NEEDLE HOLDER
The needle holder is an instrument with a locking handle and a short, stout beak. For intraoral placement of sutures, a 6-inch (15-cm) needle holder is usually recommended (Fig. 6-21). The beak of the needle holder is shorter and stronger than the beak of the hemostat (Fig.6-22, A). The face of the beak of the needle holder is crosshatched to permit a positive grasp of the suture needle and suture. The hemostat has parallel grooves on the face of the beaks, thereby decreasing the control over needle and suture. Therefore the hemostat should not be used for suturing (Fig. 6-22, B).
To properly control the locking handles and to direct the relatively long needle holder, the surgeon must hold the instrument in the proper fashion (Fig. 6-23). The thumb and ring finger are inserted through the rings. The index finger is held along the length of the needle holder to steady and direct it. The second finger aids in controlling the locking mechanism. The index finger should not be put through the finger ring because this will result in dramatic decrease in control.
B, Additional chisels are straight unibevel chisel, curved unibevel chisel, or straight bibevel chisel.
C, A close-up view of the chisel working end shows the bibevel end, the straiqht unibevel end, and
the curved unibevel end.
B, Teeth of bone file are effective only in pull stroke
from bony defects.
therefore should not be used for suturing. B, Face. of shorter beak of needle holder is crosshatched
to ensure positive grip on needle (left). Face of hemostat has parallel grooves that do not allow a
firm grip on needle (right).
finger to control instrument (bottom).
