Universal Curette and its Indication and Function
- Universal curettes have sharp cutting edges on both sides of their blades.
- Only two instruments are necessary – anterior (pink ring) and posterior (purple ring).
- Used for periodontal scaling, calculus debridement, and root planing.
- Can be used both supragingivally and subgingivally.
- Indicated for nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
- Helps eliminate inflammation and return the periodontium back to health.
- Controls bacterial levels in the mouth.
- Oral health education is provided to control calculus and plaque buildup.

Design Characteristics of Universal Curette
- Double-ended instrument with paired mirror-image working ends.
- Rounded back and rounded toe with a semicircular cross-section.
- Face of the instrument is at a 90-degree angle to the lower shank.
- Contains two cutting edges on either side of the working end.
- Shank length, design, and blade size may vary.

Types of Universal Curette
- Numerous different universal curettes with slight design differences.
- Columbia 13/14, Barnhardt 5/6, and Younger Good 7/8 curettes have shorter lower shanks.
- Columbia 4R/4L, Columbia 2R/2L, and Barnhardt 1/2 instruments have longer lower shanks.
- 10/11 Loma Linda and R 144 Queen of Hearts have longer lower shanks with blade designs for line angles.
- Recommended indication of use varies based on pocket depths and tooth surfaces.

Technique for Using Universal Curette
- Proper positioning of patient and operator is important.
- Modified-pen grasp is used to operate the instrument.
- Pressure is applied with index finger and thumb on the instrument handle.
- Working-end is adapted to the crown or root surface at a 70-80 degree angle.
- Different strokes are used based on the tooth surface being addressed.

Advantages and Limitations of Periodontal Curettes
- Periodontal curettes are finer than sickle scalers and do not have sharp points or corners, minimizing soft tissue trauma.
- Curettes can be adapted around the tooth surface, providing better access to deep pockets.
- Gracey curettes are ideal for subgingival scaling and root planing due to their design.
- Sickle scalers are primarily used for supragingival calculus removal.
- Sickle scalers have a stronger tip that is less likely to break off during use.