Question 1

Identify the scaler that is referred to as a "power scaler."
A)Universal curette
B)Ultrasonic scaling unit
C)Area-specific curette-anterior
D)Mini extended area-specific curette
E)Extended area-specific curette-After Five design

Accepted Answer

The ultrasonic scaler is often referred to as a power scaler because it converts ultra-high frequency sound waves to mechanical energy. Curettes are not considered to be "power scalers."

Question 2

The use of an India stone should be preceded by the use of an Arkansas or ceramic stone.

Accepted Answer

An Arkansas stone follows an India stone in the sharpening process.

Question 3

Identify the type of curette on which the terminal shank is 3 mm longer than that of the standard area-specific curette to allow removal of deposits at 5 mm or deeper.
A)Extended area-specific curette-After Five design
B)Mini extended area-specific curette
C)Universal curette
D)Implant scaler
E)Sickle scaler

Accepted Answer

The extended area-specific curette is designed with a longer terminal shank, "extended" for use in periodontal pockets 5 mm or deeper. The mini extended area-specific curette and the universal curette do not feature an extended shank. A scaler is not designed for subgingival scaling.

Question 4

Which of the following ultrasonic scaler tips features water delivered directly from the base of the tip?
A)Supragingival
B)Subgingival
C)Furcation
D)Universal

Accepted Answer

The ultrasonic scaler tip features a water delivery directly from the base of the tip. The supragingival, subgingival, and furcation inserts all feature an external water source.

Question 5

Identify a type of scaler used to remove large amounts of deposits from supragingival surfaces. This type has a long, straight shank and a straight blade with two cutting edges that ends in a sharp point.
A)Sickle scaler
B)Chisel scaler
C)Implant scaler
D)Area-specific curette

Accepted Answer

A sickle scaler, which is shaped like a sickle, has a long, straight shank and a straight blade with two cutting edges that converge to a sharp point. Curettes are designed for supra- and subgingival scaling and root planing. A chisel has one cutting edge and does not converge into a sharp point.

Question 6

Ultra-high frequency sound waves convert mechanical energy into vibrations for the ultrasonic scaler.

Accepted Answer

Mechanical energy is converted into vibrations for the ultrasonic scaler using ultra-high frequency sound waves.

Question 7

Name the type of scaler used to remove deposits and stain from implant areas.
A)Universal curette
B)Implant scaler
C)Chisel scaler
D)Sickle scaler

Accepted Answer

As the name implies, an implant scaler is designed for use specifically on implants and is available in a disposable option.

Question 8

Identify the curette that is specifically designed for narrow roots, pockets, or furcations and that is used to scale in deep periodontal pockets of 5 mm.
A)Universal curette
B)Area-specific curette-anterior
C)Area-specific curette-posterior
D)Mini extended area-specific curette

Accepted Answer

The mini extended area-specific curette is designed to reach into narrow and deep periodontal pockets and furcations, as the blade is half the length of a standard curette. The universal, extended area-specific, anterior, and posterior curettes have standard-length blades, not ideal for scaling deep into narrow periodontal pockets or furcations.

Question 9

Which curette would be most suitable for scaling and removing deposits from deep periodontal pockets (5 mm or deeper) on the posterior teeth?
A)Mini extended area-specific curette-posterior
B)Extended area-specific curette-posterior
C)Area specific curette
D)Curved sickle scaler
E)Universal curette

Accepted Answer

A posterior extended area-specific curette would be the instrument of choice for scaling a 5-mm or deeper periodontal pocket on a posterior tooth. If the pocket were also narrow or a furcation was involved, the mini extended area-specific curette, posterior, would be the choice. The universal curette, curved sickle scaler, and regular area-specific curette lack the design feature to effectively reach the bottom of a 5-mm or deeper pocket.

Question 10

Identify a type of curette used to remove deposits from subgingival surfaces. This type has a blade angled at 70 degrees to a standard-length lower shank and is designed to adapt to specific teeth, such as premolars and molars.
A)Area-specific curette-posterior
B)Area-specific curette-anterior
C)Mini extended area-specific curette
D)Extended area-specific curette-After Five design

Accepted Answer

The posterior area-specific curette is designed with a blade angled at 70 degrees to the lower shank and adapts to posterior tooth surfaces. The anterior area-specific curette, as the name indicates, is used on anterior teeth. Both the mini extended and the extended area-specific curettes have special features distinctly different from the standard area-specific curette.

Question 11

Identify a type of curette used to remove deposits from subgingival surfaces; this type has a blade angled at 70 degrees to the lower shank and is designed to adapt to specific teeth, such as centrals, laterals, and cuspids.
A)Area-specific curette-posterior
B)Area-specific curette-anterior
C)Mini extended area-specific curette
D)Extended area-specific curette-After Five design

Accepted Answer

The anterior area-specific curette is designed with a blade angled at 70 degrees to the lower shank and adapts to anterior tooth surfaces. The posterior area-specific curette, as the name indicates, is used on posterior teeth. Both the mini extended and the extended area-specific curettes have special features distinctly different from the standard area-specific curette.

Question 12

How would an instrument sharpening stone be cared for?
A)Sterilize after each patient use.
B)Place on a scaling/root planning tray set-up.
C)Lubricate with oil or water per manufacturer's directions prior to use.
D)All of the above are correct.

Accepted Answer

Sharpening stones must be cleaned, bagged, and individually or bagged/wrapped in a try set-up, and then sterilized following use.

Question 13

Which sharpening stone is used to sharpen scalers and curettes?
A)India stone
B)Arkansas stone
C)Ceramic stone
D)All of the above are correct.
E)Only B and C are correct.

Accepted Answer

Three types of stones are used to sharpen scalers and curettes: India, Arkansas, and ceramic.

Question 14

Identify the type of curette used to scale supragingival and subgingival surfaces. This instrument has two parallel cutting edges and a rounded toe, and the blade is angled 90 degrees to the lower shank.
A)Universal curette
B)Area-specific curette-posterior
C)Area-specific curette-anterior
D)Mini extended area-specific curette
E)Extended area-specific curette-After Five design

Accepted Answer

A universal curette has two parallel cutting edges and a rounded toe, and the blade is angled at 90 degrees to the lower shank. The cutting edges on an area-specific curette are not parallel and are angled at 70 degrees to the lower shank.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a subgingival ultrasonic instrument tip?
A)Furcation design
B)After Five design
C)Supragingival design
D)All of the above are correct.

Accepted Answer

An example of a subgingival ultrasonic instrument tip is an After Five design. An example of a furcation design is a Furcation Plus. A supragingival design is not synonymous with a subgingival design.

Quiz 12: Hygiene Instruments

Identify the scaler that is referred to as a "power scaler."

The use of an India stone should be preceded by the use of an Arkansas or ceramic stone.

Identify the type of curette on which the terminal shank is 3 mm longer than that of the standard area-specific curette to allow removal of deposits at 5 mm or deeper.

Which of the following ultrasonic scaler tips features water delivered directly from the base of the tip?

Identify a type of scaler used to remove large amounts of deposits from supragingival surfaces. This type has a long, straight shank and a straight blade with two cutting edges that ends in a sharp point.

Ultra-high frequency sound waves convert mechanical energy into vibrations for the ultrasonic scaler.

Name the type of scaler used to remove deposits and stain from implant areas.

Identify the curette that is specifically designed for narrow roots, pockets, or furcations and that is used to scale in deep periodontal pockets of 5 mm.

Which curette would be most suitable for scaling and removing deposits from deep periodontal pockets (5 mm or deeper) on the posterior teeth?

Identify a type of curette used to remove deposits from subgingival surfaces. This type has a blade angled at 70 degrees to a standard-length lower shank and is designed to adapt to specific teeth, such as premolars and molars.

Identify a type of curette used to remove deposits from subgingival surfaces; this type has a blade angled at 70 degrees to the lower shank and is designed to adapt to specific teeth, such as centrals, laterals, and cuspids.

How would an instrument sharpening stone be cared for?

Which sharpening stone is used to sharpen scalers and curettes?

Identify the type of curette used to scale supragingival and subgingival surfaces. This instrument has two parallel cutting edges and a rounded toe, and the blade is angled 90 degrees to the lower shank.

Which of the following is an example of a subgingival ultrasonic instrument tip?