SILK Scalers and Curettes

The hygienists who participated in this evaluation received an array of instruments based on their preferences. The instruments they received included Gracey Curettes, Scaler S/6 S/7, Scaler 204S, McCall Scalers, Columbia Curettes, Jacquette Scalers, and Towner Scalers. The evaluators used the instruments in their practices for about 4 weeks and then completed the Dental Product Shopper evaluation form.

Handle Size and Weight

According to J & J Instruments, the Silk scalers and curettes are 9.5 mm in diameter for easy handling. In addition, the overall weight is approximately 20 grams to help ease hand fatigue. The 8 hygienists who participated in this evaluation were asked about the importance of handle size (diameter) and weight when purchasing scalers and curettes. Six evaluators said handle diameter is very important, 1 said it is important, and 1 said it is somewhat important. Seven hygienists said handle weight is very important and 1 said it is important.
When the evaluators were asked to rate the handle size of Silk scalers and curettes, 7 rated it as excellent to very good and 1 rated it as good. One evaluator said the handle is a “good diameter” and another said, “The handle size is just right.” When asked to rate handle weight for these instruments, 6 rated it as excellent to very good and 2 rated it as good. One evaluator commented, “I love how light the scalers are.”

Blade Sharpness and Thickness

The manufacturer says that the Silk scalers and curettes are manufactured using high-grade German 440A stainless steel tips. In addition, the instruments are razor sharp with durable tips, and they are Rockwell hardened to 60 HRc. When the evaluators were asked about the importance of blade sharpness and thickness when purchasing scalers and curettes, all 8 said they are very important. The evaluating hygienists were then asked to rate the Silk instruments on blade sharpness and thickness. Four evaluators rated the sharpness as excellent to very good, 1 rated it as good, and 3 rated it as fair. One evaluator said that she felt the blade “did not remain as sharp as the ones I’m accustomed to.” Another evaluator commented that the blades remained “very sharp, even after several uses.” With regard to blade thickness, 5 evaluators rated the instruments as excellent to very good, 1 rated them as good, 1 rated them as fair, and 1 rated them as poor. One evaluator said that the blade “seemed a little thick, but I guess all new instruments do.” Another said that she thought the blade was “thicker than other products I use.” A third evaluator said she found the thickness to be “very nice.” In field tests conducted by the manufacturer, some hygienists who originally commented on the thickness of the Silk blades later clarified their assessment. They said that almost all new blades feel thick when first used, but are then made thinner with continued use and sharpening.

Tactile Sensitivity

J & J Instruments describes the in - stru ment handles as having deep precision knurling for improved tactile feel. When the evaluators were asked to rate the Silk scalers and curettes on tactile sensitivity, 3 rated them as excellent, 1 rated them as very good, and 4 rated them as good. One evaluator said, “I liked the handle. It was easy to grasp and the texture helped with tactile sensitivity. I was able to hold it lightly and still maintain a good hold.”

Overall Satisfaction

At the end of the evaluation, the evaluators were asked to give their overall satisfaction rating for the Silk scalers and curettes. Seven evaluators rated them as excellent to very good and 1 rated them as fair. In commenting on tactile sensitivity, 1 evaluator said, “Tactile sensitivity is great. I could really feel the surface of the teeth through the handle.” Another evaluator summed it up by saying, “The instruments are easy to use because of the light weight, large diameter, and high tactile sensitivity handles.”