Summary

Utilizing the same instruments in the general dental practice for scaling and debridement, no matter what the patient’s unique needs happen to be, can be a frustration. It can lead to incomplete scaling and debridement and, ultimately, the patient’s periodontal disease progression. Exploring the use of “non-traditional scaling instruments” and consideration of the root topography in deep periodontal pockets when choosing the instruments to be utilized¹¹ can allow for a more effective treatment for a patient’s periodontal condition and promote a more efficient and ergonomically sound dental hygiene practice.