Dental curettes are specialized surgical instruments used for a variety of purposes in dentistry. They are designed to remove deep subgingival calculus, plan the roots, and remove altered cement. Additionally, they can be used to remove soft tissue that lines the periodontal pocket. Curettes come in two main varieties: universal and area-specific.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two types of curettes and discuss their various uses. Universal curettes are double-ended instruments used for periodontal desquamation, stone debridement, and root smoothing. They are designed so that the face of the blade is at an angle of 90 degrees perpendicular to the bottom of the stem in cross-section from the tip. The head blade is curved to one side from the head of the blade to the tip of the foot. This design allows them to be adapted to any dental surface, making them suitable for removing small or medium-sized stone deposits both supragingivally and subgingivally. Area-specific curettes, on the other hand, are designed for a particular area.
The blades of these instruments are at an angle of 60 to 70 degrees with respect to the lower stem, rather than 90 degrees as with universal curettes. This makes them more efficient and requires less force for effective cleaning. The handle of area-specific curettes is available in two types: rigid and finished. Rigid stems are longer, stronger, and not flexible, while finished stems are more flexible and provide a greater tactile feel to the operator. The most popular area-specific curettes are Gracey curettes.
These come in a set of 14 instruments and are designed to be used only in specific areas. They also have single-ended Gracey curettes available, which are even more efficient as they fit only a particular set of dentures. The blade of area-specific curettes is curved from head to toe and also along the side of the blade, while universal curettes curve in only one direction. In conclusion, dental curettes are essential instruments for dentists and hygienists alike. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from removing deep subgingival calculus to planning roots and removing altered cement.
Universal curettes can be adapted to any dental surface, while area-specific curettes are designed for a particular area and require less force for effective cleaning. Gracey curettes are the most popular type of area-specific curette.
