CH38: Instrument Care and Sharpening

Learning objectives

• Describe the benefits of using sharp instruments.

• Describe the consequences of using dull instruments.

• Demonstrate proper technique for sharpening procedures

for a variety of periodontal instruments.

• Explain how to preserve optimal instrument design when

sharpening.

The main goal is is the

PRESERVATION of the original shape of the blade while restoring a sharp cutting edge

Benefits of sharpening

• Greater precision

• Less working time involved= less fatigue

• Increased tactile sensitivity

• Greater control

• Less possibility of burnishing

• Prevention of trauma

• Less possibility of scratching tooth surfaces

Consequences of dull instruments

• Stress & Frustration

• Wasted time, effort, and energy

• Burnished calculus

• Loss of control

• Loss of patient confidence

• Increased likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders

How to check for dullness

visual/glare test

plastic testing stick

If the instrument is sharp, it (should/shouldn’t) reflect light

shouldn’t

If the instrument is dull, it (should/shouldn’t) reflect light

should

Techniques to sharpen

Moving Flat Stone & Stationary Instrument

Stationary Flat Stone & Moving Instrument

Manual Sharpening*

Power-driven Sharpening

Guides

Types of stones

• Arkansas

• India

• Ceramic

• Diamond-coated stainless

steel

Stone condition

Dry

• Best way to prevent contamination

• Sharpens without nicks in the blade

Wet

• Lubricates ceramic stones

• *Ceramic stones may also be dry

Oil

• Recommended with the Arkansas stone to prevent drying out

• Prevents scratching of the stone

• Instruments should be sterilized before and after sharpening

What do I have

Diamond Head (White) Stone

• Fine ceramic stone

• Use gentle pressure

• Does not use oil or water

• Maintains shape and edge of instrument

Transformation (Brown) Stone

• Course ceramic stone

• Does not use oil or water

• Reshapes the edge of instrument

The diamond head (white) stone does what

maintains shape and edge of instrument

The transformation (brown) stone) does what

reshapes the edge of instrument

Gleason guide

A guide that creates the proper angulation for:

• Sickle scalers

• Universal curettes

• Gracey curettes

Steps:

• STOP (place instrument parallel to

correct guide)

• REST (lay instrument on gleason

guide edge)

• GLIDE (finish with a down stroke)

Sharpening considerations

Area-specific curets:

•Sharpen the correct cutting edge

Sickles & universals:

•Check/sharpen both cutting edges

For universals:

•Sharpen the toe

Use more pressure when sharpening with dull instruments

Infection control

Sharpening stone & test stick MUST be sterile before sharpening chairside.

BEFORE using instrument, check for dullness

Do not use contaminated instruments on stone

Sharpen sterile instrument on sterile stone

Wipe instrument with gauze to remove stone particles

Use for patient treatment

Sterilize stone & instruments after treatment