Questions and Answers
What is the main difference between universal curettes and area specific (Gracey) curettes?
Calculus removal is not important for periodontal health.
False
What is scaling?
The removal of calculus from all tooth surfaces coronal to the junctional epithelium.
What is root planning?
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The goal of periodontal debridement is the return of __________ health.
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When can scaling begin?
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Which of the following instruments can be used for calculus removal?
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How should a Gracey curette be adapted to the tooth?
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Which Gracey curette is used for anterior teeth?
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What instrument would be used to scale the mesial aspect of the buccal furcation on tooth #30?
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Plastic curettes can be used safely on dental implants?
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Study Notes
Universal vs. Area Specific (Gracey) Curettes
- Both curettes effectively remove supra and subgingival calculus.
- Universal curettes (e.g., Colombia 13/14): have two cutting edges; versatile for all teeth.
- Area specific curettes: feature one cutting edge (lower edge) for specific areas; e.g., Gracey 1/2 for anterior teeth, Gracey 13/14 for posterior teeth.
- Blade angles: Universal curettes at 90 degrees, Gracey curettes at 70 degrees for optimal angulation.
Importance of Calculus Removal
- Critical for periodontal health; porous calculus surfaces harbor plaque.
- Inflammatory toxins trapped in calculus can irritate gingival tissues.
Method of Calculus Removal
- Scaling: Removal of calculus above the junctional epithelium.
- Supragingival Scaling: Targets calculus above the free gingival margin.
- Subgingival Scaling: Focuses on calculus below the free gingival margin but above the junctional epithelium.
Root Planning
- Involves removing remaining calculus, plaque, and endotoxins for a smooth tooth surface.
- The distinction between scaling and root planning is not strict.
Periodontal Debridement
- Aims to treat gingival and periodontal inflammation by eliminating irritants (calculus, plaque).
- Includes supragingival, subgingival debridement, and deplaquing.
- Goal is to restore tissue health.
Pre-scaling Requirements
- Conduct a medical history check to identify contraindications.
- Perform an extraoral/intraoral exam for comprehensive assessment.
- Hard tissue charting establishes baseline occlusion and treatment needs.
- Periodontal probing assesses pocket location and depth.
- Exploring determines calculus distribution and amount.
- Develop a treatment plan documenting findings and procedures; patient must sign it.
Hand Instruments for Calculus Removal
- Curettes: Universal and Area Specific (Gracey).
- Scalers: Include sickle, hoe, chisel, and file types.
Gracey Instrumentation
- Correct adaptation: lower cutting edge against the tooth, terminal shank parallel to the tooth surface.
Instrument Application
- Gracey 1/2: For anterior teeth; use one end for distals and flip for mesials; facials can be done with either end.
- Gracey 11/12: For posterior teeth; targets facial, lingual, and mesial surfaces.
- Gracey 13/14: For posterior teeth; exclusively for distal surfaces.
Specific Instrument Use
- For mesial aspect of buccal furcation on tooth #30, use Gracey 13/14 (distal curette).
Plastic/Teflon Curettes
- Designed for maintaining dental implants to prevent scratching and damage.
- Function similarly to metal scalers; available as plastic probes and curettes through dispensaries.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the differences between universal curettes and area specific (Gracey) curettes. This quiz covers their shapes, cutting edges, and applications in dental calculus removal. Learn which instrument is best for various dental surfaces.
