Don't Get Burned - Keys to Avoid and Remove Burnished Calculus

Residual burnished calculus is a significant, persistent problem for all clinicians who perform non-surgical periodontal instrumentation. Detecting and removing burnished calculus is one of the most frustrating and challenging tasks we face as clinicians. The best way to solve this problem is to avoid creating burnished calculus (in the first place or initially) by understanding its origins. This presentation will discuss the causes of burnishing including the most common hand and ultrasonic instrumentation errors. It will describe how to avoid burnishing tenacious calculus by using the sharpest instruments, applying firm pressure for thorough removal strokes instead of shaving strokes and selecting beveled tips and adequate power for ultrasonic scaling. The best hand instruments, ultrasonic tips and techniques for detection and removal of burnished calculus will be identified with practical tips on how to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

• Define burnished calculus and describe its detrimental effects on the periodontium.
• Describe the causes of burnished calculus by hand and ultrasonic instrumentation.
• Discuss key concepts to avoid burnishing of calculus.
• Identify the best hand instruments, ultrasonic tips and techniques for detection and removal of burnished calculus.