Gracey’s 11/12 curette | Periodontics

The Gracey’s 11/12 curette | Periodontics (Article# LS1-423) is a double-ended, area-specific instrument with two offset blades, each carrying a single lower cutting edge set at 70 degrees to the terminal shank face. The terminal shank features a counter-angle bend with an 8 mm reach, directing the blade face toward mesial surfaces of all posterior premolars and molars. The perforated silicone grip handle is machined to 165 mm (6.5 inches) overall, with the blade measuring 0.9 mm wide and 4 mm long for subgingival insertion without excessive tissue distention.

The offset blade geometry on the Gracey 11/12 positions the lower cutting edge automatically against the mesial root surface when the terminal shank runs parallel to the tooth — eliminating the need for manual blade angulation adjustment during scaling strokes. The single active cutting edge reduces unintended soft tissue trauma during deep subgingival access compared to double-edged universal curettes. The stainless steel body tolerates repeated autoclave sterilization at 134°C without blade offset distortion or edge degradation across extended clinical cycles.

Dental hygienists and periodontists use Gracey’s 11/12 curette | Periodontics during subgingival scaling, root planing, and periodontal maintenance on mesial surfaces of all posterior teeth from premolars through second molars. The Dental Gracey Curettes 11/12 Double Ended Handle Hollow design activates with short vertical and oblique pull strokes from line angle to contact area, maintaining terminal shank parallelism against the mesial root surface throughout each stroke sequence in pockets from 3 mm to beyond 5 mm depth.

Leader Surgical consistently delivers instruments where thoughtful design meets manufacturing discipline — producing tools that add real clinical value without overcomplicating what belongs in the tray.

How do I identify the correct working end?
Place the instrument between two premolars with the terminal shank parallel to the tooth’s long axis. The correct end will “hug” the mesial surface, while the functional shank goes “up and over” the tooth.