Ace the HESI Chairside Challenge 2025 – Elevate Your Dental Assisting Skills!

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What instruments would you use to remove calculus from teeth?

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Suction devices and scalers

Scalers and curettes

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that adheres to the teeth and can lead to periodontal disease if not removed. The most effective instruments for this task are scalers and curettes.

Scalers are specifically designed with sharp edges to effectively scrape away calculus from the tooth surfaces, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. They can be used supra-gingivally (above the gum line) and are essential in the periodontal treatment process. Curettes, on the other hand, have a rounded end and are used for subgingival scraping (below the gum line) as well as smoothing the root surfaces. They are designed to reach deeper areas and remove calculus that may accumulate below the gum tissue.

The combination of scalers and curettes allows dental professionals to thoroughly clean the teeth of calculus and plaque, thus contributing to better oral health.

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