Use and Techniques
- Periodontal scalers are used to remove calculus from teeth.
- Scalers are restricted to supra-gingival use to avoid damaging the gums.
- Anterior scalers have a straight design, while posterior scalers have an angled terminal shank for easy access to posterior teeth.
- Scalers have scraping edges on both sides of their blades, suitable for mesial and distal surfaces.
- The terminal shank of scalers should be angled slightly toward the tooth surface for optimal use.
- Modified pen grasp position is essential for precise control and reduced musculoskeletal stress.
- Characteristics of a calculus removal stroke include stabilization, adaptation, angulation, lateral pressure, stroke direction, and stroke number.
- Stabilization involves pressure on the handle with the index finger and thumb.
- Adaptation requires placing the tip of the working end in contact with the tooth structure.
- Angulation should ideally be 70º-80º when using periodontal scalers.
- Periodontal debridement strokes are activated using periodontal scalers.
- Proper angulation, short controlled strokes, and moderate pressure are crucial for effective debridement.
- Rolling the handle of the instrument maintains adaptation and prevents soft tissue injury.
- Assessment strokes with feather-light pressure are used to judge calculus removal.
- Following instrumentation principles improves efficiency, effectiveness, and protects the clinician's ergonomics.
Design and Materials
- The composition of hand instruments is continuously evolving.
- Instrument designs and materials allow for reduced strain and increased comfort for dental professionals and patients.
- Factors to consider in scaler design include balance, diameter, texture, and weight.
- Proper design enhances finger pressure application and reduces muscle fatigue.
- Evolving technology improves dental treatment effectiveness and work surroundings.
Design Characteristics
- Periodontal scalers typically have two cutting edges per working end.
- Some scalers have rounded backs, while others have pointed backs.
- Scalers have triangular cross sections, limiting their use to above the gingiva.
- Pointed tips and perpendicular faces require correct angulation for effective use.
- Two types of scaler designs: anterior sickle scalers for anterior teeth and posterior sickle scalers for both anterior and posterior teeth.
Achieving Effective Periodontal Therapy
- Proper angulation, short controlled strokes, and moderate pressure are crucial for effective debridement.
- Rolling the handle of the instrument maintains adaptation and prevents soft tissue injury.
- Assessment strokes with feather-light pressure are used to judge calculus removal.
- Following instrumentation principles improves efficiency, effectiveness, and protects the clinician's ergonomics.
References
- Nield-Gehrig 2008, p.287, 309
- Nield-Gehrig 2008, p.288
- Bennet, Barbara (November 2007). All about hand instruments
- Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 5 (11): 20–23, ISSN1542-7838 via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
- Nield-Gehrig, Jill S. (2013). Fundamentals of periodontal instrumentation and advanced root instrumentation, 7th ed., Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN9781609133313
- Matsuda, Stacy A. (November 2008). Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 6 (11): 22–26, ISSN1542-7838 via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
- Cobbs, Charles M. (October 2008). Journal of Dental Hygiene, 3 (82): 4–9, ISSN1043-254X via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
- Nield-Gehrig, Jill S. (2016). Fundamentals of periodontal instrumentation and advanced root instrumentation, 8th ed., Wolters Kluwer Health Adis, ISBN9781496345530
- Newman, Michael G.; Takei, Henry H.; Klokkevoid, Perry R.; Carranza, Fermin A. (2015). Carranzas Clinical Periodontology, 12th ed., St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders, ISBN9780323188241
- Cobbs, Charles M. (October 2008). Journal of Dental Hygiene, 3 (82): 4–9, ISSN1043-254X via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
Periodontal scalers are dental instruments used in the prophylactic and periodontal care of teeth (most often human teeth), including scaling and root planing. The working ends come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are always narrow at the tip, so as to allow for access to narrow embrasure spaces between teeth. They differ from periodontal curettes, which possess a blunt tip.
