National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which of the following Gracey area-specific curettes would be appropriate to use on the mesial of posterior teeth?

1. 3/4

2. 7/8

3. 11/12

4. 13/14

The correct answer is: 11/12

The Gracey 11/12 area-specific curette is designed specifically for use on the mesial surfaces of posterior teeth. This instrument has a blade that is angulated to allow for optimal adaptation to the contours of the tooth in this area. The unique design of the Gracey curettes, with their cutting edges positioned at a specific angle, enables clinicians to achieve efficient scaling and root planing while minimizing tissue trauma. The 11/12 curette's blade is curved and the cutting edge is specifically configured to facilitate access to the mesial surfaces of the molars and premolars, making it an effective choice for maintaining periodontal health in these regions. Its use is crucial for the removal of plaque and calculus from the mesial aspect, which can often be difficult to access with other instruments. Using the 11/12 for mesial surfaces ensures that the clinician employs the correct tool for effective plaque control, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes in periodontal therapy.