Effective Instrumentation With Gracey Curettes

Effective Instrumentation With Gracey Curettes

Gracey curettes were designed in late 1930s by Dr.Clayton H Gracey, a periodontist at University of Michigan.

• These are area-specific curettes, designed and angled to adapt specific anatomic areas of the dentition.
• These curettes and their modifications are probably the best instruments for subgingival scaling and root planning because they provide the best adaptation to complex root anatomy.
• The term offset blade is used to describe Gracey curettes, because they are angled approximately 60–70° from the lower shank.
• This unique angulation allows the blade to be inserted in a precise position, necessary for subgingival scaling and root planning, provided that the lower shank is parallel to the long axis of the tooth surface being scaled.
• Double-ended Gracey curettes are paired in the following manner:
  • Gracey # 1–2 and 3–4 : For anterior teeth
  • Gracey # 5–6 : For anterior teeth and premolars
  • Gracey # 7–8 and 9–l0 : Posterior teeth; facial and lingual surfaces
  • Gracey # 11–12 : Posterior teeth; mesial surfaces
  • Gracey # 13–14 : Posterior teeth; distal surfaces

“Benefits Of Gracey Curettes In Periodontics”

Recent Additions to Gracey Set

• Gracey #15–l6: It is a modification of Gracey No. 11–12 and is designed for the mesial surfaces of posterior teeth. It consists of Gracey No. 11–12 combined with more acutely angled Gracey No. 13–14 shank. The new shank angulation of Gracey No. 15–16 allow better adaptation to posterior mesial surfaces from a front position with intra-oral rest.
• Gracey # l7–18: It is a modification of Gracey No. 13–l4. It has a shank elongated by 3 mm and a more accentuated angulation of the shank. It has better access to all posterior distal surfaces.

“Steps For Effective Subgingival Scaling With Gracey Curettes”

Modifications of Gracey Curettes

Extended Shank Curette

Extended shank curettes such as Hu-Friedy after five curettes, are modifications of standard Gracey curette design. Terminal shank is 3 mm longer and allows extension into deeper periodontal pockets of 5 mm or more.

“Early Signs Of Effective Gracey Curette Instrumentation”

The Gracey Curettes

They are another set of four mini-bladed curettes. The blade length of these instruments is 50% of conventional Gracey curette, and blade has been curved slightly upward.

• Sub-0 and the No. 1–2 are used for anteriors and premolars
• No. 11–12 is used for posterior medial surfaces
• No. 13–14 is used for posterior distal surfaces.

“Understanding The Benefits Of Gracey Curettes”

Langer and Mini Langer curettes

It is the set of three curettes which combine the shank design of standard Gracey Nos. 5–6, 11–12 and 13–14 curettes with universal blade honed at 900 rather than offset blade of Gracey curette. These instruments can be adapted to both mesial and distal tooth surfaces without changing the instruments.