AP Whoopie!

I finished my AP comp and I am so relieved! I felt very apprehensive about even attempting this comp because I honestly do not feel comfortable with instrumentation. This is due to the lack of patient interaction that I have had. I feel as if knew the instruments better last semester. I was nervous about this comp though because of my lack of experience with actually performing an AP. I had always missed calculus in the past and I knew I could only have four pieces. I also had a difficult time determining the calculus from plaque and possible restoration margins. I did pass this comp on my first attempt! That is quite amazing to pass and to think this whole time I was worried most about this one than any other one. It is possible to those who haven't attempted it yet. I know alot of us are kind of worried about this one and if your like me I was saving it for last. I only left one piece of calculus on the teeth!

Piezo Please

I used the Piezo a few weeks ago and I loved it. The small amount of water made so much of a difference when using indirect vision for a beginner. I have used the ultrasonic since then and I even feel it has helped me with the use of that instrument as well. The ultrasonic is working much better as well because I have finally been able to use it since last semester! My first experience with it was kinda like I was guessing where it was supposed to be. The Piezo, I have found, is not as awkward and heavy. The Piezo tip that i like to use was the probe tip. It looks just like the probe and is helpful to see how far you are getting into the pockets. It also helps you get into the pockets better because of the probe shape. It is easier to use the modified pen grasp because the Piezo is light weight. I can definitely tell a difference in that all sides are not active and it only has lateral action. That may be the disadvantage to the Piezo versus the Ultrasonic. Although it may give me more control, but I haven't quite figured that out yet.