Small Animal Dental Knives
Periodontal knives are hand instruments for incising and contouring gum tissue in veterinary dental surgery. Unlike a scalpel handle that carries a replaceable blade, a periodontal knife is a one-piece instrument with a shaped cutting edge made for a specific incision. This collection carries two classic patterns: Kirkland and Orban.
What’s in This Collection
The Kirkland 15K/16K Gingivectomy Knife has a kidney-shaped blade whose curved edge follows the contour of the gum margin. It is typically used for the primary incision in gingivectomy and gingivoplasty, which reshape or remove excess gum tissue, as in gingival hyperplasia. The 15K/16K designation covers the paired working shapes, so check the product page for the exact configuration.
The Orban 1/2 Periodontal Knife has a narrow, spear-shaped blade. It is typically used to remove tissue between the teeth after the primary incision, where a larger knife can’t reach.
How the Two Work Together
In a typical gingivectomy, the Kirkland knife makes the primary incision along the gum margin. The Orban knife then clears the interdental tissue. Curettes and scalers clean the root surface afterward, and the site is sutured if needed.
Care
Check the cutting edge before each case, because a dull knife tears tissue instead of cutting it. Clean, inspect and sterilize the instruments according to your facility’s protocol between patients.
Related Instruments
For the rest of a periodontal setup, see Dental Curettes, Dental Scalers, Dental Probes And Explorers and Dental Retractors. For closure, see Dental Needle Holder and Dental Scissors. If you work with replaceable blades instead, see Scalpel Handles and Surgical Blades. For other cutting instruments, see Dental Knives. Keep access open with Dental Mouth Gags. For complete setups, see Dental Kits & Packs. Browse the full Small Animal Veterinary Surgical Instruments catalog or all Veterinary Instruments.
Ordering
Peak Surgicals supplies veterinary dental instruments in bulk to clinics and distributors worldwide, with international shipping. Contact our team for current stock and wholesale pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gingivectomy knife used for?
It cuts and contours gum tissue to remove or reshape excess gingiva, as in gingival hyperplasia or pocket reduction.
What’s the difference between a Kirkland and an Orban knife?
A Kirkland knife has a kidney-shaped blade typically used for the primary incision along the gum margin. An Orban knife has a narrow, spear-shaped blade typically used for tissue between the teeth.
Is a periodontal knife the same as a scalpel?
No. A periodontal knife is a one-piece instrument with a fixed, shaped blade. A scalpel uses a handle with a replaceable blade.
Are these knives reusable?
Yes. They are reusable stainless steel instruments intended for repeated cleaning and sterilization.
Where do I find replaceable blades?
See Scalpel Handles and Surgical Blades.
