Product Evaluation

The option to work smarter, not harder is always appealing,” shared Twyla Rader, RDH. Like most clinicians, she recognizes that “being efficient and not wasting time is important.” Specifically, Rader pointed out that multiple instru­ment changes during a hygiene appointment can be time consuming and cumbersome. “Each instrument change takes time, and we all know that time is in high demand,” she explained. What if hygienists could find a multipurpose instrument that minimizes changes and maximizes efficiency?

Paradise Dental Technologies brings that idea to fruition with its new instrument pairing system, the A. Battrell Quadrant Graceys. This innovative set of 2 instruments—Gracey 15-18 and Gracey 16- 17—allows hygienists to treat all 4 surfaces within a quadrant using a single instrument.

“I think the idea that you could be more efficient using the A. Battrell Quadrant Graceys was what made these instruments appealing,” said Rader. “It allows you to scale the entire buccal or lingual surface without repositioning yourself or changing instruments, making clinicians more efficient.”

Design of Instruments

The A. Battrell Quadrant Graceys are designed to streamline the process of accessing and treating multiple surfaces within a quadrant during hygiene procedures. The Gracey 16-17 is designed to clean the buccal surfaces within a quadrant by using the 17 end for distal surfaces and the 16 end for buccal and mesial surfaces. Designed for use on lingual surfaces, the Gracey 15-18 accesses the distal surface of mo­lars with the 18 end, while the 15 end is for treating lingual and mesial surfaces.

“I enjoyed using these instruments,” shared Laurie Humphrey, who appreciates that they are named after “a hygienist who was greatly admired, Ann Battrell, who had a positive influence on my professional life.” Now, she said, “The A. Battrell Graceys have had a positive effect in my treatment success as well.”

“The width of the blade fits well in 5-mm pockets and greater, and the shank length reaches the base of pockets on cases of severe CAL,” shared Amanda Long. For Julia Cuci­nella, “The instruments allow me to scale an entire side of a tooth without changing instru­ments. They’re a great adjunct to sickle and universal instruments to clean up direct buccal/lingual surfaces and line angles.”

“The texture of the instrument makes it more com­fortable to grip,” said Jennifer Colburn. Calling them “easy to use,” Robin Greenberg said they’re “a great addition to my set of instruments.” Monica Rogers said, “The instruments are so lightweight, but I pre­fer a wider handle to reduce pinch grip.”

Cleaning Ability

“These instruments work well on patients with heavy calculus and deep pockets, especially for perio patients and new patients with SRP,” shared Heather Giordano. “I had to get used to these instruments, but once I did, they did a good job.” When “accessing difficult-to-reach root surfaces in periodontal pockets over 4 mm deep,” Humphrey said, “I achieved better access, which I feel contributed to an improvement in patients’ periodontal health. I am most pleased with the results I was able to achieve.” Colburn said, “These instruments allow me to access periodontal-involved areas easier, which has a positive impact on my perio cases.”

“The angulations allow better access to difficult areas so I can be thorough,” shared Rogers, and Cucinella said the “nice and sharp” instruments “helped immensely during root planing procedures when heavy subgingival calculus was pres­ent.” For Brenda Buergi, “They worked well in distal pockets of perio patients and are a nice addition to a scaling and root planing set.” Calling the scalers “great for reaching deep pockets, abfractions, and natural contours of surfaces,” Long said they could do a better job of removing calculus.

Efficiency and Time Savings

“The A. Battrell Quadrant Graceys saved time during scaling without having to change instruments constantly, allowing me to work smarter,” shared Susan Sander, who called them “a wonderful addition to my existing PDT instruments with time-sav­ing benefits.” Pleased to have “1 instru­ment for 2 areas,” Sandra Hersey said she spends “less time switching instruments,” and Shannon Aikman “saved time because I was able to clean a quadrant without hav­ing to switch instruments.”

Overall Satisfaction

“I appreciate that PDT always seems to try to find ways to make a hygienist’s job easier,” said Rogers. “The A. Battrell Quadrant Graceys increase efficiency by allowing me to use 1 instrument for mesial and distal, and the angulations allow better access to difficult areas so I can be thorough.” She added, “Patients appreciate a gentle, thorough, and quick appointment, which can be impossible to provide. These instruments help make all 3 possible.”