Use and Techniques
- Periodontal scalers are used to remove calculus from teeth.
- Scalers are restricted to supra-gingival use to avoid damaging the gums.
- Anterior scalers have a straight design, while posterior scalers have an angled terminal shank for easy access to posterior teeth.
- Scalers have scraping edges on both sides of their blades, suitable for mesial and distal surfaces.
- The terminal shank of scalers should be angled slightly toward the tooth surface for optimal use.
- Modified pen grasp position is essential for precise control and reduced musculoskeletal stress.
- Characteristics of a calculus removal stroke include stabilization, adaptation, angulation, lateral pressure, stroke direction, and stroke number.
- Stabilization involves pressure on the handle with the index finger and thumb.
- Adaptation requires placing the tip of the working end in contact with the tooth structure.
- Angulation should ideally be 70º-80º when using periodontal scalers.
- Periodontal debridement strokes are activated using periodontal scalers.
- Proper angulation, short controlled strokes, and moderate pressure are crucial for effective debridement.
- Rolling the handle of the instrument maintains adaptation and prevents soft tissue injury.
- Assessment strokes with feather-light pressure are used to judge calculus removal.
- Following instrumentation principles improves efficiency, effectiveness, and protects the clinician's ergonomics.

Design and Materials
- The composition of hand instruments is continuously evolving.
- Instrument designs and materials allow for reduced strain and increased comfort for dental professionals and patients.
- Factors to consider in scaler design include balance, diameter, texture, and weight.
- Proper design enhances finger pressure application and reduces muscle fatigue.
- Evolving technology improves dental treatment effectiveness and work surroundings.

Design Characteristics
- Periodontal scalers typically have two cutting edges per working end.
- Some scalers have rounded backs, while others have pointed backs.
- Scalers have triangular cross sections, limiting their use to above the gingiva.
- Pointed tips and perpendicular faces require correct angulation for effective use.
- Two types of scaler designs: anterior sickle scalers for anterior teeth and posterior sickle scalers for both anterior and posterior teeth.

Achieving Effective Periodontal Therapy
- Proper angulation, short controlled strokes, and moderate pressure are crucial for effective debridement.
- Rolling the handle of the instrument maintains adaptation and prevents soft tissue injury.
- Assessment strokes with feather-light pressure are used to judge calculus removal.
- Following instrumentation principles improves efficiency, effectiveness, and protects the clinician's ergonomics.

References
- Nield-Gehrig 2008, p.287, 309
- Nield-Gehrig 2008, p.288
- Bennet, Barbara (November 2007). All about hand instruments
- Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 5 (11): 20–23, ISSN1542-7838 via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
- Nield-Gehrig, Jill S. (2013). Fundamentals of periodontal instrumentation and advanced root instrumentation, 7th ed., Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN9781609133313
- Matsuda, Stacy A. (November 2008). Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 6 (11): 22–26, ISSN1542-7838 via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
- Cobbs, Charles M. (October 2008). Journal of Dental Hygiene, 3 (82): 4–9, ISSN1043-254X via CINAHL Plus with Full Text
- Nield-Gehrig, Jill S. (2016). Fundamentals of periodontal instrumentation and advanced root instrumentation, 8th ed., Wolters Kluwer Health Adis, ISBN9781496345530
- Newman, Michael G.; Takei, Henry H.; Klokkevoid, Perry R.; Carranza, Fermin A. (2015). Carranzas Clinical Periodontology, 12th ed., St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders, ISBN9780323188241
- Cobbs, Charles M. (October 2008). Journal of Dental Hygiene, 3 (82): 4–9, ISSN1043-254X via CINAHL Plus with Full Text