Armamentarium
Proper instrument set up is the first requirement for a successful outcome in restoration and this section covers all the various types of instruments available, the advantages and disadvantages of each one and the manner of usage and the possible outcomes of improper instrumentation.
1. What are the 4 sets of instruments used for tooth structure removal?
The 4 sets of instruments used for tooth structure removal are:
- Hand cutting instruments
- Rotary cutting and Rotary abrasive instruments
- Ultrasonic instruments &
- Lasers
2. What is an instrument formula?
G.V.Black developed a numeric formula to characterize the dimensions and angles of the working end. These are placed on the handle using a code of 3-4 numbers.
- The first number is the width of the blade in tenths of a mm
- The second number is the primary cutting edge angle
- The third number is the blade length in mms
- The fourth number is the blade angle
Ref: Theodore.M.Roberson,Harald.O.Heymann,Edward.J.SwiftJR.Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry.Mosby publications;2002;311
3. What is contra angling of instruments?
Instruments with longer blades may require two or three angles in the shank to bring the cutting edge near to the long axis of the handle.This is called contra angling.
Ref: Theodore.M.Roberson,Harald.O.Heymann,Edward.J.SwiftJR.Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry.Mosby publications;2002;311