Curettes
Types of Curettes
A curette is a type of scaler that is designed for
moderate calculus removal on supragingival and
subgingival surfaces.
Types of Curettes:
Universal
Area Specific (Gracey)
Curettes
Universal Curettes
Universal Curettes
Universal curettes are designed for
easy adaptation on all tooth surfaces
(thus the name universal).
Universal Curettes
The blade of a universal curette has a round toe and
back, and two cutting edges for scaling, making it an
efficient design for scaling the entire mouth.
90
Toe
Face
Cutting
Edge
Lateral
Side
Back
Universal Instrumentation
Apply lateral pressure against the tooth and pull upward while
maintaining contact with the tooth.
70-85
Pull Stroke
Lateral Pressure
Anterior Universal
To scale the facial surfaces, place the toe of the blade
toward the proximal surface with the handle parallel to
the tooth.
Apply strokes to remove deposits from the midline of
the tooth to the proximal surface.
Work from canine to canine.
Switch working ends and repeat for surfaces away
from you.
Repeat all of the above for the lingual surfaces.
SBH5/67
Universal Curettes
Anterior Universal Instrumentation Sequence
Posterior Universal
Begin at the distal line angle of the most posterior
tooth.
Direct the toe of the blade toward the distal with the
terminal shank angled slightly toward the tooth.
Apply strokes from the line angle to the contact area.
Next, turn the toe toward the mesial to scale the
buccal and mesial surfaces.
Continue this sequence to complete the posterior
region.
Switch ends and repeat from the lingual aspect.
Posterior Universal
Posterior Universal Instrumentation Sequence
SC4R/4L6
Curettes
Gracey Curettes
In the early 1940s, Dr. Clayton Gracey and
Hu-Friedy introduced a set of instruments
designed to be used on specific tooth surfaces
that improve adaptation and deposit removal.
The Gracey area specific designs have laid
the groundwork for the new instruments of
today.
Today, the Gracey Curette family of
instruments give clinicians many options for
their treatment needs.
Gracey Curettes
The Gracey blade design is offset
from the terminal shank at 70.
This creates one cutting edge which
is referred to as the lower edge.
Toe
Face
Cutting
Edge
Back
Lateral
Side
Gracey Instrumentation
70
Pull Stroke
Lateral Pressure
Gracey Curettes
The shank design is different for
each Gracey pattern.
Gracey Curettes
Gracey Curettes are available in:
Standard
Rigid
After Five
Mini Five
Blade
Length
Blade
Width
Available Patterns
& Areas of Use
(Chart on next slide)
Standard
(Finishing)
SG#/#
Standard
Standard
Standard
Rigid
SGR#/#R
Standard design,
increased shank
diameter
Standard
Standard
After Five
SRPG#/#
Longer terminal
shank, standard
diameter
Standard
Decreased
by 10%
Rigid
After Five
SRPG#/#R
Longer terminal
shank, increased
diameter
Standard
Decreased
by 10%
Mini Five
SAS#/#
Longer terminal
shank, standard
diameter
Decreased
by 50%
Decreased
by 10%
Rigid
Mini Five
SAS#/#R
Longer terminal
shank, increased
diameter
Decreased
by 50%
Decreased
by 10%
* The 17/18 is a unique pattern, having a longer terminal shank and slightly shorter blade, so no AF or MF are available.
Gracey Chart
7/8
15/16
11/12
17/18
Standard
Rigid
Designed for
instrumentation in
deeper periodontal
pockets.
The terminal shank is
elongated 3mm to
provide better clearance
around crowns, and
superior access to root
contours and pockets
5mm or more in depth.
3mm
SRPG11/12
3mm
Mini Five
After Five
Standard
SAS1/2
Hu-Friedy Curettes
Hu-Friedy offers an array of curettes.
Many designs are available with
different handle options and in
Hu-Friedys EverEdge Technology.
Please refer to the Hu-Friedy catalog
at www.hu-friedy.com for more
information on all the curettes
available.
Qualifying Question
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the
clinical applications of curettes.
To earn your Hu-Points towards a product evaluation,
please exit and answer the following question on the
Member Resources Page:
3mm, 10%
3mm, 15%
4mm, 10%
4mm, 15%
5mm, 15%