What is identified as the face of the blade?

The face of the blade in periodontal instruments refers to the flat surface of the blade that comes into contact with the tooth surface during instrumentation. This surface plays a crucial role in the cutting and scaling actions performed by the instrument. Understanding the structure of the instrument is essential for effective periodontal treatment.

The shank, which is identified in the chosen answer, is the part of the instrument that connects the handle to the working end, and while it is important for the overall design and functioning of the instrument, it does not refer to the cutting surface itself. Instead, the face of the blade is more accurately characterized by the edge, which is sharp and used for scaling. The back refers to the opposite side of the blade, and the lateral surface includes the sides of the blade but not the flat, functional part that directly interacts with dental surfaces.

Thus, recognizing the face of the blade as an integral part of effective periodontal instruments is foundational for proper techniques in dental hygiene and periodontal therapy.