Which hand scaling tool is used below the gum line?

• A. Curette
• B. Scaler
• C. Periodontal probing
• D. Polisher

Answer: (A)

The instrument used below the gum line is a curette. Curettes have a rounded toe and a curved blade that lets you safely access subgingival surfaces, allowing effective scaling and root planing without gouging the tissue. This design minimizes trauma when working under the gingival margin and helps remove calculus from root surfaces that lie beneath the gum line.

A scaler, by contrast, is typically a pointed blade intended for supra-gingival calculus removal and is not ideal for subgingival use because its shape can traumatize tissue and it doesn’t adapt well to root surfaces below the gingival margin. Periodontal probing is a diagnostic tool used to measure pocket depths and assess periodontal health, not for removing calculus. Polishing is a finishing step after scaling/root planing to smooth and shine tooth surfaces, not for removing subgingival calculus.