Sharpening Stones
STONE GRITS & LUBRICATION There are many sharpening stone grits available. Be sure to use the proper grit for sharpening dental instruments. Coarse sharpening stones are intended mainly for recontouring and may be too abrasive for light, regular
Several types of sharpening stones are available for sharpening scalers and curettes. Selecting the appropriate stone will make the sharpening procedure more efficient.
sharpening as a coarse stone may remove more metal than is necessary from the surface of the blade. If a coarser stone is used for recontouring a blade, a finer grit stone should then be used to restore a keen cutting edge.
TYPE Arkansas Stone
The Arkansas Stone is a natural stone with a fine grit. Oil lubrication is recommended when using this stone. The oil serves as a vehicle to float the metal particles as they are ground away from the blade and prevents those shavings from becoming embedded in the stone. The buildup of these shavings in the oil is referred to as “sludge.” The Ceramic Stone is a synthetic stone available in either fine, medium or coarse grits. Fine grit ceramic stones are excellent for routine sharpening of dental instruments. Water can be used for lubrication or the stone can be used dry. When sharpening with a Ceramic Stone, there will be an accumulation of metal filings rather than “sludge.” The “I” Stone is a synthetic stone composed of aluminum oxide crystals and is available in fine to coarse grits. Sharpening with an India stone should always be followed by “finishing” the grinding with a fine grit ceramic or Arkansas stone. Oil lubrication is rec- ommended when sharpening with this stone, however this stone can also be lubricated with water or used dry.
CERAMIC STONES
ARKANSAS STONE INDIA OR I-STONES
Fine Medium Course
Ceramic Stone
Grit
Oil Water Dry
India Stone
Lubrication
SHAPES Conical Stone
The conical stone is used for finishing or removing wire edges after sharpening.
Cylindrical Stone The cylindrical stone is used for finishing or removing wire edges after sharpening.
Flat Stone
The flat stone typically is rectangular and is available in various sizes. It can be an Arkansas, Ceramic or India Stone. The wedge stone is a rectangular-shaped stone with rounded edges and commonly is available as an Arkansas or India Stone.
STONE CARE After each use, stones should be wiped with a clean cloth or gauze to remove metal particles. They can be scrubbed and/or ultrasonically cleaned to remove any lubricant and metal shavings before sterilization. Alternate the areas used for sharpening to prevent “grooving” in the stone.
Wedge Stone
3 IT’S ABOUT TIME
4 A CLASSIC APPROACH TO SHARPENING SCALERS & CURETTES
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