In dentistry, a sharp scoop is used to remove connective tissue from around the alveolus after tooth extraction.

This is important, as otherwise the tooth base may not heal properly as bone. This results in bone matter which is more like connective tissue, and thus unsuitable for implantation.

Immediately after extraction, the alveolus is cleaned using the sharp scoop. This patient is about to receive implants – for immediate implantation, cleaning is absolutely necessary.

As with all surgical instruments, these instruments should be sterile when used. The picture shows an operating container, in which the operating instruments lie neatly sorted side by side, which is the best storage method for the sterilizing process. Before the operation the container is opened and the instruments can be taken out using sterile gloves – sterility is thus maintained. Using an operating container is standard practice in hospitals, although not in doctors' practicing rooms.