What does the presence of "burnished calculus" indicate about an instrument's sharpness?

Burnished calculus refers to calculus that has a smooth, polished surface instead of the typical rough edges. When calculus becomes burnished, it indicates that it has not been effectively removed from the tooth surface, which can be a reflection of the instrument's sharpness. A dull instrument is unable to successfully remove calculus and often ends up pushing it around rather than cutting into it.

In such cases, the dull edge may create a burnished effect rather than effectively accessing and removing the deposit. This lack of efficacy in removing the calculus highlights the importance of using sharp instruments in dental hygiene practices. Sharp instruments should produce a clean cut of calculus, not a burnished surface, which signifies inefficacy in treatment. Consequently, the presence of burnished calculus clearly suggests that the instrument being used is dull and ineffective.