Lec 2 - Dental Hand and Mechanical Instruments

What are the four sections of a dental instrument?

Working end, Terminal shaft, Shaft, and Handle

What is a mirror used for?

To view lingual/palatal surfaces and to retract oral mucosa

Where can a periodontal explorer be used?

The tip should never be used subgingivally; the lateral surface can be used both supra- and subgingivally

What is a periodontal explorer used for?

To detect abnormalities like fractures, enamel defects, subgingival calculus, and tooth mobility

Does a periodontal explorer need to be sharpened?

No

Where can a periodontal probe be used?

Supra- and subgingivally

What is a periodontal probe used for?

Measuring sulcus depth, gingival recession, and furcation exposure

Does a periodontal probe need to be sharpened?

No

Should the CEJ normally be visible?

No

What term is used to describe an unhealthy gingival sulcus depth?

Periodontal pocket

What percentage of attachment loss is seen in gingivitis (PD1)?

0%

What percentage of attachment loss is seen in early periodontitis (PD2)?

Less than 25%

What percentage of attachment loss is seen in moderate periodontitis (PD3)?

25-50%

What percentage of attachment loss is seen in advanced periodontitis (PD4)?

More than 50%

Where can calculus-removing forceps be used?

Supragingivally

What are calculus-removing forceps used for?

Removing oral calculus

Do calculus-removing forceps need to be sharpened?

No

Where can a sickle scaler be used?

Supragingivally

What is a sickle scaler used for?

Scraping off calculus and tartar

Does a sickle scaler need to be sharpened?

Yes

Where can a curette be used?

Subgingivally

What is a curette used for?

Subgingival planing (root debridement) and curettage (debridement of periodontal pocket)

Does a curette need to be sharpened?

Yes

What are the two types of curettes?

Gracey and universal

Where can a dental elevator be used?

Subgingivally

What is a dental elevator used for?

Acts as a wedge between the root and the bone to stretch the periodontal ligament for extraction

Does a dental elevator need to be sharpened?

Yes

Where can a periosteal elevator be used?

Subgingivally

What is a periosteal elevator used for?

Elevating and reflecting gingival, mucogingival, and palatal flaps

Does a periosteal elevator need to be sharpened?

Yes

How long should a mechanical scaler be used for on each tooth?

Maximum 10 seconds

When using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, what part of the working end should be used?

The distolateral 2mm of the tip

What are some risks associated with using a rotary scaler?

Easily damages enamel, dentin, and soft tissue

How long should a polisher be used on each tooth?

3-5 seconds