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==Hand Instruments==

==Hand Instruments==

Hand instruments should be used to remove large, bulky supragingival deposits before going on to powered scalers. Also, hand instruments are required to remove subgingival dental deposits (many mechanical scalers cause potential damage when used subgingivally).<br><br>

Hand instruments should be used to remove large, bulky supragingival deposits before going on to powered scalers. Hand instruments are also required to remove subgingival dental deposits (many mechanical scalers cause potential damage when used subgingivally).<br><br>

Each hand instrument has a handle, a shank and a working tip. They require frequent [[Dental Equipment Maintenance - Small Animal|sharpening]] to maintain their sharp edges and the efficacy of the instrument. The '''handle''' is available in different shapes and styles to reduce repetitive strain and hand fatigue, as well as allowing better tactile sensation. For example; round, hollow handles are recommended because they are lighter in weight, which increases tactile sense, and minimizes hand fatigue whilst a handle with a larger diameter handle is more ergonomically comfortable. A textured handles (vs smooth handle) is easier to hold and maintain a grip whilst allow the operator to maintain better control.<br><br>

Each hand instrument has a handle, a shank and a working tip. They require frequent [[Dental Equipment Maintenance - Small Animal|sharpening]] to maintain their sharp edges and the efficacy of the instrument. The '''handle''' is available in different shapes and styles to reduce repetitive strain and hand fatigue, as well as allowing better tactile sensation. For example; round, hollow handles are recommended because they are lighter in weight, which increases tactile sense, and minimizes hand fatigue whilst a handle with a larger diameter is more ergonomically comfortable. Textured handles (vs smooth handles) are easier to hold and maintain a grip, allowing the operator to maintain better control.<br><br>

The part of the instrument that extends from the working end to the handle is called the '''functional shank'''. Functional shanks may be angled, curved or straight. The variations in length, flexibility and curvature available allow access to different teeth, and different aspects of these teeth, in human dentistry.<br><br>

The part of the instrument that extends from the working end to the handle is called the '''functional shank'''. Functional shanks may be angled, curved or straight. The variations in length, flexibility and curvature available allow access to different teeth, and different aspects of these teeth, in human dentistry.<br><br>

The '''working end''' refers to that part of the instrument that is used to carry out the function of the instrument. Working ends can be made of stainless steel or of carbide steel. The working end of a sharpened instrument is called the blade. Carbide blades may hold their cutting edge longer but tend to corrode easily if not cared for properly. '''Hand scalers have the sharp cutting edge''' ending with a pointed tip whilst a '''hand curette ends with a rounded toe''' to avoid trauma to the tissue when used subgingivally. If a scaler is used subgingivally, the pointed tip will lacerate the gingival margin.<br><br>

The '''working end''' refers to the part of the instrument that is used to carry out its function. Working ends can be made of stainless steel or of carbide steel. The working end of a sharpened instrument is called the blade. Carbide blades may hold their cutting edge longer but tend to corrode easily if not cared for properly. '''Hand scalers have a sharp cutting edge''' ending with a pointed tip whilst '''hand curettes end with a rounded toe''' to avoid trauma to the tissue when used subgingivally. If a scaler is used subgingivally, the pointed tip will lacerate the gingival margin.<br><br>

Scalers should be used by '''gently pulling away from the gingival margin towards the tip of the crown'''. <br><br>

Scalers should be used by '''gently pulling away from the gingival margin towards the tip of the crown'''. <br><br>

Scalers come in a variety of shapes. The most commonly used scaler in veterinary dentistry is the '''sickle scaler''', which can be either curved or straight and in cross section has a blade that is triangular in shape.  <br><br>

Scalers come in a variety of shapes. The most commonly used scaler in veterinary dentistry is the '''sickle scaler''', which can be either curved or straight and in cross section has a blade that is triangular in shape.  <br><br>

Some other types of scalers available are hoes, chisels and files. The most useful of these is the '''hoe''' which is a good instrument to remove a large amount of calculus. The width of the blade is applied at the gingival edge of the calculus deposit, and a pull stroke is applied towards the tip of the crown.   

Some other types of scalers available are hoes, chisels and files. The most useful of these is the '''hoe''' which is a good instrument to remove large amounts of calculus. The width of the blade is applied at the gingival edge of the calculus deposit, and a pull stroke is applied towards the tip of the crown.   

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'''Curettes''' are used for the '''subgingival''' removal of calculus and for root surface debridement. There are basically two types of curettes, namely '''universal and area specific''', e.g. Gracey or Columbia curette. The working end of a curette is more slender than that of a scaler and the back and tip are rounded to minimise gingival trauma.

'''Curettes''' are used for '''subgingival''' removal of calculus and for root surface debridement. There are two types of curettes, '''universal and area specific''', e.g. the Gracey or the Columbia curette. The working end of a curette is more slender than that of a scaler and the back and tip are rounded to minimise gingival trauma.

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'''Calculus forceps''' have been designed to remove large calculus deposits. They have a long, straight beak and a shorter, curved beak. Use carefully to avoid fracture of the crown or trauma to the gingiva.

'''Calculus forceps''' have been designed to remove large calculus deposits. They have a long, straight beak and a shorter, curved beak. Use carefully to avoid fracture of the crown or trauma to the gingiva.

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==Powered Instruments==

==Powered Instruments==