Advanced Instrumentation for the General Practice Dental Hygienist
Course Number: 569
Course Contents
Debridement Curettes
Debridement (O'Hehir-type) curettes are often used after ultrasonic and definitive hand scaling. Small disc-shaped blades smooth roots and remove residual deposits (Figure 34). Long terminal shank (about 15 mm); approximately 1.5 mm blade encircling the rim; push-pull or multi-directional strokes; adapts to furcations, grooves, and line angles.
Uses (Figures 35-39):
1/2 - buccal/lingual posteriors
3/4 - mesial/distal posteriors
5/6 - primarily anteriors
7/8 - anteriors with extended shank for deeper pockets
Figure 34.
Figure 35. O’Hehir Debridement Curettes. 1/2 O'Hehir and 3/4 O'Hehir.
Figure 36. O’Hehir Debridement Curettes. 5/6 O’Hehir and 7/8 O'Hehir.
Figure 37. 3/4 O’Hehir Debridement Curette (Mesial/Distal).
Figure 38. 1/2 O’Hehir Debridement Curette (Buccal/Lingual).
Figure 39. 7/8 O’Hehir Debridement Curette (Lingual).