Dental Instruments: Gracey Curettes Quiz

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.

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.