SECTION 17

INSTRUMENTS USED IN PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES

Maintenance of the health of the periodontium (gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone) is vital for an individual’s overall dental health. Disease of the periodontium is referred to as periodontal disease and is a common dental problem. The dental team uses specialised instruments to maintain good periodontal health or to reverse the effects of periodontal disease.

Figure 17.1

Figure 17.2

VARIOUS PERIODONTAL PROBES

FIGURE 17.1

Name

Williams periodontal probe

Function and feature

• Used to probe the depth of a periodontal pocket, allowing the operator to measure the pocket depth by reading the markings
• Working end is marked in millimetres to measure periodontal pockets around teeth (can probe depths as small as 0.4 mm)

Varieties

• Can be single-ended or double-ended
• Many different types of periodontal probes available

False friends

Endodontic probe (DG16 probe), endodontic spreader, BPE/CPITN probe (BPE, basic periodontal examination; CPITN, community periodontal index of treatment needs)

FIGURE 17.2a, b

Name

BPE/CPITN probe

Function and features

• Ball on working end helps to prevent tissue trauma and detect sub-gingival calculus
• The coloured bands are for measuring the depth of periodontal pockets
• The measurements recorded will indicate to the operator the level of periodontal treatment needed
• Calibrated in millimetres

False friend

Periodontal probe

Figure 17.3

Figure 17.4

FIGURE 17.3

Name

Furcation probe

Functions and features

• To examine tooth surfaces and detect imperfections in furcations, pit, fissures, interproximal areas and around restorations
• Measures the depth of furcation involvement
• There is a pointed working end calibrated in millimetres (denoted by black markings)

Varieties

• Can be single-ended or double-ended
• Variety of working ends

SCALERS AND CURETTES

FIGURE 17.4a, b

Name

Jacquette scaler

Function, features and method of use

• Used with a pull action
• To remove supra-gingival calculus and plaque
• Two cutting edges that meet at a point
• Needs to be sharpened regularly

Varieties

• Can be single-ended or double-ended
• Many different types are available

False friends

Gracey curettes

Figure 17.5

Figure 17.6

FIGURE 17.5a, b

Name

Push scaler

Function and method of use

• Used with a push action
• To remove supra-gingival calculus and plaque

Varieties

Can be single-ended or double-ended

False friends

Enamel chisel, enamel hatchet

FIGURE 17.6a, b

Name

Sickle scaler

Function and features

• To remove supra-gingival calculus and plaque
• Two cutting edges that meet at a point
• Needs to be sharpened regularly

Varieties

• Available as anterior or posterior instruments with a variety of working ends
• Can be single-ended />
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