Gracey‘s

Question 1

what are graceys used for?

Answer 1

Remiving light calculus deposits from crowns and roots

Question 2

Design characteristics of Gracies

Answer 2

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

Question 3

How are the cutting edges situated?

Answer 3

Curved but parallel to one another. Face is no longer perpendicular to the shank

Question 4

What does the tilted face of the cracey curet mean for the cutting edges?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Are both cutting edges of a gracey used to remove calculus?

Answer 5

No, only the lower cutting edge. The higher one is called the non-working cutting edge

Question 6

How do we determine the correct cutting edge?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

How do we choose the correct working end for anterior teeth?

Answer 7

Instrument face should tilt toward the tooth surface and be partially hidden from view

Shank should curve across the tooth

Question 8

How do we select the correct working end for posterior teeth?

Answer 8

Lower shank is parallel to the proximal surface

Functional shank goes up and over the tooth

Question 9

Using Gracys, how many instruments are needed to complete the posterior teeth?

Answer 9

Two double ended instruments

Question 10

Which Gracey is used on the facial/mesial surfaces of posterior teeth?

Answer 10

Gracey 11/12 and 15/16

Includes mesial furcation surfaces

Question 11

Which Gracey is used on the distal surfaces of posterior teeth?

Answer 11

13/14 and 17/18

Includes distal furcation surfaces

Question 12

What were the modified Graceys developed for?

Answer 12

To provide better access to proximal mesial and distal surfaces of posterior teeth

Question 13

What is the best use for the Gracey 15/16?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What is the best use for the Gracey 17/18?

Answer 14

Great for the distals of wisdom teeth

Question 15

What are some modifications that have been made to the Gracey designs over the years

Answer 15

Rigid shanks
Extended lower shanks
Miniature working ends
Micro-miniature working end versions

Question 16

Which teeth are the Gracey 1/2’s used for?

Answer 16

Anteriors

Question 17

What is root planing/debridement for?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What is the purpose of root planing and debridement?

Answer 18

To restore periodontal health

Eliminate pathogenic microorganisms

Tissue healing can take up to 4 weeks. 10-14 days for recall

Question 19

Steps for preparing for instrumentation

Answer 19

Medical history
Patient assessment
Radiographs
Perio chart
Care Plan/ treatment record
Meds/Pre rinse/Anesthesia

Question 20

What are the three types of instrument strokes?

Answer 20

Assessment/Calculus detection
Calculus removal
Debridement

Question 21

What are the characteristics of root debridements strokes?

Answer 21

Lighter pinch force
Firm fulcrum
Light lateral pressure