Which instrument is typically used for supra-gingival calculus removal?

• A. Curette
• B. Ultrasonic
• C. Scaler
• D. Explorer

Answer: (C)

Supragingival calculus sits on the crowns above the gumline, so you want a tool with a sharp, rigid blade that can engage enamel surfaces without penetrating tissue. Scalers have straight, sickle-shaped blades with pointed edges that fit along the crown and glide across contact areas, making them highly efficient for removing calculus above the gingival margin. They’re specifically designed for supra-gingival deposits and allow quick, controlled removal without entering the sulcus.

Curettes, by contrast, have a rounded toe and a curved face optimized for subgingival work and root planing, so they’re better suited to deposits below the gumline. Explorers are diagnostic tools used to detect calculus and irregularities and are not used to remove deposits. Ultrasonic scalers can also remove supragingival calculus, but the typical instrument for this surface is the scaler due to its geometry and bite-sized efficiency for crown surfaces.