mod 17: sickle scaler

sickle scaler

a periodontal instrument used to remove calculus deposits from the crowns of the teeth

unique design characteristics of the sickle scaler

-pointed tip and back

-triangular cross section

-2 cutting edges per working end

sickle scaler uses

-removal of medium to large sized supragingival calc deposits

-not recommended for use on root surfaces

-we will use them supra and sub

-can be used for calc deposits at or slightly apical to gingival margin

anterior scaler

face of working end is at a 90 degree angle to lower shank

calc removal concepts

-maintaining correct modified pen grasp is important for effective calc removal

-pause to check finger placement in grasp are correct before initiating instrumentation stroke

-review characteristics of calc removal stroke

calc removal steps

-stabilization

-adaptation

-angulation

-lateral pressure

-controlled, short strokes

-various stroke directions

-number of strokes

incorrect angulation

positioning the lower shank parallel to the tooth surface creates a face to tooth angulation of 90 degrees

correct angulation

achieved by tilting the lower shank toward the tooth surface which creates a face to tooth angulation of 60 to 80 degrees, 70 is ideal

adaptation to proximal surfaces

-common technique error is failure to adapt tip third of cutting edge to proximal surface

-correct technique involves rolling the handle in a series of tiny movements as you are headed into the interproximal surface

design of sickle scaler

face of working end is perpendicular to the lower shank

correct working end

lower shank is parallel when checking interproximal

incorrect working end

lower shank not parallel so its wraps around tooth