Figure 3-9. Detection of subgingival calculus with point of explorer.
3-9.
GUIDANCE IN THE USE OF SCALING INSTRUMENTS
a. Grasp. The most common grasp used in holding a dental instrument is the
modified pen grasp. The modified pen grasp should be accomplished in the following
manner.
(1)
Thumb and forefinger hold the instrument with finger pads contacting
instrument.
(2) Thumb and forefinger should be opposite each other at or near the
junction of the shank and handle.
(3)
Pad of the middle finger should be placed on the shank.
(4)
Ring finger remains free to establish fulcrum.
(5)
Use a light relaxed grasp.
b. Finger Rest. Establishing a finger rest is a major factor in maintaining
instrument stability during scaling procedures. An effective finger rest should meet the
following criteria:
(1)
Place the finger rest using the pad of the ring finger.
(2)
Establish finger rest as close to the working area as possible.
(a) Should be on the same arch.
(b) Should be close to the tooth being worked on.
MD0513
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