Basic periodontal instruments

Parodontologic probe
The supporting apparatus is very vulnerable, the probe easily penetrates the bottom of the paradontal socket further into the tissue.
 * To examine the depth of the periodontium (in healthy periodontium we insert the probe into the sulcus)
 * At 4 sites - interbuccal, buccal, distobuccal, oral
 * First visit - still mesiooral and distoral = six-point measurement
 * Pressure - 0.25 N (gentle probing)


 * We are not talking about the depth of the paradontal socket, but the depth of the probing
 * Usually greater than the histological depth of the paradontal socket (inflamed tissues do not resist)

WHO probe

 * Calibrated by colour coding, blunt-tipped ball
 * Pieces on the working part are separated from each other
 * 0.5/ 3.5/ 5.5/ 8.5/ 11.5 mm (for CPI-TN)

Williams-Fox probe

 * Millimetre scale (division usually in 1 or 2 mm increments)

Florida-Probe, Interprobe

 * Electronic, pressure-calibrated probes
 * Measurement and results acquisition - in conjunction with a computer
 * Improved resolution (depth of 0.1 mm)
 * Result reproducibility comparable to manual probes

Scalers

 * For hard surface removal and rough depuration
 * Pointed, large - cannot work subgingivally without damaging the gingiva
 * Straight - entire maxillary and mandibular area
 * Curved - to remove tartar from interdental spaces



- Hoe-shaped or hook-shaped working end - Removal of tartar even subgingivally without uncovering the gingiva - Cannot reach the bottom of the gingival sulcus - Sharp edges - risk of scratching the root surface
 * Sickle - triangular cross-section, 2 cutting edges that converge into a tip
 * Hoe-scaler

Curettes
- Removal of subgingival deposits, necrotic and infected root cementum, granulation tissue and epithelium from the paradontal sockets - Tiny, rounded end Universal curettes'
 * Can be used in all quadrants of the dentition on all tooth surfaces
 * Sharpened on both sides of the spoon-shaped working end
 * Angle between shank and working edge = 80°
 * Columbia, Langer...

Special curettes'
 * Sharpened on one side only - it is necessary to choose the right tool
 * Angle between working edge and surface = 80°
 * Angle between shank and working edge = 60-70°
 * Gracey's curettes - numerical coding - selection of the tool specifically designed for the surface

Chisels

 * Removal of interdental calculus in the frontal and anterior lateral sections
 * E.g. Zerfing chisel

Ultrasonic tartar removers
Principle of magnetoconstriction - steel/nickel core vibrated longitudinally in a coil through which an alternating current passes Piezoelectric effect - deformation of silicon crystals in an alternating field, oscillations transmitted to the working end
 * Removal of tartar and subgingival concretions (when the gingiva is uncovered)
 * Do not use to remove soft plaque - risk of damage to hard dental tissues
 * Conversion of electric current to microscopic beats at 25-50 kHz
 * For tartar removal in the molars - special tips (SlimlineTM) - very thin, coolant supplied through the inside of the instrument to the tip - removal of concretions, reduction of bacteria and their toxins in the molar and on the root surface

Airscalers

 * Connected to the unit via a quick coupler to a quick release elbow, powered by air
 * Max 10000 oscillations/second - not UZ area
 * Release of hard adherent coatings from tooth surface
 * Cooling required - risk of overheating (up to 195 °C)
 * Risk of cavitation ( even with UZ) - place tips flat on tooth, work intermittently with minimum pressure, use tips with rounded edges

Working technique when working with hand instruments

 * Hold them like a writing pen, with the middle finger resting on the tooth row - exert sufficient force, prevent the instrument from slipping (injury to the patient or doctor)
 * Chisel - gentle strokes away from you
 * Scalers and curettes - pulling from the apex towards the coronal
 * Grind after using the instrument

Related articles

 * Articulation instruments
 * Imprinting spoons
 * Tooth extraction