Figure 3-19. - Palm grasp.
the finger rest. The same finger that is used as a finger rest also acts as a fulcrum, the pivot point around which the necessary force to remove the calculus can be exerted. Figure 3-20 illustrates the correct finger position for a finger rest.
Figure 3-20. - Finger rest.
As you perform the prophylaxis procedure, remember that you are treating a living, breathing human being. You must accomplish your task in a manner that does not irritate the patient. Your job is not to chastise the patient for past dental neglect, but to rehabilitate and educate the patient toward improved oral health.
Before starting any scaling or prophylaxis procedure, ensure that your patient takes out of the mouth any removable partial or complete dentures that are present. This lets you inspect all the oral tissues and will avoid possible damage to the prosthetic teeth during the scaling or polishing procedures. Place the prosthetic appliance in a cup of water or in a moist towel.
Be as gentle as possible during the scaling procedure so that you do not injure the tooth or its surrounding tissues. Frequently irrigate and suction the scaling site to prevent particles of calculus from becoming implanted in the gingival tissues.
While scaling, you will occasionally need to remove calculus and debris from the working end of your instrument. You can do this in several ways. You can place a dappen dish containing hydrogen peroxide on the bracket table and simply dip the instrument tip into the solution, or you can wipe the instrument on a gauze sponge attached to the towel chain or held in your non-scaling hand. Avoid wiping the instrument directly on the patient's towel because blood and debris from your hands or the instrument can stain the patient's clothing.
You should approach each patient with a specific plan of treatment. This will vary with individual patient needs. A routine oral prophylaxis for a patient who practices adequate oral hygiene can usually be completed in one appointment. Patients who have neglected their oral health, such as those with periodontitis and or have subgingival calculus, will be appointed with a dental hygienist or dentist.
Your examination and scaling procedure should be done with a definite routine. By using a routine, you will be able to treat as many teeth as possible from one position, and ensure you will not overlook any tooth or tooth surface. The recommended routine is as follows:
1. Mandibular anterior teeth
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