Page 188 - My FlipBook

184 OPERATIVE DENTISTRY
eling in the direction of the root. In its use the principal danger
is the slipping of the instrument to the gum tissue beyond and this
accident should be well guarded against by first securing a pos-
itive and sufficient hand rest.
By the Pull-Cut Method the blade of the scaler, which has a hoe
point of about twenty-eight degrees, is first passed under the free
margin of the gum, its point engaged on the ledge of the calculus
and its removal accomplished by a pulling force applied toward
the crown of the tooth, or in a plane parallel with the long axis of
the tooth. Care should be taken in passing the instrument under
the free margin not to lacerate the gums. Pen grasp should be
used anc a secure hand rest obtained before making an effort to
remove the deposit.
The First Teeth to Be Scaled is not important, yet if attention
ib first directed to the lingual surfaces of the lower incisors, we
are able to create an impression upon our patients of the impor-
tance of the work in hand. It is here we generally find the heavi-
est deposits and by removing these first, and allowing them to
fall in the mouth the patient is fully awakened to the need of the
service being rendered. The same impressions never seem possible
if the removal of the larger masses is left until the last.
The Proximal Surfaces Are Best Scaled with the pruning hook,
draw-cut scaler or the straight push-cut having a very thin blade
and about a twenty-three degree bevel.
These proximal surfaces will need such attention more from the
deposit of serumal calculus than from the salivary variety, which
is only present in the proximal surfaces after gum recession.
The Removal of Serumal Calculus is much more difficult than
salivary, as all of the work is done under the cover of the gum.
.
which requires delicacy of touch and the highest degree of digital
skill.
Calculus Must Be Distinguished From Cementum, bone and soft
tissues, simply by the sensation of touch conveyed through contact
of the instrument with the structures in question.
The Surface of Roots, where the attachment of the perice-
mentum has been lost, must be carefully examined and the re-
moval of all calculus accomplished, and the root or roots thor-
oughly polished, as the gum will not regain health where particles
of the deposit remain. Several sittings are often necessary to ac-
complish satisfactory results.
Pyorrhea Alveolaris. The desire to keep this book within cer-