What is a curette scaler used for?
Curettles are specifically designed to assist in the removal of subgingival calculus, and to smooth the root surface (root-planing). This practice information sheet will focus upon curette design and outline their usage. The major difference between the design of a scaler and a curette is in the shape of the blade.
What is a curette used for in dentistry?
A universal curette is a double-ended instrument used for periodontal scaling, calculus debridement and root planing. The purpose of the universal curette is to remove small or medium size calculus deposits and can be used both supragingivally and subgingivally.
What are the different types of curettes?
There are two categories of periodontal curettes: universal curettes and Gracey curettes. A universal curette is designed to adapt to all teeth surfaces in all areas of the mouth. A Gracey curette, also called area-specific curette, adapts to a precise area of the teeth.
What instrument is used for scaling?
Sickle scalers are heavy instruments used to remove supragingival calculus. Curettes are fine instruments used for subgingival scaling, root planing, and removal of the soft tissue lining the pocket. Hoe, chisel, and file scalers are used to remove tenacious subgingival calculus and altered cementum.
What tool is used for scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root-planing is usually performed using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instrumentation, such dental curettes or scalers. Using these instruments, bacterial plaque and dental calculus (tartar) are removed from the surfaces of the teeth, including the root surfaces above and below the gum line.
How do dentists remove retained roots?
Your dentist will open a flap of gum tissue in the side of the gum (as opposed to straight from the top). This gives them better access to the jawbone. Using an X-ray to guide them, the dentist will then remove a bit of bone surrounding the root tip to help loosen it from the jawbone.
What are scaling instruments?
Scaling, root-planing, and curettage instruments are used for removal of biofilm and calcified deposits from the crown and root of a tooth, removal of altered cementum from the subgingival root surface, and debridement of the soft tissue lining the pocket.
What is the difference between scaling and root planing?
What is the difference between scaling and root planing? Scaling removes toxins and buildup from your gums, root planing helps prevent this buildup from coming back. Root planing is used to smooth the root surfaces of your teeth, allowing your gum tissue to more firmly attach to your roots.
What happens if root tip is not removed?
A retained root tip may continue to generate infection that can lead to more serious oral health issues. Longer healing times: Retained root tips can lead to longer healing times after root canal.
What is a universal curette?
Designed for the removal of moderate to heavy calculus from all supra- and subgingival tooth surfaces. For calculus removal place one of the cutting edges of the universal curette against the tooth surface.
How to use a universal curette for calculus removal?
For calculus removal place one of the cutting edges of the universal curette against the tooth surface. Tilt the instrument toward the tooth to achieve 70° to 80° angle between the tooth and the blade. Apply lateral pressure and activate the curette by using vertical, diagonal or horizontal pull strokes.
How do you use a Gracey curette on a tooth?
Area specific curettes for the removal of deep subgingival calculus. For the finishing of subgingival root surfaces. Place the tip third or half of the cutting edge of a Gracey curette against the tooth surface. (The larger outer curve is always the cutting edge.) Make sure that the lower shank is parallel with the tooth surface.
How do you use a curette on an electric toothbrush?
Tilt the instrument toward the tooth to achieve 70° to 80° angle between the tooth and the blade. Apply lateral pressure and activate the curette by using vertical, diagonal or horizontal pull strokes.