curettes

A curette is a surgical instrument consisting of a small, curved scoop- or spoon-shaped blade attached to a handle. It is designed to scrape or debride tissue from a surface or cavity and is used across medical disciplines, including dentistry, gynecology, dermatology, and otolaryngology.

Curettes may be cup-shaped, spoon-shaped, or loop-shaped, and come in sharp or blunt variants. In dentistry, curettes refer to periodontal curettes used to remove calculus and smooth root surfaces; two common forms are universal curettes and area-specific Gracey curettes, each blade oriented to access particular tooth surfaces.

In gynecology, a uterine curette is used to evacuate tissue from the uterus during procedures such as dilation and curettage. Curettage, in dermatology and ENT, also refers to scraping away skin lesions or nasal polyps.

Curettes are sterilized and used with aseptic technique; tissue is removed with controlled strokes. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, perforation of cavities, and scarring. They are generally used under local or regional anesthesia when indicated and with careful postoperative care.