How to bag scalers? 

1. There are three types of scalers: sickles, Graceys and universal
2. Sickles have sharp points and shape curves as the name indicates.  The straight one is for anterior teeth; curved (offset) one for posterior teeth.  The straight sickle is most often used so that we can bag it in a single bag.  It is also a good idea to bag straight and curved one together.  Please ask hygienists for preference
3. By contrast, Gracey scalers should go by pair.  The most basic pair is 11/12 (molars: mesial) and 13/14 (molars: distal).  The more complete set is 5/6 (for anterior teeth), 7/8 (for premolars), 11/12, and 13/14
4. The third type of scaler is uiversal (5/6).  It is used for every tooth in the mouth.  It is simple, but maybe not so efficient.  So it can be bagged singly
5. There are three SRP (scaling and root planing) cassettes in the office.  Inside each cassette are mirror, explorer with perio probe, pick-up, straight and offset sickles, 11/12, and 13/14

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Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 06/01/2011, last revision 06/01/2011