What tools are used in scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root-planing is usually performed using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instrumentation, such dental curettes or scalers. Using these instruments, bacterial plaque and dental calculus (tartar) are removed from the surfaces of the teeth, including the root surfaces above and below the gum line.

What are the different types of dental scalers?

There are three types of mechanical scalers; sonic, ultrasonic and rotary.

What is the process of scaling?

Scaling is when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Your dentist will then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.

What is the main difference between a scaler and a curette?

The major difference between the design of a scaler and a curette is in the shape of the blade. In cross section, the blade of a scaler is triangular, whereas a curette is semicircular.

What are the instrument used for scaling and polishing?

A hand scaler is also used along with an electric scaler, to check whether the teeth are completely clean. For polishing, your dentist will use a rotating brush or rubber polisher with a special toothpaste.

What is used in dental scaling?

Scaling and root planing involves scraping away tartar from your teeth and under your gum line. It’s done with either a hand-held scraper or an ultrasonic device that uses vibrations to loosen and remove plaque.

How is dental scaling done?

Your dentist will first conduct teeth scaling. This involves scraping the plaque from your teeth and in any large pockets that have developed between your teeth and gums. Next, your dentist will do the root planing. Your dentist will smooth the tooth roots using a scaling tool.

How do dentists scale teeth?

Step One: Scaling Dental scaling dives deeper into the gumline with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, or both. If your hygienist – or dentist – uses an ultrasonic scaling device, sonic vibrations will remove the plaque bacteria and tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and underneath the gumline.

What is a Gracey 3/4 used for?

Area specific curettes for the removal of deep subgingival calculus. These area-specific curettes are for removing deep subgingival calculus and for finishing subgingival root surfaces. Put the tip third or half of the cutting edge against the tooth.