McCall Sickle Scaler Fig. 11/12

The McCall Sickle Scaler Fig. 11/12 is a double-ended supragingival scaling instrument constructed from surgical-grade stainless steel, featuring two curved sickle-shaped blades with two sharp cutting edges on each working end that converge at a pointed tip. Each end carries a contra-angled shank that positions the blade optimally for posterior interproximal access, with opposing angulations on each side covering mesial and distal approaches from a single instrument. The handle is fitted with a bright aqua blue silicone dot-grip coating — immediately recognizable on any multi-instrument tray — providing a secure, non-slip hold during wet clinical conditions.

The McCall 11/12 Scaler uses a universal blade design with cutting edges on both sides, allowing pull strokes on both the mesial and distal aspects of the blade without rotating the instrument. This differs from area-specific Gracey curettes, which rely on a single lower cutting edge. The contra-angled shank geometry directs the blade under posterior contact points, allowing the tip to reach interproximal surfaces that straight-shanked scalers cannot adapt to without awkward wrist deviation.

Dental hygienists use the McCall Sickle Scaler Fig. 11/12 during routine prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance appointments to remove supragingival calculus from posterior interproximal and mesial tooth surfaces. The clinician positions the blade at 70-to-80 degrees to the tooth, anchors a stable fulcrum on an adjacent tooth, then activates short, overlapping pull strokes — vertical or oblique — along the interproximal surface until deposits fracture cleanly from the crown.

The 11/12 McCall Scaler is a universal posterior scaling staple trusted in busy hygiene practices. Leader Surgical produces this scaler to consistent blade geometry, verified stainless steel composition, and sterilization-safe aqua blue silicone handle coating.

What are the two types of scalers?
There are two kinds of ultrasonic scalers – magnetostrictive and piezoelectric. They both work in essentially the same manner – electromagnetic forces cause the tip of the unit to vibrate very quickly.