Periodontal Instruments & Scaling
Curettes
- Universal curettes — two cutting edges, used in all areas.
- Gracey curettes — area-specific, single working cutting edge (offset blade ~70°). Common pairings: 1/2 & 7/8 (anteriors/buccal-lingual of posteriors), 11/12 (mesial of posteriors), 13/14 (distal of posteriors).
Ultrasonic vs Hand
Ultrasonic/sonic scalers efficiently remove deposits and biofilm and reach deep pockets/furcations well; hand instruments give tactile finesse for fine root planing.
Principles
Sharp instruments, correct adaptation/angulation, controlled strokes, and avoid cementum over-removal.
Exam Tips ⭐
Gracey = area-specific single edge; 11/12 mesial, 13/14 distal; universal = all areas.
📝 Practice MCQs — Periodontal Instruments & Scaling
Q1. Gracey curettes are characterised as:
A. Universal, two edges
B. Area-specific, single working edge
C. Sickle scalers
D. Files
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Gracey curettes are area-specific with one working cutting edge.
Q2. Gracey 13/14 is used for which surfaces of posterior teeth?
A. Mesial
B. Distal
C. Buccal
D. Lingual
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Gracey 13/14 is designed for distal surfaces of posteriors.
Q3. Universal curettes differ from Gracey in that they have:
A. One cutting edge
B. Two cutting edges for all areas
C. No blade
D. A ball end
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Universal curettes have two cutting edges usable in all areas.
📧 Get Free NEET MDS MCQs in Your Inbox
50 high-yield MCQs + mnemonics + AI study tips — completely free
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.