M23 Sickle Scaler
The M23 / M23A is a universal sickle scaler: a triangular blade with two cutting edges that come to a point, made for supragingival plaque and calculus on upper and lower posterior teeth; the M23A tip is shaped for the interdental spaces of the molar region.
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Sickle scalers are supragingival instruments; the pointed tip that lets them lift calculus from the enamel is also why they stay above the gingival margin. Helmut Zepf makes it in 6 configurations plus 6 replacement tips, all in Germany, and every one on this page ships from our US warehouse.
Helmut Zepf GmbH
Regular price $49.99Unit price-
Helmut Zepf GmbH
Regular price $49.99Unit price -
Helmut Zepf GmbH
Regular price $49.99Unit price -
Helmut Zepf GmbH
Regular price $99.99Unit price -
Helmut Zepf GmbH
Regular price $179.99Unit price -
Helmut Zepf GmbH
LOTUS QuickFix Sickle Scaler Curette M23A, Green Crystal | Helmut Zepf No. 24.238.23A
Regular price $92.99Unit price -
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Reference pages already linked from this collection, in one place.
Which M23 Sickle Scaler Do You Need?
Pick the handle first, then the version; every product in this collection is linked once below, and the replaceable tips screw into the ZEPF-bIONIK, Z-SHAPE Relax and ZEPF-Line QuickFix handles. For every sickle pattern on one chart, see All Sickle Scalers.
Complete instruments6 items
| Zepf No. | Pattern or size | Handle |
|---|---|---|
| 24.208.23A | Posterior M 23 A | ZEPF-bIONIK QuickFix, yellow-green |
| 24.208.23AOX | Posterior M 23 A, Nanopal coating | ZEPF-bIONIK QuickFix, yellow-green |
| 24.228.23AOX | Posterior M23 A M5, replaceable tips, Nanopal coating | Z-SHAPE Relax QuickFix |
| 24.238.23A | M23A | LOTUS QuickFix, green crystal |
| 24.205.23 | M 23 (titled Universal Curette) | ZEPF-bIONIK QuickFix, lightred-magenta |
| 24.207.23 | M 23 slim version (titled Universal Curette) | ZEPF-bIONIK QuickFix, cobalt-blue |
Replaceable tips6 items
| Zepf No. | Pattern or size |
|---|---|
| 24.751.123L | M23, left side |
| 24.751.123R | M23, right side |
| 24.751.123AL | M23A, left side |
| 24.751.123ALOX | M23A, left side, ONYX coating |
| 24.751.123AR | M23A, right side |
| 24.751.123AROX | M23A, right side, ONYX coating |
Versions, Coatings and Handles
M5 deep scaling is Zepf’s design for tight, deep pockets: the first shank is about 3 mm longer than standard and only 0.95 mm thin, so it flexes and transmits tactile information, and the working end is shortened for access beyond 5 mm and along narrow root surfaces.
NANOPAL is a surface coating that leaves the instrument smoother and more corrosion-resistant, so it resists staining and reprocesses more easily. The ZEPF-bIONIK handle is Zepf’s ergonomic, colour-coded handle with a textured grip that reduces hand fatigue. The Z-SHAPE Relax handle is contoured for a relaxed modified pen grasp and takes replaceable tips.
The LOTUS line puts the same working ends on a coloured crystal handle. Replaceable tips fit the M4 × 0.5 mm and M2.5 Zepf handle systems (ZEPF-bIONIK QuickFix, Z-SHAPE Relax, ZEPF-Line) and change with the Zepf safety key.
Warranty and Our Guarantee
Every Zepf instrument on this page carries the Helmut Zepf Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for six months (nine months for NANOPAL-coated versions). And because an instrument can only be judged in the hand, you have 60 days to return it for any reason — even after you have used it. Try it on real patients; if it is not the instrument for you, send it back.
Made in Germany by Helmut Zepf
Helmut Zepf has manufactured dental and surgical instruments in Germany for over 100 years. Every instrument on this page is forged, ground and finished by Zepf and carries its part number for traceability.
Clinical Use
- Supragingival plaque and calculus on upper and lower posterior teeth; the M23A tip is shaped for the interdental spaces of the molar region.
- Supragingival only: the pointed tip is not adapted to root surfaces; follow with a curette for subgingival work.
- Stroke: short pull strokes with the blade adapted to the tooth, working from the interproximal contact toward the facial or lingual surface.
Sharpening, Retipping and Replaceable Tips
An instrument earns its keep only while it is sharp. Zepf instruments can be sharpened in the practice, sent to our sharpening and reconditioning service, or, on the QuickFix versions, renewed in seconds by swapping the replaceable tips. Sharpening stones and oil are in the diagnostic range.
Our Dental Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide covers cleaning and sterilization of Helmut Zepf hygiene instruments, and Hygiene Instruments with QuickFix Replaceable Tips explains how the replaceable tips work across the bIONIK, Z-SHAPE and LOTUS handles.
Compare With
Related Helmut Zepf collections: All Sickle Scalers, 204S Sickle Scaler, 204SD Sickle Scaler, Universal Curette, Posterior Scalers, M5 Deep Scaling Instruments, and Hygiene QuickFix Replaceable Tips. For instrument names and terminology, see the Hygiene Instrument Comparison Chart and the Dental Hygiene Instrument Glossary.
Related resources: Hygiene Instrument Comparison Chart · Gracey Curette Numbers & Types Guide · Dental Hygiene Instruments
FAQ
What is the M23 / M23A used for?
Supragingival plaque and calculus on upper and lower posterior teeth; the M23A tip is shaped for the interdental spaces of the molar region.
Sickle scaler or curette?
A sickle has a pointed tip and two cutting edges for supragingival calculus; a curette has a rounded toe for subgingival root surfaces. Most sets carry both.
Can the tips be replaced?
Yes, on the QuickFix versions: the replaceable tips listed above screw into the M4 × 0.5 mm and M2.5 handle systems.
Is there a warranty?
Six months (nine months for NANOPAL-coated versions) under the Helmut Zepf Warranty, and 60 days to return it for any reason, even after use.
