Numbers on handle indicate width of blade, angle of cutting edge, length of blade, and angle of blade
1. Indicates width of blade in tenths of millimeters
Example:
20 indicates a width of 2 mm
2. Indicates angle of cutting edge of blade in relation to handle
Example:
95 indicates a cutting edge angle of 95 degrees
3. Indicates length of blade in millimeters
Example:
8 indicates a length of 8 mm
4. Indicates angle of blade from long axis of shaft
Example:
12 indicates a blade angle of 12 degrees
The designation for the instrument described above is 20-95-8-12; the number of instrument size is indicated on the handle.
Examples of four-numbered instruments:
Angle Former, Gingival Margin Trimmers—Mesial and Distal
Instrument
Enamel hatchet
Functions
To clean and smooth walls in cavity preparation
To remove enamel not supported by dentin
Characteristics
Used with push motion
Cutting edge on same plane as handle
Single or double ended
Is a three-numbered instrument
Examples of instrument numbers:
20-9-14
15-8-14
15-8-12
Practice note
Enamel Hatchet is used on restorative tray setups.
Enamel Hatchet must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.
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