In the field of periodontics, curettes have become essential tools for preserving the health of the tissues that support the teeth. Beyond conventional dental cleaning, periodontal treatment, known as curettage, aims to eliminate factors that compromise the stability of the dentition, contributing to the prevention and control of gingival diseases. However, the accumulation of plaque and calculus below the gum line, along with inadequate hygiene habits, can promote inflammation and deterioration of the periodontal structure, affecting the patient's functionality and well-being.
To address these problems, specialists have perfected the use of curettes designed for the precise removal of subgingival calculus, allowing for effective decontamination without damaging healthy periodontium. Their ergonomic design and the variety of available models facilitate adaptation to different tooth morphologies, optimizing treatment results.
Today, curettes are not only a fundamental instrument in periodontics, but also a key tool for improving the quality of dental services. Their correct application and maintenance allow for effective treatments, fostering patient confidence and strengthening the reputation of clinics specializing in periodontal health.
In this article, we will explore in depth what periodontal curettes are, their types, uses, benefits, disadvantages, and the care they require to maximize their performance and durability.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. This disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums, which triggers an inflammatory response in the body.
It develops in two main stages:
Gingivitis: This is the initial stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, the damage is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional treatment.
Periodontitis: This is an advanced stage of gingivitis. At this stage, the inflammation spreads to the deeper tissues, which can lead to bone loss and the gums pulling away from the teeth. The damage is irreversible, but treatment can stop or slow its progression.
Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Receding gums.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Loose or missing teeth.
What is the treatment?
This type of treatment includes both preventive and therapeutic measures. Some of the most common options are:
- Dental curettage: Used to clean the roots of the teeth and remove damaged or infected gum tissue.
- Root planing: A process of smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots after tartar removal, which facilitates gum reattachment and reduces the likelihood of plaque re-accumulation.
- Periodontal maintenance: Performed regularly and continuously with deep cleanings after completing active periodontitis treatment, according to the dentist's recommendations.
Difference between a regular dental cleaning and periodontal treatment
Patients often confuse a dental cleaning with periodontal treatment, but each has a distinct purpose.
A regular cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line. Periodontal treatment, on the other hand, is a more thorough procedure that removes tartar and bacteria that have accumulated in the periodontal pockets.
What are periodontal curettes and what are they used for?
Periodontal curettes are manual instruments designed for the removal of subgingival and supragingival calculus. They are versatile and safe instruments for working in deeper areas, preventing damage to soft tissues, which makes them the ideal choice for advanced periodontal treatments and scaling and root planing procedures.
Their design includes a working blade with a sharpened end, which allows for the effective removal of tartar adhered to the tooth root. They also feature an ergonomic handle that facilitates handling, providing greater precision and comfort during the procedure.
Check out the best-selling periodontal curettes:
Types of Periodontal Curettes
Periodontal curettes are divided into several categories, each designed for a specific type of treatment and access to different areas of the dentition:
Universal Curettes
Universal curettes, as their name suggests, are designed for use on all tooth surfaces, both anterior and posterior. Their design includes an active cutting blade on both sides and a rounded tip, making them versatile for calculus removal in different areas of the mouth. These curettes are ideal for general treatments and can be used with various scaling and root planing techniques.
One of their advantages is their adaptability to different tooth surfaces, minimizing instrument changes during the procedure. Thanks to their double cutting edge, they allow working in both directions, improving the efficiency of the procedure and optimizing the operator's time.
Among the best-known universal curettes are:- Columbia 13/14 Curette:Extensive versatility for anterior and posterior teeth.
- Barnhart 5/6 Curette:Designed for deep access in hard-to-reach areas.
- McCall 17/18 Curette:Used for removing calculus from molars with excellent adaptability.
Proper use of these curettes requires precise angulation of the working blade in relation to the root surface. Incorrect positioning could cause patient discomfort or affect the effectiveness of the scaling.
These scaling instruments are particularly useful in:
- Patients requiring general periodontal treatment.
- Maintenance procedures to prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
- Tartar removal both above and below the gum line in various areas of the mouth.
- Situations where a versatile tool is needed to minimize the need for instrument changes.
Gracey Curettes
Unlike universal curettes, Gracey curettes are more specifically designed and are intended for use in particular areas of the dentition. They have only one active blade, and their angulation facilitates access to hard-to-reach areas.
Characteristics
- Single active edge: Each Gracey curette has a single cutting edge, allowing for better adaptation to each dental area.
- Optimized angulation: The blade angle relative to the shank is approximately 70 degrees, facilitating access to subgingival and hard-to-reach areas.
- Specific design for each area: Each Gracey curette size is designed for a particular area of the dentition, improving treatment effectiveness.
The Gracey curette sizes indicate the application area:
- Gracey 1/2 and 3/4: Designed for anterior teeth, allowing better access to narrow surfaces.
- Gracey 5/6: For premolars, optimized for calculus removal in these transition areas.
- Gracey 7/8 and 9/10: Suitable for buccal and lingual surfaces of molars, providing deep cleaning without damaging soft tissues.
- Gracey 11/12 and 15/16: Indicated for mesial surfaces of molars and premolars, facilitating access to hard-to-see areas.
- Gracey 13/14 and 17/18: For distal surfaces of molars and premolars, allowing effective scaling in areas retentions.
Mini Gracey and Micro Mini Curettes
- Mini Gracey curettes have a blade that is 50% shorter and 10% thinner than standard Gracey curettes, while Micro Mini curettes are even thinner and more flexible.
- Ideal for treating patients with gingival recession or hard-to-reach areas.
- Their thinner and shorter design allows for better adaptation in narrow and deep pockets, minimizing damage to soft tissue.
- They are particularly useful in advanced periodontics and in cases where access with conventional curettes is difficult.
- In combination with proper technique, these curettes can significantly improve the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal treatment.
Langer Curettes
- Combine the design of universal and Gracey curettes, offering versatility and precision.
- Provide excellent control and access in specific areas.
- Their hybrid design allows for greater versatility in calculus removal, as they have the double cutting edge of universal curettes and the specific curvature of Gracey curettes.
- Different models are available depending on the area to be treated, facilitating adaptation to the dental anatomy.
- They are an excellent option when seeking to optimize clinical time without compromising the effectiveness of scaling and root planing.
There are different models depending on the area to be treated:
- Langer 1/2: For mandibular posterior teeth.
- Langer 3/4: For maxillary posterior teeth.
- Langer 5/6: For anterior teeth.
- Langer 17/18: For molars with difficult access.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Periodontal Curettes
Curettes are essential tools, but like any instrument, they have benefits and limitations that must be considered for their proper use. Below, we explain the main advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- They allow for precise control in calculus removal without damaging enamel or soft tissues.
- They are reusable, making them an economical and sustainable option.
- Their proper use contributes to a better response of the periodontal tissues after treatment.
- There are different designs that adapt to various clinical situations.
Disadvantages
- They require constant sharpening to maintain their effectiveness, which demands time and skill.
- Prolonged use without the proper technique can cause hand fatigue for the operator.
- In some cases, the removal of stones in deep pockets may be more efficient with ultrasound.
These types of scaling and root planing instruments not only represent technical precision and efficiency in dental procedures, but also reflect dentistry's ongoing commitment to improving patients' oral health. The appropriate selection and competent use of these tools can make all the difference in maintaining and restoring periodontal health, contributing to overall well-being.
At Dentaltix, we know how important it is to have reliable, high-quality tools for your dental practice.
That's why we offer a wide range of products where you'll find everything you need for your dental clinic, including periodontal curettes.That's all for today's article. As always, we're very grateful that you're a loyal reader and we appreciate your interest in our content. If you'd like to continue reading, we invite you to follow us on our social media channels. Also, please feel free to contact us with any suggestions or questions you may have, as we're always happy to help. Until next time!
