Which dental instrument is used to remove calculus from teeth?

Which dental instrument is used to remove calculus from teeth?

• A. Scaler
• B. Extraction forceps
• C. Milk tooth elevator
• D. Bard-Parker scalpel

Answer: (A)

Removing calculus from teeth is accomplished with a scaler, the instrument specifically designed to scrape away hard tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gum line. Scalers have sharp blades that allow the clinician to lift deposits from the crown and along the contact areas without cutting the gingival tissue when used properly. The other tools have different purposes: extraction forceps are for pulling teeth, a milk tooth elevator helps loosen deciduous teeth before extraction, and a Bard-Parker scalpel is used for surgical incisions. While there are subtypes of scalers and other instruments for deeper cleaning, the scaler is the one routinely used to remove calculus.

Removing calculus from teeth is accomplished with a scaler, the instrument specifically designed to scrape away hard tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gum line. Scalers have sharp blades that allow the clinician to lift deposits from the crown and along the contact areas without cutting the gingival tissue when used properly. The other tools have different purposes: extraction forceps are for pulling teeth, a milk tooth elevator helps loosen deciduous teeth before extraction, and a Bard-Parker scalpel is used for surgical incisions. While there are subtypes of scalers and other instruments for deeper cleaning, the scaler is the one routinely used to remove calculus.