The material responsible for giving bone its hard surface and strength is the bone matrix. This matrix is full of living bone cells. These cells make and maintain the matrix to help with bone rejuvenation and healing. By smoothing the bone, the matrix is activated and begins the healing process.
This instrument is used to carefully smooth bone. With a small spoon on the end of the tool similar to that of an ice-cream scoop, a curette allows the surgeon to scrape away bone. The spoon of the bone curette has durable, sharp edges. Its handle may be large and thick, taking up the entire hand, or small and thin. In addition, scooper sizes vary. These instruments can also be angled forward, backward or just remain straight.
The bone curette may be used to collect a bone sample for a biopsy, to determine the health of the bone in certain areas of the jaw or to prepare the bone for dental implant placement.