. Using continuous up and down motions, move along the blade starting at the heel third, middle third and finally the toe third. 8. To round the toe of curettes, direct the toe toward 9:00. 9. Position the stone at 10:00. 10. Use continuous and overlapping up-and-down motions to “round” the toe.
1. Position instrument vertically with blade to be sharpened at the bottom. 2. Stabilize entire length of instrument with a firm grasp. 3. Brace upper terminal shank with your thumb to counter-balance the pressure of grinding the blade at the bottom. 4. Point tip or toe of blade toward you to sharpen left cutting edge. Point the tip or toe away from you to sharpen opposite cutting edge. 5. Keep terminal shank at 12:00.
A dull blade reflects light along the cutting edge.
GRACEY CURETTES
1. Position instrument vertically with blade to be sharpened at the bottom. 2. Check the blade identification number: • Aim the toe of all EVEN-numbered Graceys toward you. • Direct the toe of all ODD-numbered Graceys away from you. 3. Stabilize entire length of instrument with a firm grasp. 4. Counterbalance the top shank with your thumb.
A sharp cutting edge does not reflect light.
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2 A CLASSIC APPROACH TO SHARPENING SCALERS & CURETTES
IT’S ABOUT TIME
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