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[[File:Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

[[File:Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

[[File:Ultrasonic scaler tip.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ultrasonic scaler tip for use with a piezoelectric scaler.<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

[[File:Ultrasonic scaler tip.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ultrasonic scaler tip for use with a piezoelectric scaler.<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

Scaling is the procedure whereby dental calculus is removed from the supra- and subgingival surfaces of the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]]. Scaling may be performed using a combination of mechanical and hand instruments. Whilst hand scaling is sometimes more precise and allow better tactile feel, mechanical instruments require less time to remove the deposits and result in less operator fatigue.

Scaling is the procedure whereby dental calculus is removed from the supra- and subgingival surfaces of the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]]. Scaling may be performed using a combination of mechanical and hand instruments. Whilst hand scaling is sometimes more precise and allows a better tactile feel, mechanical instruments require less time to remove the deposits and result in less operator fatigue.

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==Hand Instruments==

==Hand Instruments==

Hand instruments should be used to remove large, bulky supragingival deposits before going on to powered scalers. Also, hand instruments are required to remove subgingival dental deposits (many mechanical scalers cause potential damage when used subgingivally).<br><br>

Hand instruments should be used to remove large, bulky supragingival deposits before going on to powered scalers. Also, hand instruments are required to remove subgingival dental deposits (many mechanical scalers cause potential damage when used subgingivally).<br><br>