1. Commonly Used Hand Instruments Scalers Sharp tip and 3 sharp edges. Used for removal of supragingival calculus Blade is straight or curved Sickle Scaler most common. Curettes Rounded tip and thin curved sides. Rounded back. Removes calculus and debris from below the gumline. Most common are the Gracey – 1 cutting edge and the Universal – 2 cutting edges. CVC East 2009

2. Scalers and Curettes CVC East 2009

3. Commonly Used Hand Instruments Explorers Detects abnormalities in the enamel. Detects calculus below the gumline. Probes exposed nerves of fractured teeth and resorptive lesions. Delicate and flexible steel using the handlers sense of touch and feel Most common explorer is called the Shepherd’s Hook. Also a finer tip version Periodontal Probe Used to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus, which is important in determining periodontal disease. Minimal sulcular depths are normal - <3mm in dogs and 0.5 – 1mm in cats. Anything deeper is called a pocket. Intervals marked using notches or color changes CVC East 2009

4. Explorers and Probes Notched Color markings CVC East 2009