The Gracey numbering system is the roadmap of periodontal instrumentation: each paired number is designed for specific teeth and surfaces, with shank angulation matched to the anatomy it treats. This guide maps every Gracey number to its working area, explains how Gracey, universal, and sickle instruments differ, and links each pattern to the German-made Helmut Zepf version.
Revised on October 1, 2026
Gracey Curette Numbers Chart: Numbers and Uses
| Gracey Number | Uses | Shank Design |
|---|---|---|
| Gracey 1/2 | Anterior teeth | Slightly angled — straight access to facial and lingual surfaces |
| Gracey 3/4 | Anterior teeth and premolars | Slightly angled |
| Gracey 5/6 | Anterior teeth and premolars | More sharply angled |
| Gracey 7/8 | Premolars and molars — buccal and lingual surfaces | More sharply angled |
| Gracey 9/10 | Premolars and molars — buccal and lingual, deeper access | Very sharply angled |
| Gracey 11/12 | Mesial surfaces of premolars and molars | Skewed for mesial placement |
| Gracey 13/14 | Distal surfaces of premolars and molars | Skewed for distal placement |
| Gracey 15/16 | Mesial surfaces of molars and premolars | Skewed like the 13/14, opposite working surface — improved mesial access |
| Gracey 17/18 | Distal surfaces — deep pockets, limited access | Triple skew for distal and deep-pocket reach |
A practical minimum posterior setup is the 11/12 + 13/14 pair (mesial + distal); comprehensive setups add 1/2 or 3/4 for anteriors and 7/8 for posterior buccal/lingual. Browse the full Gracey Curette Collection.
Gracey vs. Universal Curette vs. Sickle Scaler
| Instrument | Cutting Edges | Blade Design | Where It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gracey curette | One per blade | Offset blade (~70° to lower shank), rounded toe and back; area-specific | Subgingival root planing — the definitive root-surface instrument |
| Universal curette (Columbia, Langer, McCall) | Two per blade | Blade at 90° to lower shank, rounded toe; one instrument adapts to all surfaces | Supragingival and subgingival calculus removal throughout the mouth |
| Sickle scaler | Two, meeting at a pointed tip | Triangular cross-section, pointed tip and back | Supragingival calculus only — the pointed back would traumatize the pocket |
For every scaler category in more depth (sickle, universal, Columbia vs. Langer, hoe) and the order to use them in, see our article on types of dental scalers and curettes.
Root Planing Technique with Gracey Curettes
- Grasp and position. Use a modified pen grasp and keep the lower (terminal) shank parallel to the tooth surface being treated; that places the blade at a working angle of roughly 70–80° to the root.
- Insert closed. Slide the blade subgingivally with the face flat against the root, then open to working angulation at the base of the pocket.
- Stroke. Use short, controlled pull strokes (vertical, oblique or horizontal) with light to moderate lateral pressure, overlapping them for full coverage.
- 11/12 on mesial surfaces. Approach from the buccal or lingual and adapt the toe toward the contact area.
- 13/14 on distal surfaces. Distal surfaces usually need you to reposition before the blade can be adapted.
- Furcations and deep pockets. Switch to an M5 or mini pattern, with lighter pressure and exploratory strokes for better tactile feedback.
For efficient quadrant scaling, pair the 11/12 and 13/14 with a 7/8 for the buccal and lingual surfaces, and probe first so you know the pocket depths and root anatomy before you start. Zepf's M5 design has a first shank about 3 mm longer than standard, a shortened working end and a thin, flexible 0.95 mm first shaft, built for deep, narrow pockets. Details are in the Z-Shape / M5 Gracey curettes flyer (PDF).
Zepf Options Across the Line
The Helmut Zepf periodontology range extends each pattern with clinically meaningful variants: M5 Deep Scaling blades in the M5 collection for narrow, deep pockets; titanium curettes for implant-safe maintenance without scratching abutment surfaces; NANOPAL-coated tips for reduced friction; and ergonomic ZEPF-bIONIK, Z-SHAPE Relax and Lotus handles with QuickFix replaceable tips, so a worn blade is replaced without discarding the handle. Color-coded handles follow the Gracey areas for instant tray identification.
Sharpening and Care
A curette is only as good as its edge: dull blades burnish calculus instead of removing it and demand heavier working strokes. Maintain edges with sharpening stones and accessories, or use our factory-certified sharpening and reconditioning service to restore original blade geometry. Reprocessing parameters are in the Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide; for measurement instruments that pair with every scaling appointment, see the Periodontal Probe Markings & Types Guide, and for terminology the Hygiene Instrument Glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Gracey curette numbers mean?
Each paired number designates the teeth and surfaces the instrument is designed for: 1/2 and 3/4 for anteriors, 5/6 for anteriors and premolars, 7/8 and 9/10 for posterior buccal/lingual surfaces, 11/12 and 15/16 for posterior mesial surfaces, and 13/14 and 17/18 for posterior distal surfaces.
What is the difference between a Gracey and a universal curette?
A Gracey has one cutting edge per blade, offset at roughly 70° to the shank, and is area-specific; a universal curette has two cutting edges at 90° and adapts to all tooth surfaces with a single instrument. Gracey excels at definitive subgingival root planing; universals cover general calculus removal efficiently.
What is the difference between a scaler and a curette?
A sickle scaler has a pointed tip and triangular blade for supragingival calculus; a curette has a rounded toe and back that can safely enter the pocket for subgingival work.
Which Gracey curettes do I need as a minimum set?
The most common core set is 11/12 (posterior mesial) and 13/14 (posterior distal), plus an anterior instrument such as the 1/2 or 3/4 — covering the surfaces where residual calculus is most often found.
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