<p>Curettes are scaling and root planing instruments that are designed with stainless steel for efficient calculus removal. There are two categories of curettes, Universal and Area-specific curettes. Gracey curettes are area-specific curettes that remove supra and subgingival calculus efficiently. These handheld instruments are the main instruments for scaling and root planing. The design of the instrument allows better adaptation to the anatomy of the roots. These instruments are area-specific because the design of the instrument make 70-degree angle to the shank, and one cutting edge is lower than the other.</p>

<h2><strong>Types:</strong></h2>

<p>Dental Gracey curettes are available in Standard type, Rigid, after five, and mini five designs. In addition to the traditional instruments, there are modified designs for these curettes. Modified designs include instruments with extended shanks and microminiature working ends. The after five curettes are instruments with a 3mm longer shank used in deeper pockets. The periodontal Gracey curettes with micro-mini working ends are used for deep and narrow pockets with line angles and furcation. An example of such an instrument is the Mini five Curette. These <strong><a href="https://www.gerdentusa.com/gracey-curettes-mini-pediatric-non-reflective-set-of-8">mini Gracey curettes</a></strong> have a 50% shorter blade design. The rigid design of the instrument allows for heavier calculus removal.</p>

<p>The offset angulation of the curettes provides the best angle for curettage of the tooth surfaces. These instruments come in a set for complete scaling of the dentition.</p>

<h2><strong>Instrumentation:</strong></h2>

<p>For instrument use, place the tip of the instrument, or half the blade of the instrument on the surface of the tooth. The larger curve is the cutting edge of the instrument. Ensure that the lower shank of the instrument is parallel with the tooth surface. For moderate calculus removal, apply light pressure. But, for root planning, apply lateral pressure to activate the curette by using horizontal, diagonal, and vertical pull strokes.</p>

<h2><strong>Where are these Curettes Used?</strong></h2>

<p>The higher the number of the curette, the further in the mouth it is used. The Gracey 1-2 is for use on all anterior teeth, including the canines. The shank on the Gracey 1-2 is longer than other instruments to permit calculus removal in the lower anterior teeth when the patient is in a supine position. The Gracey 3-4 is also for use on the anterior teeth. This instrument can also scale as far as the second bicuspids.</p>

<p>The Gracey 5, 6 are for use on the interproximal surfaces of the teeth up to the second molars. The angulation of the instrument is such that the access to difficult areas posteriorly is limited. The Gracey 7-8 are instruments that have a large contra-angle and a comparatively shorter shank than the previously described instruments. The tip of this instrument terminates in a hooked end to allow for any twisting while use. The rest of the Gracey range is for scaling on the posterior teeth with a bias towards the molars.</p>

<p>The Gracey 9- 10 are for use on the buccal and lingual sides of the molars, especially around the bifurcation area. Access in this area is usually difficult. This instrument has a wide contra-angle, and a short shank, while the toe is in line with the instrument handle. This distinctive design is most suitable for use in very difficult areas and least accessible root surfaces, while still allowing control of the instrument. The 11-12 and the 13-14 Graceys are used as a pair, allowing access to mesial and buccal root surfaces of the molars. These instruments are for use on both, molars and premolars. The small contra-angle and the back angle of the instruments are further complimented by another angle that forms a rounded toe. These curettes have long and narrow tips permitting access to the posterior teeth, while still allowing the clinician to keep his hands out of the mouth.</p>

<p>Apart from periodontal instruments, we also offer a range of <a href="https://www.gerdentusa.com/pages/dental-surgical-instruments">dental surgical instruments</a>. All instruments are autoclave friendly and are reusable after sterilization. Also available are mini curettes that are used in pediatric dentition. These instruments have shorter shanks and blades to allow for easy scaling in the pediatric dentition.</p>