Score: Kara 0, Calculus 1

My patient on Wednesday taught me a couple of things about humility. She was just a class two which I have now done multiple times here in the clinic. They have all gone well for the most part. I decided that I didn't want to use the ultrasonic because I wanted to really be able to feel the calculus and see if I could get it off myself. I have now decided that the ultrasonic is a magic tool and I don't know if I would ever try to clean another 2 like that one without it. There was subgingival, interproximal, radiographic calculus everywhere. I don't know if I have ever had such a hard time in someone's mouth before. I had to ask Prof. Costley to come over and help me with the mesial of #3 because there was piece of calculus that I was working on for a good 10 minutes, used every instrument on my try, and still couldn't get it. When Prof. Costley came over she really started to work. I don't think that I have ever seen lateral pressure used like that before. Next thing I know out comes the overhang on the filling in that tooth as well as the calculus. Will I have get to that point? After watching her work, I am not sure if I will ever be able to do that. It was a good experience for me and I was greatful that I had it. I will say, however, that I didn't win that battle.