Sharpening Instruments

Instrument inspection before use

Instruments should be clean, sterile, in good condition, and scalers should be sharp.

Consequences of instrument wear

Instruments can become weak, altered, or reduce in size over time and should be discarded if worn.

Benefits of sharp instruments

Sharp instruments enhance tactile sensitivity, allow precise work, improve safety, comfort for patients, and reduce clinician fatigue.

Cutting edge characteristics

A sharp cutting edge appears as a line and reflects light differently than a dull edge.

Cutting edge design

Sickle scalers have a triangular cutting edge while curettes have a semi-circular cutting edge.

Sharpening systems

Natural stones like Arkansas, man-made synthetic stones, and handheld stones are used for sharpening instruments.

Common sharpening errors

Errors include altering working edge design, removing unnecessary metal, and only sharpening part of the working edge.

Post-sharpening care

After sharpening, instruments should be reshaped, cleaned of metal bits, and re-sterilized.

Sharpening technique

Hold the stone stationary while moving the instrument and maintain the correct angle, no more than three strokes at a time.

Health and safety protocols

Instruments must be sterile prior to sharpening, and stones must be decontaminated according to guidelines.