Instrumentation and Clock Position Practice Test 2026 – Your All-In-One Guide to Mastering Exam Success

Gracey 11/12 curettes are area-specific instruments designed for subgingival access, especially on posterior teeth. Their curved, slender blade lets you reach below the gingival margin to remove calculus and debride or smooth root surfaces in deep pockets. Supragingival scaling is done above the gum line with different instruments, and polishing uses abrasive cups or brushes—not curettes. While root planing can be part of subgingival debridement with these curettes, their defining use is subgingival scaling to clean and smooth root surfaces beneath the gums.