Which instrument is typically recognized by having a pointed tip?

Which instrument is typically recognized by having a pointed tip?

• A. Air Polisher
• B. Sickle Scaler
• C. Gracey Curette
• D. Universal Curette

Answer: (B)

Tip geometry signals how an instrument is used. A sickle scaler has a pointed tip at the end of its blade, which concentrates contact with calculus in line angles and interproximal areas, allowing precise removal of supragingival deposits. In contrast, gracey curettes and universal curettes feature rounded tips and toe edges designed to debride root surfaces with less risk of tissue trauma, while an air polisher uses a spray nozzle rather than a cutting tip. Because of its distinctive pointed tip, the sickle scaler is the instrument most readily recognized by that feature.

Tip geometry signals how an instrument is used. A sickle scaler has a pointed tip at the end of its blade, which concentrates contact with calculus in line angles and interproximal areas, allowing precise removal of supragingival deposits. In contrast, gracey curettes and universal curettes feature rounded tips and toe edges designed to debride root surfaces with less risk of tissue trauma, while an air polisher uses a spray nozzle rather than a cutting tip. Because of its distinctive pointed tip, the sickle scaler is the instrument most readily recognized by that feature.