Working End

The working end of the instrument is also defined as the blade or cutting edge of the instrument. The considerations in the function and use of an instrument are whether the toe of the blade is rounded or pointed, whether it is single or double bladed, whether the blade is thick or thin, whether it is curved or straight and the length of the blade. In addition, the angle of the blade, or cutting edge, to the shank of the instrument, can be a factor in being able to adapt the blade to the surface of the tooth at a correct working angle^4-7 (Figures 3‑4).

Figure 3.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

Figure 4.