This document provides information on various periodontal instruments used in dental procedures. It describes periodontal probes that are used to measure pocket depth and explore tooth surfaces to detect calculus and lesions. Scaling instruments like sickle scalers, curettes, and hoes are discussed for removing supragingival and subgingival deposits. Gracey curettes and extended shank curettes are detailed as area-specific instruments for root planing. The document also mentions ultrasonic and sonic scalers as well as polishing tools like cups, brushes and tape for cleaning teeth. Surgical knives and gingivectomy knives are listed as incisional instruments.

2. Albucasis (936-1013 AD.), a Moorish physician.Used a set of
instrument which was like hooks or straight and slightly
curved gravers (chisel-like scrapers) for scaling
PERIODONTAL INSTRUMENTS

3. 3
Assessment Instruments
Therapeutic Instruments
Classification of Periodontal instruments
Single Ended
Double- Ended

4. 4
•Periodontal Probes are used to locate, measure and mark pockets
• Explorer are used to locate calculus deposits and caries.
•Scaling,root-planing and curettage instruments are used for
removal of plaque and calcified deposits from the crown and
root of a tooth ,removal of altered cementum from the
subgingival root surface and debridement of the soft tissue
lining the pocket.
Role of Periodontal instruments

5. Scaling and curettage instruments
5
Sickle scalers are heavy instruments used to remove supragingival calculus.
Curettes are fine instruments used for subgingival scaling,root planing and
removal of the soft tissue lining the pocket.
Hoe,chisel and file scalers are used to remove tenacious subgingival
calculus and altered cementum. Their use is limited compared with that of
curettes.
Ultrasonic and sonic instruments
Cleansing and polishing instruments -Rubber cups,brushes,dental tapes,Air-
powder abrasive systems for tooth polishing.

6. Handle Shank working end, blade or nib
6
Parts of the instruments

7. The handle is that part of instrument that
is held during activation of the working
end .
Types:Cone socket handles –Are separable from
the shank and working end. They permit
instrument exchange and replacements.
Surface Texture : smooth, ribbed or knurled.
control and comfort without muscle fatigue and
to prevent slippage,
a smooth handle should be avoided.
7
Diameter :broad and narrow type
Weight: Hollow handles and solid handles
lighter weight enhances track sensitivity
and lessens fatigue.
Material: Metal Nylon or Silicon
Handles

8. Rigid, Thick shank – A thick
shank is stronger and is able to
withstand pressure without
flexing when applied during
instrumentation. Strong ones are
needed for removal of heavy
calculus deposits.
Less Rigid, More Flexible shank- A
thinner shank may provide more
tactile sensitivity and is used for
removal of fine deposits of calculus
and for root debridement.
8
Shanks

9. 9

10. 10

11. 11

12.  Periodontal probes are used to locate, measure and mark pockets as
well as determine their course on individual tooth surfaces .
 It is usually long, thin, and blunted at the end.
 The markings are inscribed onto the instrument for accuracy
and readability.
PERIODONTAL PROBES
12

13. Function : to measure the depth of the pockets.
General characteristics :
- tapered
- straight
- millimeter calibration
- blunt, rounded tip
- thin ( 0.5 mm at the end )
- the shank is angled to allow easy insertion
in the pocket.
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14. William’s periodontal probe
 UNC-15 probe
 University of michigan O probe
 Marquis colour coded probe
 WHO probe
 Nabers probe
14

15. 15
Markings include 1,2,3,5,7,8,9
and 10 mm with 4mm and 6mm
missing for ease in measuring .

16. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN O PROBE
WITHOUT WILLIAMS MARKING
Markings are at 3, 6, and 8mm

17. 15mm long.
17
Markings are at each mm and
color coding at the 5th,10th and
15thmm

18. 18
Calibrations are in
3mm sections.
Markings are 3,6,9,12mm

19. It has 0.5 mm ball at the tip
millimeter markings
at 3.5/ 5.5/ 8.5/ 11.5 mm
color coding from 3.5 to 5.5 mm.
19

20. Types:
CPITN-E(Epidemiological)
CPITN-C (Clinical )
This probe was designed for
 Measurement of pocket depth
 Detection of sub gingival calculus
 Used in assessment of treatment needs
20

21. Goldman-Fox probe same as
Williams probe`s calibration
- But it is flattened not round
21

22. 22

23. 23

24. Explorer is an assessment instrument with a flexible wire like
working end.
Functions-
These are used to detect by tactile means , the texture ,and
character of tooth surfaces before,during and after periodontal
debridement to assess the progress and completeness of
instrumentation. They are also used to detect tooth surfaces
for calculus decalcified and carious lesions dental
anomalies and anatomic features such as grooves ,
curvatures or root furcations .
EXPLORER
24

25. 25

26. USE
For supragingival examinations for
dental caries and irrregular margins
of restorations.
26

27. Used in calculus
detection in normal
sulci or shallow
pockets extending no
deeper than the
cervical-third off the
teeth.
27

28. Used for assessment of
anterior root surfaces and
the facial and lingual
surfaces of posterior teeth .
28
Difficult to adapt to the line angles
and proximal surfaces of the
posterior teeth .

29. Because of the design of this instrument it is difficult to insert a large
sickle blade under the gingiva without damaging the surrounding
gingival tissues .
Small, curved sickle blades such as 204SD can be inserted under
ledges of calculus a few millimeters below the gingiva.
These have a flat surface and two cutting edges that converge in a
sharply pointed tip. The shape of the instrument makes the tip strong so
that it will not break off during use . These is primarily used to remove
supragingival calculus .
SICKLE SCALER

30. 68
Blade ( working end )
(B) Tip (C) Toe (H) Heel (F) back (D)
Face
(G) lateral surface (E) cutting edge (internal angle )

31. Types of scalers
1)- Different blade size.
2)- Different blade design
curved, or straight .
3)- Different shank type :
- Straight shanks are designed for
use on anterior teeth and
premolars.
- Angled shanks adapt to posterior.
69

32. 70
204S C103 CK6
Crane-Kaplan
Sickle scalers

33. A curette is the instrument of choice for removing deep
subgingival calculus,root planing altered cementum and
removing the soft tissue lining the periodontal pocket .
Each working end has a cutting edge on both sides of the blade
and a rounded toe .
The curette is finer than sickle scalers and does not have any
sharp points or corners other than the cutting edge of the blade
.
71
CURETTE

34. These have cutting edge that may be inserted in most areas of the
dentition by altering and adapting the finger rest, fulcrum and hand
position of the adaptor.
The blade size and angle and length of the shank may vary but the face
of the blade of every universal curette is at 90-degree angle to the lower
shank when seen in cross section from the tip .
The blade of universal curette is curved in one direction from the head
of the blade to the toe .
73

35. The face is at a 90-degree
angle with terminal ( lower )
shank.
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Two cutting edge.

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Columbia: 2R/2L 4R/4L

38. 38

39. Gracey curettes- These are representatives of the area-specific
curettes, a set of several instruments designed and angled to
adapt to specific anatomic areas of the dentition.
These curettes and their identification are probably the best
instruments for subgingival scaling and root planing because
they provide the best adaptation to complex root anatomy.
AREASPECIFIC
CURETTES
39

40. 1. Blade is at 70 degrees from the lower shank (offset
blade). This angulation allows the blade to be inserted in the
precise position , provided parallel lower shank with the long axis
of the tooth surface being scaled.
Design of Gracey curette
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41. 2. One cutting edge.
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42. Gracey curette Universal curette
Area of use specific surfaces All areas and surfaces
Use of cutting edge One cutting edge two cutting edge
Cutting edge curvature Curved in two planes Curved in one plane
Blade angle Offset blade, 70 ْ Not Offset , 90 degrees
Universalcurette
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Gracey curette

43. • Larger, stronger, and less
flexible shank and blade
• Used to remove moderate-to-
heavy calculus
Rigid
design(A)
• Thinner shank, more flexible,
• Enhanced tactile sensitivity,
used to finish root planning.
Finishing
design (B)
Rigidity type of shank
43

44.  Gracey # 1-2 and 3-4 : anterior teeth.
 Gracey # 5-6 : anterior teeth (and premolars).
 Gracey # 7-8 and 9-10: posterior teeth : facial and ligual.
 Gracey # 11-12
 Gracey # 13-14
: posterior teeth : mesial
: posterior teeth : distal .
Double-ended Gracey curettes are 7
instruments
44

45. 84
Standard Gracey Curettes

46. # 5-6 # 7-8 # 11-12 #13-14
Reduced set of Gracey
46

47. It is a modification of the
standard 11-12
Combines a Gracey :
#11-12 blade with a
#13-14 shank .
It is allows better adaptation to
posterior mesial surfaces,
especially on the mandibular
molars with an intraoral finger
rest.
Gracey #15-16
47

48. • They are modifications of the
standard Gracey curette design.
New features :
1. The terminal shank is 3 mm
longer ( allowing extension
into deeper periodontal
pockets of 5 mm or more).
2. A thinned blade . For
smoother insertion , and
reduced tissue stretching.
3. 1mm shorter blade
48
Extended shank instruments
- After Five curette -

49.  Available After Five instruments :
#1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 11-12, 13-14
 Available in finishing (fine) or rigid designs:
- rigid After Five Gracey curettes
- finishing After Five Gracey curettes
49

50. Gracey curettes for posterior proximal surfaces
mesial surfaces distal surfaces
50

51. 90

52.  Rigid standard #13-14 adapted to the distal surface of the
first molar. And rigidAfter Five #13-14 adapted to the distal
surface of the second molar.
 Notice the extra long shank which allows deeper insertion
and better access.
52

53.  They are modifications of the
After Five curettes
 Features:
1. Blades are half the length of
theAfter Five or standard
Gracey curettes.
2. Extended shank
Mini-bladed curettes
- Mini Five-
53

54. Function
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Easier insertion and adaptation in any area where root
morphology or tight tissue prevents full insertion of
standard Gracey or After Five blade :
1. deep, narrow pockets,
2. furcations,
3. developmental grooves,
4. line angles,
5. Deep, tight pockets.

55. 55
Available in both:
- Rigid Mini Five Gracey curette
- finishing Mini Five Gracey curette
- available in all standard Gracey numbers 9-10
- Advantages :
1. can be used easily with vertical strokes,
2. With reduced tissue distention,
3. and without tissue trauma.

56. The curvettes are modification of gracey curettes .
These modifications include
- 50% shorter blade
- Increased blade curvature
- Straighter terminal shank
- Longer terminal shank
56

57. 57

58. This set of three curette combines the shank design of
the standard gracey with a universal blade honed at
90 degrees rather than offset blade of the gracey
curette.
This combination allows the advantage of the area-specific
shank to be combined with the versatility of the universal
curette blade.
58

59. 59

60. QUETIN Furcation curettes-
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The curvature of the tip also fits into developmental depressions on
the inner aspects of the roots.The shanks are slighty curved for better
access and the tips are available in two widths.
These remove burnished calculus from recessed areas of the furcation
where even the mini-bladed curettes are often too large to gain every
access.
These are actually hoes with a shallow, half moon radius that fits into
root or floor of the furcation.

61. 10
0

62. These are new type of area specific curette designed to
remove light residual calculus deposits and bacterial
contaminants from the entire root surfaces.
10
1
These instrument are used with gentle stroke pressure with
either push or pull strokes.

63. Plastic instruments for implants
Plastic instruments be used to avoid scratching
and damage to the implants.

64. The schwartz Periortrievers are a set of two double- ended,highly
magnetized instruments designed for the retrieval of broken
instrument tips from the periodontal pocket.
10
4

65. File is an instrument used to crush calculus deposits.
10
6

66. 10
7

67.  They are also used to roughen the surface of burnished
calculus deposits to facilitate removal of deposits with a
curette.
 They can easily gouge and roughen root surfaces when
used improperly.
 Thus not suitable for fine scaling and root planing.

68. The blade at the
same level with
the handle.-
BALANCED
INSTRUMENT

69.  Hoe scaler are used for scaling of ledges or rings of calculus.
 The blade is bent at a 99-degree angle; the cutting edge is
formed by the junction of the flattened terminal surface with
the inner aspect of the blade . The cutting edge is beveled at
45 degrees.
11
0

70. The chisel scaler designed for the proximal surfaces of
teeth too closely spaced to permit the use of other
scalers . It is usually used in the anterior part of the
mouth.
11
2

71. 113
Oscillating
scaler
Ultrasonic sonic

72.  Ultrasonic and sonic instruments
 may be used for removing plaque,scaling,curetting and
removing stain. The vibrations in ultrasonic tip range from
20000 to 45000 cycle/second.
 Vibrations in sonic tip range from 2000 to 6500 cycle per
seconds
 The two types of ultrasonic units are magnetostrictive and
pizeoelectric.
11
4

73.  In magnetostrictive units the pattern of vibration of the tip is
elliptic, which means that all sides of the tip are active and
will work when adapted to the tooth .
 In piezoelectric units the pattern of vibration of the tip is
linear,or back and forth, meaning the two sides of the tip are
the most active.
11
5

74. 11
6

75. 11
7

76. • RUBBER CUPS:- Consist of rubber with or without webbed
configurations in the hollow interior . Used in the handpiece
for prophylaxis.
• A GOOD CLEANSING & POLISHING paste that contain
fluoride should be used & kept moist to minimize friction
heat.

77. Available in wheel and cup shapes.
Used in prophylaxis angle with a
polishing paste .
DENTALTAPE
 Dental tape with polishing paste is
used for polishing proximal surface
that are inaccessible to other
polishing instruments.

78. Air-powder polishing is used with a
specially designed hand piece.
This device is called Prophy-jet. It delivers an air-
powder slurry of warm water and sodium bicarbonate
for polishing.
It is very effective for the removal of extrinsic stains
and soft deposits
12
0

79. 12
1

80. These are classified as
Excisional and incisional instruments
Surgical curettes and sickles
Periosteal elevators
Surgical chisels
Surgical files
Scissors
Needle holders
12
4

81. Knives are basic instruments and can be obtained with both
fixed and replaceable blades.
Gingivectomy knives Eg: Kirkland knifes
Interdental knives Eg: Orban knife #1-2, Merrifield knife
#1,2,3 and 4
Surgical blades Eg: #12D,15,11 and 15C
12
5

82. The kirkland knife is representative of knives
typically used for gingivectomy.These knives
can be obtained as either double- ended or
single-ended instruments.
12
6
The entire periphery of these kidney-shaped knives is the
cutting edge .

83. The orban knife#1-2 and the merrifield
knive # 1,2,3 and 4 are knives used for
interdental areas.
12
7
These spear-shaped knives having cutting edges on both sides
and are designed with either double-ended or single-ended
blades.

84. 12
8

85. Bard Parker handle is used for cutting gingival tissue
and making surgical incisions.
12
9

86. Scalpel blades of different shapes and sizes are used in
periodontal surgery .The most common blaes are #12 D,15,15C.
The #12D blade is a beak –shaped blade with cutting edges on
both sides,allowing the operator to engage narrow,restricted
areas with both pushing and pulling cutting motions.
13
0

87. Larger and heavier curettes and sickles are often
needed during surgery for the removal of granulation
tissue, fibrous interdental tissues, and tenacious
subgingival deposits.
13
2
The Prichard curette and the Kirkland surgical instruments
are heavy curettes, whereas the Ball scaler #B2-B3 is a
popular heavy sickle. The wider, heavier blades of these
instruments make them suitable for surgical procedures.

88. 13
3

89.  These are needed to reflect and move the flap after the incision has
been made for flap surgery.
 he Woodson, Glickman and Prichard elevators,Busers are well-
designed periosteal instruments.
13
4

90. Used to hold the flap duringsuturing
used to position & displace the flapafter the flap has been reflected

91. Chisels and hoes are used during periodontal
surgery for removing and reshaping bone.
13
7
The hoe has a curved shank and blade, this
instrument has a fish tail shaped with blade with a
pronounced convexity in its terminal portion.
The cutting edges is beveled with a rounded edges and
projects beyond the long axis of the handle to preserve
the effectiveness of the instrument when the blade is
reduced by sharpening.

92.  Generally used for detaching pocket walls after the
gingivectomy incision, but it is also useful for smoothing root
surfaces made accessible by any surgical procedure.
13
8
The Wiedelstadt and Todd-Gilmore chisels are straight
shanked.

93. SUGARMAN PERIODONTALFILE
Used interproximally. File surfaces on both sides allow for push or
pull application.
14
0

94. SCHLUGER PERIODONTAL
FILE
14
1
Used interproximally. File surfaces
on both sides allow for push or pull
application.

95. The Ochsenbein #1-2 is a useful chisel with a semicircular
indentation on both sides of the shank that allows the instrument
to engage around the tooth and into the interdental area.
14
2

96. Designed for use with a pull
stroke, it is ideal for
removing bone adjacent to
the tooth without causing
trauma, and is especially
useful on the distal of last
molars.
14
3

97. A hemostat (also called a hemostatic clamp, arterial
forceps, or pean after Jules-Émile Péan) is a surgical
tool used in many surgical procedures to control
bleeding.
14
5
The hemostat has handles that can be held in place by their locking
mechanism.
The locking mechanism is typically a series of interlocking teeth, a
few on each handle, that allow the user to adjust the clamping force
of the pliers. When locked on, the force between the tips is
approximately 40 N

98. 14
6

99. Scissors are used in periodontal surgery for
such purposes as removing tags of tissue
during gingivectomy, trimming the margins of
flaps, enlarging incisions in periodontal
abscesses, and removing muscle attachments
in mucogingival surgery.
14
7

100. The Goldman-Fox #16 scissors are
with a curved beveled blade with
serrations and the nippers.
14
9
Characteristics:
1.Long handles with thumb and
finger rings.
2.Short cutting edge with straight
or curved blades.

101. 15
0
 They are also used for contouring the architectural form
interdentally

102. 15
1
The castroviejo needleholder is used for delicate precise
techinques that require quick and easy release and grasp of the
suture. microsutures in the range of 6-0 to9-0 are required to
approximate the wound edge.

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104. THANK YOU