Area Specific Curettes

Question 1

describe the instrument design of area specific curretes- how many cutting edges, shape of toe, type of shank and where are they used

Answer 1

• one cutting edge, lower portion of the working end
• rounded toe
• straight and complex shanks
• used in deep periodontal pockets due to their ability to adapt to root anatomy

Question 2

what are the two types of curettes

Answer 2

• universal
• area specific

Question 3

describe the gracey curette design

Answer 3

• the working edge is angled lower and is sharp
• the non working edge is angled higher and is blunt
• for subgingival debridement for pockets greater than 5mm

Question 4

the face of the gracie curette is tilted ____ relative to the terminal shank

Answer 4

70 degrees

Question 5

why is the face angled 70 degrees

Answer 5

allows optimal adaptation when the terminal shank is parallel to the tooth surface

Question 6

what are the areas of use for the 1/2 gracey curette

Answer 6

• anterior teeth: all surfaces

Question 7

what are the ares of use for the 11/12 gracey curette

Answer 7

posterior teeth - mesial, buccal, lingual aspects

Question 8

what are the areas of use for the 13/14 gracey curretes

Answer 8

posterior teeth - distal surfaces

Question 9

describe the gracey 1/2

Answer 9

• simple shank - handle should be parallel to long axis of the tooth when scaling
• flip instrument to cover toward and away surfaces

Question 10

which gracey curettes are complimentary instruments

Answer 10

gracey 11/12 and gracey 13/14