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After Five (extended-shank) Gracey
Also called: After Five, extended shank curette, rigid extended shank
A Gracey with a lower shank 3 mm longer, for pockets deeper than 5 mm.
After Five curettes are Graceys with a terminal (lower) shank that is 3 mm longer than standard, so they reach pockets deeper than 5 mm. The blade is also about 10% thinner, so it slips under the gum with less stretching.
How to spot it
- Same numbers as standard Graceys (for example 11/12), but the last straight part of the shank is visibly longer.
- Often marked with an extra letter or word on the handle; check the label.
What it is used for
- Root planing in deep pockets and areas with recession.
Safety and care
- Critical item (it goes into soft tissue or touches bone): clean it, package it and heat-sterilize it after every patient.
- Sharp working end: carry it point-down in a closed cassette, and never reach blindly into a pile of instruments.
Related
Sources: Gehrig JS, Shin DE. Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root Instrumentation, 9th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2023 (plus Newman & Carranza's Clinical Periodontology), Hu-Friedy After Five and Mini Five specifications as listed by distributors (Trycare UK, DD Group), Hu-Friedy Group. 2025 Digital Catalog, p. 57, Gracey curette design comparison