Compared to a universal curette, how is the face of a Gracey curette positioned?

The face of a Gracey curette is uniquely positioned relative to its shank to enhance its effectiveness in instrumentation. Specifically, the face is offset, meaning it is designed at an angle that allows for a specific cutting edge to be lower than the other. This design feature is crucial because it enables the instrument to adapt more effectively to the contours of the tooth surfaces, especially in the areas of furcations and concavities.

This offset positioning facilitates the proper angling during scaling and root planing procedures, allowing the clinician to achieve better access to the periodontal sulcus or pocket. The design helps optimize the angle at which the blade contacts the tooth, enhancing the ability to remove calculus and debris while minimizing tissue trauma.

In contrast, a universal curette has its face aligned parallel to the shank, making it suitable for use on various surfaces of the teeth but not as specialized as the Gracey in targeting particular areas of the mouth. The Gracey curette's unique geometry is what makes it particularly effective for specific areas and conditions, underscoring its purpose in periodontal therapy.