Gracey‘s Flashcards
what are graceys used for?
Remiving light calculus deposits from crowns and roots
Design characteristics of Gracies
Long, complex functional shanks. Especially suited for instrumentation of root surfaces
Designed to go deeper into the pockets and smooth the cementum
Rounded back, rounded toe, semi circular cross section. Cutting services are no longer parallel, if the shank is parallel to the distal than it is already in the 60 to 80° position
How are the cutting edges situated?
Curved but parallel to one another. Face is no longer perpendicular to the shank
What does the tilted face of the cracey curet mean for the cutting edges?
The face is tilted in relation to the lower shank, meaning one cutting edge is lower than the other.
Cutting edge is now at a 70 degree angle to the shank
Are both cutting edges of a gracey used to remove calculus?
No, only the lower cutting edge. The higher one is called the non-working cutting edge
How do we determine the correct cutting edge?
Hold the instruments so you are looking directly at the toe
Turn instrument handle so shank is perpendicular to the floor
Cutting edge will be closer to the floor
How do we choose the correct working end for anterior teeth?
Instrument face should tilt toward the tooth surface and be partially hidden from view
Shank should curve across the tooth
How do we select the correct working end for posterior teeth?
Lower shank is parallel to the proximal surface
Functional shank goes up and over the tooth
Using Gracys, how many instruments are needed to complete the posterior teeth?
Two double ended instruments
Which Gracey is used on the facial/mesial surfaces of posterior teeth?
Gracey 11/12 and 15/16
Includes mesial furcation surfaces
Which Gracey is used on the distal surfaces of posterior teeth?
13/14 and 17/18
Includes distal furcation surfaces
What were the modified Graceys developed for?
To provide better access to proximal mesial and distal surfaces of posterior teeth
What is the best use for the Gracey 15/16?
Smaller spaces, wisdom teeth etc.
Shank is longer and with more bends. Exact same shank as the 13/14 but with a blade used for mesial surfaces
What is the best use for the Gracey 17/18?
Great for the distals of wisdom teeth
What are some modifications that have been made to the Gracey designs over the years
Rigid shanks
Extended lower shanks
Miniature working ends
Micro-miniature working end versions
Which teeth are the Gracey 1/2’s used for?
Anteriors
What is root planing/debridement for?
To remove cementum impregnated with toxins and microorganisms
Bacteria adhere to rough surfaces. This creates a velvety smooth surface so tissue can heal and adhere but bacteria will be less likely to
Longer shaving strokes
What is the purpose of root planing and debridement?
To restore periodontal health
Eliminate pathogenic microorganisms
Tissue healing can take up to 4 weeks. 10-14 days for recall
Steps for preparing for instrumentation
Medical history Patient assessment Radiographs Perio chart Care Plan/ treatment record Meds/Pre rinse/Anesthesia
What are the three types of instrument strokes?
Assessment/Calculus detection
Calculus removal
Debridement
What are the characteristics of root debridements strokes?
Lighter pinch force
Firm fulcrum
Light lateral pressure
