Which instrument is used supragingivally, has two cutting edges, and a pointed tip?

• A. Air Polisher
• B. Sickle Scaler
• C. Universal Curette
• D. Gracey Curette

Answer: (B)

The instrument described is designed for supragingival use and features two cutting edges with a pointed tip. This combination is characteristic of the sickle scaler. Its blade is triangular, with two cutting edges on opposite sides and a pointed tip that helps reach calculus in contact areas and line angles above the gumline. Because of the pointed tip, it remains effective for breaking up calculus on crowns and towards interproximal spaces without going beneath the gum.

In contrast, an air polisher uses pressurized air, water, and abrasive powder to clean and polish surfaces; it has no cutting edges or pointed tip. A universal curette has two cutting edges as well, but its blade ends in a rounded toe rather than a pointed tip, and it is used for both supra- and subgingival scaling. A Gracey curette has a single active cutting edge and a rounded toe, designed for subgingival use along specific surfaces, and it does not have two cutting edges or a pointed tip.