Gracey 17/18 Curette

The Gracey 17/18 is the area-specific curette for the distal surfaces of posterior teeth. Like every Gracey, its blade is offset about 70 degrees to the lower shank with a single working cutting edge, so it adapts to the root without cutting into the pocket wall, and the 17/18 has the 13/14 blade on an accentuated, longer terminal shank for the distal surfaces of molars. Helmut Zepf makes it in 3 configurations plus 2 replacement inserts, all in Germany, and every one on this page ships from our US warehouse.

Which Gracey 17/18 Curette Do You Need?

Clinical Use of the Gracey 17/18 Curette

• Distal surfaces of posterior teeth: the two ends are mirror images, so one instrument covers both sides of the arch.
• Subgingival scaling and root planing: position the lower shank parallel to the root surface, engage the lower cutting edge, and work with short, overlapping strokes from the base of the pocket coronally.
• Deep and narrow sites: choose the M5 version when pockets exceed 5 mm or the root anatomy is narrow; its thinner, longer first shank reaches the base of the pocket with more tactility.

Versions, Coatings and Handles

The ZEPF-bIONIK handle is Zepf’s ergonomic, colour-coded handle with a textured grip that reduces hand fatigue. The LOTUS line puts the same working ends on a coloured crystal handle. The hollow stainless steel handle is the classic lightweight all-steel instrument. Interchangeable inserts fit the M4 × 0.5 mm and M2.5 Zepf handle systems (ZEPF-bIONIK QUICKFIX, Z-SHAPE Relax, ZEPF-Line) and change with the Zepf safety key.

Sharpening, Retipping and Inserts

An instrument earns its keep only while it is sharp. Zepf instruments can be sharpened in the practice, sent to our sharpening and reconditioning service, or, on the interchangeable-insert versions, renewed in seconds by swapping the working ends. Sharpening stones and oil are in the diagnostic range.

Warranty and Our Guarantee

Every Zepf instrument on this page carries a one-year Helmut Zepf Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. And because an instrument can only be judged in the hand, you have 60 days to return it for any reason — even after you have used it. Try it on real patients; if it is not the instrument for you, send it back.

Made in Germany by Helmut Zepf

Helmut Zepf has manufactured dental and surgical instruments in Germany for over 100 years. Every instrument on this page is forged, ground and finished by Zepf and carries its part number for traceability.

Compare With

Base pattern designations shown. Same clinical pattern, not identical manufacture. Brand names belong to their owners and are used only to identify the pattern; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

FAQ

What is a Gracey 17/18 used for? Subgingival scaling and root planing of the distal surfaces of posterior teeth. It is area-specific: the offset blade and the shank angulation are shaped for those surfaces.

What does M5 mean? Zepf’s deep-scaling design: a first shank about 3 mm longer and 0.95 mm thin, with a shortened working end, for pockets deeper than 5 mm and narrow roots.

Which version is right for implants? The titanium versions or titanium inserts. Steel working ends can mark implant and abutment surfaces.

Is there a warranty? One year under the Helmut Zepf Warranty, and 60 days to return it for any reason, even after use.

Related resources: Hygiene Instrument Comparison Chart · Gracey Curette Numbers & Types Guide · Dental Hygiene Instruments · All Gracey Curettes · M5 Deep Scaling Instruments