1. James is about to use a sickle scaler. What is the function of this instrument?
A. Detect the texture and character of tooth surfaces
B. Remove large supragingival calculus deposits
C. Remove large subgingival calculus deposits
D. Check for bleeding of the gingival tissues
Answer: B
Subject: Module 15: Sickle Scalers
2. Which of the following is not a design characteristic of a sickle scaler?
A. Face is perpendicular to the lower shank
B. One cutting edge per working-end
C. Level cutting edges on a working-end
D. A pointed tip
Answer: B
Subject: Module 15: Sickle Scalers
3. Maria is getting ready to remove large supragingival calculus deposits from the posterior teeth.
Which design characteristic should a sickle scaler have for this task?
A. A very flexible functional shank
Copyright © 2016 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 15-1
, B. A rounded back
C. A simple shank design
D. A complex shank design
Answer: D
Subject: Module 15: Sickle Scalers
4. A sickle scaler may be used on the root surfaces if tissue recession is present on the tooth. The
triangular cross section of a sickle scaler could result in tissue trauma if used subgingivally.
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false.
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
Answer: D
Subject: Module 15: Sickle Scalers
5. Hilda wants to select the correct working-end of a double-ended sickle scaler for a posterior
sextant. What visual clue should she look for to select the correct end?
A. Lower shank should be parallel to the distal surface.
B. Lower shank should extend across the facial surface.
C. Lower shank should be tilted slightly toward the distal surface.
D. Lower shank should be longer than height of the crown.
Answer: A
Subject: Module 15: Sickle Scalers
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