Hygiene Instruments

Universal Curettes (Curet)

Functions

To scale and remove deposits and stains from teeth

To scale supragingival and subgingival surfaces

To remove soft-tissue lining of periodontal pocket and root planing

Characteristics

Blade—Two cutting edges, rounded toe, rounded back; at 90-degree angle to lower shank

Flexible or rigid shank; length varies to accommodate clinical crown of tooth

Single or double ended

Range of sizes

Curette named by designer:

Barnhart ½

Ratcliff ⅜

Practice Note

Universal Curettes are used on hygiene, periodontal, and operative tray setups.

Universal Curettes must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Universal Curettes (Curet)

Functions

To scale and remove deposits and stains from teeth

To scale supragingival and subgingival surfaces

To remove soft-tissue lining of periodontal pocket and root planing

Characteristics

Blade—Two cutting edges, rounded toe, rounded back; at 90-degree angle to lower shank

Flexible or rigid shank; length varies to accommodate clinical crown of tooth

Single or double ended

Range of sizes

Curette named by designer:

UC/Rule

Loma Linda

McCall

Practice Note

Universal Curettes are used on hygiene, periodontal, and operative tray setups.

Universal Curettes must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Langer Universal Curettes

Functions

To scale and remove deposits and stains from teeth

To scale supragingival and subgingival surfaces

To remove soft-tissue lining of periodontal pocket and root planing

Characteristics

Blade—Two cutting edges, with face at 90-degree angle to lower shank

Design function with three bends in the shank, improving posterior access

Langer Universal Curettes designed with the shank design of a Gracey combined with a Universal blade

Single or double ended

Range of sizes

Practice Note

Langer Universal Curettes are used on hygiene and periodontal tray setups.

Langer Universal Curettes must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Area-Specific Curettes—Anterior

Functions

To scale and remove deposits from subgingival surfaces of anterior teeth

To use for root planing, periodontal débridement, and soft-tissue curettage

Characteristics

Two cutting edges (only lower cutting edge used)

Blade—Rounded back and toe; at 70-degree angle to lower shank; types: standard, rigid, extra rigid

Curvature of blade designed to adapt to specific teeth and surfaces

Range of sizes available: ½, ¾,

Curette named by designer: Gracey, Kramer-Nevins, Turgeon

Practice Note

Area-Specific Curettes—Anterior are used on hygiene and periodontal tray setups.

Area-Specific Curettes must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Area-Specific Curettes—Posterior

Functions

To scale and remove deposits from subgingival surfaces of posterior teeth

To use for root planing, periodontal débridement, and soft-tissue curettage

Characteristics

Two cutting edges (only lower cutting edge used)

Blade—Rounded back and toe; at 70-degree angle to lower shank; types: standard, rigid, extra rigid

Curvature of blade designed to adapt to specific teeth and surfaces

Range of size, shape, and bends in shank

Curette named by designer: Gracey, Kramer-Nevins, Turgeon

Practice Note

Area-Specific Curettes—Posterior are used on hygiene and periodontal tray setups.

Area-Specific Curettes must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Extended Area-Specific Curettes—Anterior

Function

To scale and remove deposits in deep periodontal pockets 5 mm or deeper

Characteristics

Two cutting edges (only lower cutting edge used)

Blade at 70-degree angle to lower shank; types: standard, rigid, extra rigid

Curvature of blade designed to adapt to anteriors

Terminal shank redesigned—3 mm longer than standard Area-Specific Curette

Manufacturer’s trademark name usually follows ½, ¾, numbering system

Range of sizes—Commonly used types: ¾,

Double-ended curettes packaged in sets

Curettes named by designer: Gracey ½

Practice Note

Extended Area-Specific Curettes—Anterior are used on hygiene and periodontal tray setups.

Extended Area-Specific Curettes must be cleaned, bagged individually or bagged/wrapped in a tray setup, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.