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Gracey Curette for Subgingival Calculus — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyPeriodontologyGracey Curette for Subgingival CalculusNDEB AFK

Which of the following instruments is specifically designed for removing subgingival calculus from root surfaces in narrow periodontal pockets?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: BGracey curette (area-specific)

Gracey curettes are area-specific instruments designed for subgingival scaling and root planing. Their offset blade (70° face to terminal shank) and single cutting edge make them ideally suited for accessing narrow periodontal pockets and adapting to specific root surface anatomies. Each numbered pair targets specific tooth surfaces: 1/2 and 3/4 for anterior teeth; 5/6 for premolars; 7/8 and 9/10 for buccal/lingual surfaces of posterior teeth; 11/12 for mesial posterior; 13/14 for distal posterior. They are superior to universal curettes for precision subgingival work.

Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019