What type of instrument is identified if it has a rounded tip and is designed for specific surfaces?

The correct answer is found in the characteristics of the Gracey curette, which features a rounded tip and is specifically designed for use on particular surfaces of the teeth, particularly in periodontal therapy. This instrument is crafted to adapt to the root surfaces in a precise manner, allowing for effective and thorough scaling and root planing in areas that are challenging to access with other instruments.

The unique design of the Gracey curette includes a specific angle and cutting edge that makes it suitable for certain teeth and surfaces, such as the mesial or distal surfaces of molars. This means it is tailored for use on specific areas of the mouth, providing a level of precision that is essential in periodontal treatment.

Other instruments mentioned do not have the same specialized design. For instance, scalers typically have pointed tips and are used for supragingival debridement, whereas a universal curette is designed to work on all tooth surfaces, lacking the specificity that characterizes the Gracey curette. An explorer, on the other hand, is primarily used for detecting caries, calculus, or defects, without the cutting edge or adaptation needed for effective scaling and root planing.