Which category of curette has a face that is designed to be offset for effective scaling?

The Gracey curette is specifically designed with a face that is offset relative to the handle. This unique design allows for more effective scaling in specific areas of the tooth surface, particularly in root surfaces and furcations. The offset face of the Gracey curette makes it easier to adapt the instrument to the contours of the tooth, especially on rounded or concave surfaces that are often challenging to reach with other types of instruments.

In clinical practice, the Gracey curette comes in various designs, each intended for specific teeth or surfaces, which enhances its versatility. Its angle and curvature enable optimal angulation during scaling, facilitating the removal of subgingival deposits while minimizing trauma to the surrounding soft tissue. This design contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of periodontal treatment.

Other instruments, such as the universal curette, have a straight face that is not offset, making them suitable for general scaling across a variety of teeth but less specialized in adapting to specific contours. Scalers and periodontal files serve different functions, focusing on removing calculus and reshaping root surfaces rather than accommodating the intricate anatomy of periodontal tissues as effectively as Gracey curettes.