| Three
Pearls for Effective Instrumentation:
Repetitive work-related injuries can be
caused when your hand or wrist is held in the same position for
extended periods during the workday. Over the years, handle
styles have changed from narrow, solid construction to larger
handles that can weigh less than their predecessors and improve
the grasp force applied during use. Variety of handle diameters
will prevent a hygienist's hand from being subjected to these
conditions. |
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Go
Lighter and Larger: The newest innovation
in instrument handles is Premier's new Big Easy Ultralite.
Even larger and lighter than Premier's original Big Easy handle,
the Ultralite is surprisingly light--only 16 grams. That is up
to 30% lighter than other hygiene instruments! The handle
has a 1/2" diameter and includes Premier's patented Big Easy
grip, made from medical-grade silicone that stands up to repeated
autoclaving. The cushion grips provide passive feedback
to the operator, so less pressure is required.
Choose
Effective Shank Designs: Another factor
involved in instrument selection is choosing the instrument that
is best suited to the required task. When scaling and root
debridement are performed in deeper sites, using an instrument
with an extended shank, slender tips and/or shorter blade toe
will reduce the effort and improve accessibility required to achieve
desirable outcomes in therapy. An added benefit of Premier's
InSite™ pocket curettes, for example, is that once a pocket
depth has been measured with the periodontal probe, the depth
marking on the shank of an InSite curette will ensure that the
operator has adequately reached the base of the pocket by matching
the depth on both instruments. This is an important issue,
since a dental hygienist relies mainly on tactile abilities to
ensure complete debridement of a periodontal pocket.
While ultrasonic scaling
is not a complete replacement for hand scaling, its value during
a hygiene or periodontal appointment is supported by patient comfort
and sound research. By using power-assisted scaling procedures,
tenacious deposits can be removed more effectively and efficiently
when compared to using only hand instruments. The result
is that the patient is treated quicker, with less discomfort and
with less effort.
Keep
Instruments Sharp: Finally, all hygiene
instruments require sharpening after each use to maintain their
effectiveness during procedures and to reduce operator fatigue.
Dull instruments can burnish deposits on the tooth and root surfaces,
making them even more difficult to remove. When an instrument
becomes extremely dull, significantly greater effort is required
to re-establish the correct edge and the chance of inadvertently
altering the cutting angle is increased. With the use of
a guided-sharpening device, such as the D.I.S.C.™ sharpener,
clinicians will find that instrument adaptation and performance
will improve with ease. This device ensures consistency
and accuracy in re-establishing the original blade edge of hygiene
instruments and minimizes the guesswork that may occur with hand-sharpening
techniques.
All of these factors
need to be considered by dentists and hygienists when choosing
the correct instrument. With proper consideration, the instruments
will last longer (saving money) and reduce the amount of effort
required to perform the procedure. For additional information,
contact Premier Dental Products Company and ask for their new
hygiene brochure that highlights the new Big Easy Ultralite and
includes additional chairside ergonomic tips. Call Premier
at 888-670-6100 or e-mail dentalinfo@premusa.com.
Author:
Lil Caperila, RDH, M.Ed.
University
Sales Manager
Premier
Dental Products Company
|
Surprisingly
Light!
DISC
Sharpener |
