Universal Curettes

Question 1

Instrument
Design
(3)

Answer 1

2 cutting edges
Rounded toe
Face that is parallel to the floor
when the terminal shank is held
at 12 o’clock position

Question 2

Where can the universal curettes be used?
(2)

Answer 2

• ALL surfaces of ALL teeth! (supra- and subgingivally)
• Shank length helps identify instruments that are better for shallow vs.
  deeper periodontal pockets

Question 3

Determining the Correct Working-End
(2)

Answer 3

• Toe of the instrument curves toward the
  mesial aspect of the tooth you are working
  on (left image)
• If the toe curves AWAY from the mesial
  aspect, the working-end is incorrect (right
  image)

Question 4

Parallel Shank
(distal aspect)

Answer 4

When the terminal shank is parallel
to the long-axis of the tooth you can
be sure the correct working-end is
being utilized

Question 5

Parallel Shank
(mesial aspect)

Answer 5

When the terminal shank is
parallel to the long-axis of the
tooth you can be sure the
correct working-end is being
utilized

Question 6

Instrument Stroke

Answer 6

• The ideal stroke for using a universal
  curette across a tooth surface
  (especially direct buccal/lingual) is
  oblique and overlapping

Question 7

Universal Curettes in Anterior Teeth
(4)

Answer 7

• Begin at midline
• Scale into interproximal space
• Align HANDLE so it is parallel to
  the long-axis of the tooth
• FLIP the instrument when scaling
  the other half of the tooth

Question 8

Surfaces Toward:

Surfaces Away:

**Maxillary anteriors:

Answer 8

R.H clinician: 8:00
L.H clinician: 4:00

R.H clinician: 12:00
L.H clinician: 12:00

12:00 works for both toward and
away (both L.H & R.H clinician)