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20 OPERATIVE DENTISTRY
tempt to cut, -whereas Avhen sharp, the pain is less and the effort
in cutting is materially lessened, resulting in a saving of pain to
the patient and time and energy to the dentist. A hard, smooth
Arkansas stone is the only suitable abrasive and should be well
oiled and wiped Avith a cloth after each use.
Care of Instruments. As the instruments are shipped to the den-
tist they are usually made and sharpened especially for the use in-
tended and care should be exercised in sharpening that the degree
of the angle of the beveled edge is not changed.
Tests for Sharpness. An instrument is tested for sharpness best
by placing the edge with light pressure against the finger nail and
attempting to move it across the surface at right angles to the
edge. If it catches or clings to the nail it is ready for use.
