Area Specific/Universal Curets Flashcards
What is a limitation of a cruet?
They area specific therefore you need multiple instruments to complete the entire mouth.
What are some universal characteristics of an area specific curet?
- Rounded back
- Rounded toe
- semi-circular cross section
What is the angulation of the lower cutting edge in an area specific curet?
70 degrees
Which cutting edge is the correct cutting edge in an area specific curet such as a gracey?
The lower edge; it is self-angulated so it is automatically correctly angulated when the lower shank is held parallel to the tooth surface.
Describe the shank of an area specific curet.
Long and complex for root surface debridement and perio pockets.
What is an area-specific curet?
A periodontal instrument used to remove light to moderate calculus deposits from the crowns and roots of the teeth.
When using an area-specific curet such as a gracey how do you determine the correct cutting edge?
Holding the instrument with the toe facing you the lower cutting edge (the correct cutting edge) will be PERPENDICULAR with the floor.
What type of instrument is a McCalls?
A universal curet.
Where is a McCalls instrument used?
- Distal of the most post. molars
- Linguals of sextant 5
- Loose tissue areas
- Shallow Pockets
- Heavy Calculus
When looking at a McCalls instrument how would you describe the shape of the terminal shank?
a letter “C”
What is a limitation of the McCalls instrument?
It is large instrument so it is not adaptable to many areas.
What type of instrument is a Mallory?
A universal curet.
What does a Mallory instrument look like?
The letter “L”
What is the Mallory used for?
- Deeper Pockets
- Furcations
- Root Debridement
Which Gracey instruments are typically used on anterior teeth?
1/2 or 3/4
Where are “mini” graceys typically used?
Sextant 5 in deeper pockets
What is a disadvantage of using a mini gracey?
The end can be easily broken off.
What are characteristics of a standard curet?
- L. Shank is less than 3mm
- Standard working end
- Used in 4mm pockets or less
Describe an extended shank curet.
- L. Shank is 3mm longer than standard gracey.
- Working end is 10% thinner than standard.
- Used for RD pockets 4mm or deeper.
Describe a Mini curet.
- L. Shank is 3mm longer than standard gracey.
- Working end is 10% thinner than standard.
- Used for RD, furcations, concavities, midline of anterior roots.
Describe a micro-mini curet.
- Working end is 20% smaller than standard gracey.
- Used for tight narrow pockets and furcations.
- Developmental depressions, line angles, and facial, lingual or palatal surfaces.
