FIGURE 7: The subgingival curette blade is introduced atraumatically below the gumline with the face of the instrument nearly parallel to the root surface. At the bottom of the sulcus, the handle is adjusted, causing the down (cutting) edge of the instrument to contact the root surface. Plaque, calculus, and debris is removed on the upward pull stroke.

©2019 Veterinary Information Network (VIN), illustration by Tamara Rees.