Your Work Area
Basic Principles of Sharpening
ANATOMY OF AN INSTRUMENT For efficient sharpening it is important to be familiar with the anatomy of an instrument. All scalers and curettes have three common components: the shank, working end & handle
Before beginning the sharpening process, assemble the required materials. In addition to the instruments to be sharpened and the proper sharpening stones, you will need the following items:
Safety Glasses: required when sharpening, should cover the eyes completely and have side panels for maximum protection
Working End: consists of a blade that has one or two cutting edges that run from the terminal shank to the tip or toe.
Magnifying Glass or Loupes: to view the blade
Terminal Shank: the area of the instrument between the blade and the first angle. This is the key feature for each scaler or curette. Proper alignment of the terminal shank will automatically place the blade in the correct position for sharpening when using the clock approach.
Plastic or Acrylic Test Stick: to test the cutting edge for sharpness
Gloves: should fit comfortably
Clock Diagram: to determine the proper positioning of the instrument, stone and test stick. A clock image is provided in this manual.
Cotton Tipped Applicators: to spread oil or water lubrication
Functional Shank: extends from the handle to the blade and includes the terminal shank.
Gauze: to wipe away sludge or shavings from the surface of the stone and the blade
5 IT’S ABOUT TIME
6 A CLASSIC APPROACH TO SHARPENING SCALERS & CURETTES
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