When should a thick-diameter powered tip be used?

• A. For heavy, tenacious supragingival calculus
• B. For light calculus near the gingival margin
• C. For polishing
• D. For subgingival calculus

Answer: (A)

Thick-diameter tips are built to deliver more energy and withstand heavy, hard deposits. Their stiffness and larger active surface let them remove bulk, tenacious supragingival calculus quickly and effectively. That makes them the best choice when you’re dealing with heavy deposits on exposed tooth surfaces.

Using a thick tip for light calculus near the gingival margin isn’t ideal because the smaller, more flexible tips give finer access and reduce the risk of tissue trauma in a tight area. Polishing isn’t done with powered tips, so that choice doesn’t fit, and subgingival calculus is typically addressed with lighter, narrower tips that can reach pockets without gouging the root or injuring tissue.