128 Where There Is No Dentist 2012
THE INSTRUMENTS YOU NEED FOR SCALING
We scale teeth with special instruments called scalers. There are many
different kinds of scalers for different teeth, to make scaling easier. It can be
a problem to know which ones to buy.
Scalers are expensive instruments. For that reason, it is better to order only
a few instruments that you can use to clean most teeth.
You need only 2 double-ended scalers, or 4 single-ended scalers.
For instance:
1. One with two pointed tips—to remove tartar from the part of the
tooth near the gum.
Its proper name is
lvory C -1 scaler.
2. Another with two blunt, rounded ends—to remove tartar from the
part of the tooth under the gum.
Its proper name is
G-11 and 12 curette.
The ends of the scaler are the important parts. One end is bent to the left
and the other end is bent to the right, so you can reach more easily around
all sides of the tooth.
The blade at each end of the scaler is sharp. You must keep the blade sharp.
A sharp blade can break more of the tartar away than a blunt blade.
You also need these:
Sharpening stone
(Arkansas stone)
Mirror
Probe
(explorer)
Tweezers
(cotton pliers)
Note: When you order an instrument, use both its common and proper
name. Then you have a better chance of receiving the instrument you want.
You can also make some of your own instruments. See pages 214-216.
Keep everything in a Scaling Kit.