Give yourself some Gracey: Mastering the Art of Sharpening Gracey Curettes with Confidence

Sharpening Gracey curettes might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can become a routine part of dental practice that enhances both efficiency and patient comfort. Let’s explore why sharp instruments are essential and how to master the art of sharpening Gracey curettes.

The Impact of Dull Instruments 

Using dull instruments not only makes the job harder but can also negatively affect the patient’s experience. A dull cutting edge requires more lateral pressure, leading to increased hand and wrist fatigue. This can result in longer scaling times and a less comfortable experience for the patient, as well as an increased risk of burnishing calculus, compromising the effectiveness of treatment.

Given these risks, sharpening should be a non-negotiable part of the regular routine—whether daily, monthly, or at least quarterly. However, a survey conducted by Young Innovations revealed that over 90% of dental hygienists dislike sharpening, and none of the respondents claimed to know how to do it properly. This suggests that many hygienists might be working with dull instruments without realizing it, making their work unnecessarily challenging.

The Reality of Sharpening Skills 

In a study conducted by Lory Laughter, 46 Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) were given a Gracey 11/12 curette and instructed to use it until it felt dull. They were then asked to sharpen it using their preferred method and stone. The results were eye-opening: only three surfaces (not instruments) out of all submissions were sharpened to the factory-standard 70–80-degree angulation.

Sharpening Made Simple

Below is a straightforward method to confidently regain a sharp edge using your preferred sharpening stone. Please note that the instructions are for right-handed clinicians; if you are left-handed, simply reverse the directions.

1. Hold the Instrument: Grip the handle firmly in your non-dominant hand, using your thumb to brace the opposite-end shank.
2. Position the Blade: Ensure the face of the blade is parallel to the floor. For odd-numbered ends, the face will be toward the clinician; for even-numbered ends, it will face away. Always verify that the correct cutting edge is against the stone.
3. Sharpening Motion: Since Gracey curettes are straight, the stone should move in a consistent, fluid motion, always ending on a downstroke. Remember, the blade has three parts: the back (heel), middle, and toe.
4. Angle the Instrument: Hold the instrument at a 90-degree angle, then pivot to 70-80 degrees to align the blade parallel to the floor. Next, pivot the stone to 100-110 degrees (reverse these directions if left-handed).
5. Sharpen the Toe: Position the stone at a 45-degree angle to the face and rotate around the toe.
6. Stone Choice: While the choice of stone is personal, a synthetic ceramic stone with water is recommended. Use gauze to wipe off any debris post-sharpening.
7. Finishing Touches: A cylindrical stone can be used as a finisher, especially if the face of the instrument is roughened. However, sharpening the lateral surfaces alone can restore the cutting edges.
8. Testing: Instead of test sticks, a clean saliva ejector can be used to test the sharpness. Listen for that satisfying “bite.”
   
   

Practice Makes Perfect

Finding the time to sharpen can be challenging, but the more you do it, the better and more confident you will become. The body—and patients—will benefit. Consistent practice will enhance skill, and it’s essential to give yourself some Grace(y)!

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References: 

1. Laughter, L. (2015, April). Your Best Efforts! RDH Magazine, 35(4). (pp. 51- 53).  https://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-35/issue-4/features/your-best-efforts.html
2. American Eagle Blog and Education: www.am-eagle.com
3. Hill, A. (2023a). Instrumentation Reimagined. Young Innovations. 
4. American Eagle Instruments. (n.d.). Instrument Guide. Young Innovations.