Gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the gingiva (gum tissue) to eliminate periodontal pockets and create a more aesthetic appearance of the gingiva. Several types of knives can be used in gingivectomy, but the most commonly used knives are the Kirkland knife and the Orban knife.
The Kirkland knife is a sharp, curved blade with a pointed tip, while the Orban knife is a sharp, straight blade with a slightly rounded tip. Both of these knives are designed to make precise incisions in the gingiva and to remove tissue with minimal trauma. In gingivectomy, the Kirkland knife is typically used to make initial incisions in the gingiva, while the Orban knife is used to remove the excess tissue.
The Merrifield knife is another type of surgical knife used in periodontal surgery, but it is not commonly used in gingivectomy. It is a small, straight knife with a pointed tip, designed for delicate incisions in soft tissue.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3: Kirkland and Orban knives are the most commonly used in gingivectomy.