What are the Different Types of Dental Scalers?

Every dentist and dental hygienist uses dental scalers and dental curettes with every patient. These indispensable instruments are manufactured to exact specifications for different applications in dentistry. Here, we'll provide an overview of the most important dental scalers and curettes.

Let's start with the answers to two very basic questions.

What is a dental scaler?

Dentists and dental hygienists use dental scalers to remove plaque, tartar, and other buildups (mineral crystals from drinking hard water, for example) from teeth. A dental scaler typically has a long, thin handle with a small, pointed hook at the end. The hook scrapes and removes buildup from the teeth, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Dental scalers come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of teeth and dental conditions. They are commonly used in routine dental cleanings and can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Dental scalers aren't the only tool for cleaning teeth and removing tartar at the dentist's office. Dentists and dental hygienists also clean teeth with dental curettes. This leads us to our next FAQ.

What is a dental curette?

A dental curette is another specialized dental instrument used to remove deposits of plaque, tartar, and other debris from teeth and gums. Unlike a dental scaler with a pointed hook at the end, a dental curette has a rounded or curved tip. This feature allows it to conform to the shape of the tooth surface and gumline. The curved tip makes the curette especially effective at removing debris from below the gum line, which dental scalers may be unable to reach.

Dental curettes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Each is designed for specific applications and types of teeth. They are commonly used in routine dental cleanings and periodontal therapy for patients with more advanced gum disease. Dental curettes are generally considered less invasive and less traumatic than other forms of dental cleaning, making them a popular choice among dental professionals.

Different Types of Dental Scalers and Curettes

There are several different types of dental curettes and scalers. Each of them is designed for specific applications and types of teeth. Here are some of the most common types:

Gracey Curettes

Gracey curettes are dental scalers commonly used for subgingival scaling and root planing. They have a curved, slightly angled blade. Its single cutting edge is offset from the shank. This unique design allows the Gracey curette to adapt to the curvature of the tooth and access subgingival areas, making it an effective tool for removing plaque and calculus from the root surface.

Some of the special applications of Gracey curettes include:

1. Subgingival Scaling: The Gracey curette is designed to reach subgingival areas and remove calculus deposits from the root surface. This prevents gum disease and tooth loss.
2. Root Planing: Besides removing calculus deposits, the Gracey curette is also used to smooth the rough surfaces of the root to help promote healing and prevent the buildup of calculus deposits before the next cleaning.
3. Periodontal Therapy: The Gracey curette is essential in treating periodontal disease. It allows dental professionals to remove the bacteria and debris contributing to the condition.
4. Furcation Management: The Gracey curette can also access furcations, where the tooth roots separate. Furcations are difficult to reach with other scalers, but the curved blade of the Gracey curette makes it possible to clean them thoroughly.

Universal Scalers

Universal scalers are a type of dental scaler with a straight, thin tip designed to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth. They are versatile tools and can be used for a variety of applications in dentistry, including:

1. Supragingival Scaling: Universal scalers are commonly used for supragingival scaling. This process involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gumline.
2. Calculus Removal: Universal scalers effectively remove calculus deposits, which are hard mineralized deposits that can form on the teeth and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
3. Crown and Bridge Cement Removal: Universal scalers can remove excess cement from around dental crowns and bridges after they have been cemented in place.
4. Orthodontic Treatment: Universal scalers are often used in orthodontic treatment to remove plaque and tartar buildup around brackets and wires.
5. Prosthodontic Treatment: Universal scalers can also be used in prosthodontic treatment to clean the surfaces of dentures, partial dentures, and other dental prostheses.

Barnhart Scalers

Barnhart scalers are a type of dental scaler with a curved tip designed to remove plaque and tartar from the posterior teeth. They are named after Dr. William Barnhart, a prominent dental researcher and educator. Some of the special applications of Barnhart scalers in dentistry include:

1. Posterior Scaling: Barnhart scalers are specifically designed for scaling the posterior teeth, which are the molars and premolars located in the back of the mouth. The scaler's curved tip allows easier access to these teeth and enables dental professionals to remove plaque and calculus from hard-to-reach areas.
2. Root Planing: In addition to removing plaque and calculus deposits, Barnhart scalers can also be used for root planing, which involves smoothing the surface of the tooth root to help promote healing and prevent the buildup of future calculus deposits.
3. Furcation Management: Barnhart scalers can be used to access furcations, which are the areas where the tooth roots separate. These areas are difficult to reach with other scalers, but the curved blade of the Barnhart scaler makes it possible to clean them thoroughly.
4. Orthodontic Treatment: Barnhart scalers are also commonly used in orthodontic treatment to remove plaque and tartar buildup around brackets and wires.

Nevi Scalers

Universal scalers are a type of dental scaler with a straight, thin tip designed to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth. They are versatile tools and can be used for a variety of applications in dentistry, including:

1. Supragingival Scaling: Universal scalers are commonly used for supragingival scaling. This process involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gumline.
2. Calculus Removal: Universal scalers effectively remove calculus deposits, the hard mineralized deposits that can form on the teeth and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
3. Crown and Bridge Cement Removal: Universal scalers can remove excess cement from around dental crowns and bridges after they have been cemented in place.
4. Orthodontic Treatment: Universal scalers are often used in orthodontic treatment to remove plaque and tartar buildup around brackets and wires.
5. Prosthodontic Treatment: Universal scalers can also be used in prosthodontic treatment to clean the surfaces of dentures, partial dentures, and other dental prostheses.

Columbia Scalers

Columbia scalers are a type of dental scaler with a pointed tip designed to remove calculus and plaque from deep periodontal pockets. They are named after the Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, where they were first developed. Some of the applications of Columbia scalers in dentistry include:

1. Deep Periodontal Scaling: Columbia scalers are specifically designed for deep periodontal scaling, which involves removing calculus and plaque from the tooth surfaces below the gumline.
2. Root Planing: Columbia scalers can also be used for root planing. This involves smoothing the surface of the tooth root to help promote healing and prevent the buildup of future calculus deposits.
3. Furcation Management: Columbia scalers effectively remove plaque and calculus from the areas where the tooth roots separate, known as furcation.
4. Periodontal Pocket Reduction: By removing plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets, Columbia scalers can help reduce the pockets' depth and improve the gums' overall health.

We Have a Complete Inventory of Dental Instruments

We carry a complete inventory of dental instruments—and when we don't have an instrument in stock, we can manufacture it! Call us at +1 514 869 7747 or email us about your surgical instrument needs.