Gracey Instrumentation Basics

Hygiene Edge
4 Jan 201604:58
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script provides a detailed tutorial on the proper use of Gracie curettes, dental instruments used for scaling and removing calculus from the base of the tooth pocket. The speaker emphasizes starting with the instrument at zero, meaning the face of the tool is in contact with the tooth, then wiggling it down to the base of the pocket. The importance of maintaining a parallel terminal shank and tooth during the procedure is highlighted, as is the need for a good fulcrum and lateral pressure. The technique involves short, millimeter-length strokes with a focus on the last third of the instrument's tip for precision. The speaker also explains the rationale behind using short strokes, which is to maintain the correct 70Β° angle of the instrument for effective calculus removal. The summary underscores the importance of technique, angle, and instrument handling for achieving optimal results in dental scaling.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“ Start at zero: When using a Gracie instrument, begin with the face of the instrument touching the tooth, indicating a zero position.
  • πŸ”„ Wiggle down to the base: Gently wiggle the instrument down to the base of the pocket to establish a fulcrum.
  • 🚫 Avoid coming out of the pocket: Maintain the instrument within the pocket while working to prevent disruption.
  • πŸ”„ Close back to zero: After working, return the instrument to a zero position before removing it from the pocket.
  • πŸ”„ Use short, lateral pressure strokes: Apply short strokes with good wrist motion for precision and control.
  • ↕️ Maintain parallelism: Keep the terminal shank of the instrument parallel to the tooth for a proper 70Β° angle.
  • βœ‹ Use the last tip third: Focus on using the last third of the instrument for precision in tight spaces.
  • πŸ”§ Good fulcrum and pressure: Apply a good fulcrum and lateral pressure for effective calculus removal.
  • πŸ“ Short stroke length: Limit stroke length to 1 or 2 millimeters for specificity and efficiency.
  • 🈲 Avoid scraping the tooth: Ensure the cutting edge is on the tooth to prevent damage, feeling a 'catch' indicates correct positioning.
  • πŸ”§ Instrument handle positioning: Keep the instrument handle flat and parallel to the tooth for optimal access and technique.
Q & A
  • What does 'entering at zero' mean in the context of using a Gracie instrument?

    -Entering at zero refers to positioning the face of the Gracie instrument so that it is touching the tooth, indicating the starting point for the procedure.

  • What is the purpose of wiggling the instrument down to the base of the pocket?

    -Wiggling the instrument down to the base of the pocket helps to ensure that the terminal shank of the instrument and the tooth are parallel, which is essential for effective calculus removal.

  • Why is it important to maintain the terminal shank and tooth parallel during the procedure?

    -Maintaining the terminal shank and tooth parallel ensures a proper 70Β° angle, which is crucial for the cutting edge of the instrument to effectively engage with the tooth and remove calculus without causing damage.

  • What does it mean to use 'short, millimeter strokes' with the Gracie instrument?

    -Short, millimeter strokes refer to making small, precise movements with the instrument, typically 1 or 2 millimeters in length. This technique helps to focus on specific areas where calculus is located without unnecessarily moving the instrument over the entire tooth.

  • Why is it recommended to go back to zero after working on an area with the Gracie instrument?

    -Returning to zero allows the face of the instrument to re-establish contact with the tooth, ensuring that the instrument is correctly positioned before being removed from the pocket or tooth to avoid damage.

  • What is the significance of using the last tip third of the instrument during the procedure?

    -Using the last tip third of the instrument provides better control and precision, especially in tight spaces like the interproximal areas, and helps to effectively remove tenacious calculus.

  • Why is a good fulcrum important when using a Gracie instrument?

    -A good fulcrum provides stability and control, allowing for more effective and precise movements with the instrument, which is essential for safe and effective calculus removal.

  • How does wrist motion contribute to the effectiveness of using a Gracie instrument?

    -Wrist motion allows for a fluid and controlled application of the instrument, enabling the practitioner to make the short, precise strokes necessary for effective calculus removal.

  • What is the rationale behind focusing on small areas where calculus is located?

    -Focusing on small areas where calculus is located ensures that the instrument's specific angle and design are utilized optimally, leading to more efficient and targeted calculus removal.

  • Why should the instrument handle be kept parallel to the tooth during the procedure?

    -Keeping the instrument handle parallel to the tooth allows for better access to the base of the pocket and ensures that the instrument's curvature can be fully utilized to reach and remove calculus effectively.

  • What is the role of lateral pressure in using a Gracie instrument?

    -Lateral pressure helps to maintain contact between the instrument and the tooth, providing the necessary force for effective calculus removal while preventing the instrument from slipping off the tooth.

Outlines
00:00
🦷 Dental Instrument Technique: Using Gracie 1112

The paragraph explains the proper use of a dental instrument known as the Gracie 1112 for dental cleaning. It emphasizes starting at zero, which means the instrument's face is in contact with the tooth. The technique involves wiggling the instrument down to the base of the pocket, using a fulcrum to keep the terminal shank parallel to the tooth, and applying short, lateral pressure strokes. The importance of never withdrawing the instrument from the pocket during the procedure is highlighted. The same technique applies to the Buckle and the lingual areas of the mouth. The paragraph also discusses the importance of maintaining a 70Β° angle between the instrument and the tooth for effective calculus removal and the use of the last third of the instrument's tip for precision. It concludes with the significance of a good fulcrum, lateral pressure, and wrist motion for optimal results.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Gracie
A Gracie refers to a specific type of dental instrument used for scaling and removing calculus from the teeth. In the video, it is the primary tool discussed for dental cleaning procedures. The script emphasizes the proper technique for using a Gracie, including starting at zero (meaning the face of the instrument and the tooth are touching) and using short, millimeter strokes for precision.
πŸ’‘Calculus
Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hard deposit that forms on teeth from plaque through a process called mineralization. The video focuses on the removal of this substance, particularly from the base of the tooth pockets, using a Gracie instrument.
πŸ’‘Fulcrum
A fulcrum in the context of the video refers to the point on the tooth where the dental instrument is stabilized during the scaling process. It is crucial for applying the correct amount of pressure and maintaining control over the instrument, as mentioned when discussing the technique for using a Gracie.
πŸ’‘Terminal Shank
The terminal shank is the working part of the dental instrument that comes into contact with the tooth. The video emphasizes keeping the terminal shank parallel to the tooth for effective scaling, which allows for a proper 70Β° angle for the cutting edge to engage the calculus.
πŸ’‘Lateral Pressure
Lateral pressure is the side-to-side force applied when using a dental instrument like a Gracie. The script advises using good lateral pressure combined with short wrist motions to effectively remove calculus without damaging the tooth surface.
πŸ’‘Wrist Motion
Wrist motion refers to the movement of the wrist when performing dental scaling with a Gracie. The video script suggests using short, controlled wrist motions to execute precise, millimeter-length strokes, which is essential for effective calculus removal.
πŸ’‘Subging
Subging is the process of inserting the dental instrument beneath the gum line to reach and remove calculus. The video emphasizes the importance of subging the Gracie to the base of the pocket for thorough cleaning.
πŸ’‘Parallel
In the context of dental scaling, maintaining a parallel orientation between the instrument's terminal shank and the tooth is highlighted as critical in the video. This alignment ensures the correct angle for the cutting edge to be effective against the calculus.
πŸ’‘Strokes
Strokes refer to the movements made with the dental instrument during the scaling process. The video script details the use of short, millimeter strokes, which are small, controlled movements designed to remove calculus without causing damage to the tooth or gum.
πŸ’‘Instrument Handle
The instrument handle is the part of the dental tool that the user holds onto. The video stresses the importance of keeping the handle flat and parallel to the tooth to facilitate proper subging and effective use of the Gracie.
πŸ’‘Last Tip Third
Refers to the final third of the dental instrument's tip that is used for precise scaling, especially in tight spaces such as the interproximal areas between teeth. The script emphasizes using this part of the instrument to effectively remove tenacious calculus.
Highlights

Using a Gracie at zero, where the face of the instrument and the tooth are touching, is the starting point for effective calculus removal.

Wiggling the instrument down to the base of the pocket and then coming up on the fulcrum is crucial for working the terminal shank parallel to the tooth.

Short, lateral pressure strokes are recommended for efficient calculus removal without exiting the pocket.

The terminal shank and the tooth should be aligned like railroad tracks for optimal instrument positioning.

Gracies allow for various stroke techniques, including oblique, horizontal, and vertical strokes, to tackle tough calculus.

Returning to zero and wiggling the instrument out of the pocket is a key step in using Gracies.

When using a Gracie on the distal, ensure the face is at zero to the tooth for effective subging and parallel alignment.

Feeling the catch of the cutting edge on the tooth indicates the correct angle with the terminal shank.

If the instrument feels like it's sliding, it's a sign that the cutting edge isn't properly on the tooth, and the angle needs adjustment.

Short millimeter strokes are preferred for precision and to maintain the correct 70Β° angle for the majority of the tooth.

Instruments should be specific to areas, focusing on tiny areas where calculus is left at the base of the pocket.

Maintaining the instrument handle and the tooth parallel on the same plane is essential for effective use of Gracies.

Dropping the shoulder and instrument allows for better subging and reaching the base of the pocket.

Having the terminal shank and the tooth parallel ensures a perfect 70Β° angle for calculus removal.

Using the last tip third of the instrument is important for accessing inner proximal areas and removing tenacious calculus.

A good fulcrum, lateral pressure, and wrist motion are vital for effective use of Gracie instruments.

Stroke length should be only 1 or 2 millimeters to prevent exiting the tooth or pocket and maintain precision.

Transcripts
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