Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of several resharpening techniques.

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the cutting edges of curettes as they came from the manufacturer, after they had been made dull and after they were resharpened by several standard resharpening techniques and one experimental technique. Micrographs were taken of the cutting edges with the SEM at a standard magnification. The quality of the cutting edges was blindly evaluated by five independent examiners who unanimously agreed that the experimental resharpening technique produced the highest quality edge. The experimental resharpening technique used a Whittler Instrument Sharpener on the face of the blade followed by a rotating, abrasive impregnated, felt wheel on the lateral surface of the blade.