Which instrument is appropriate for a hygienist to remove subgingival calculus during root planing?

The instrument most appropriate for a hygienist to remove subgingival calculus during root planing is the Gracey curette. This specialized instrument is designed for scaling and root planing, particularly in areas that are difficult to access, such as the subgingival spaces. Gracey curettes have a curved blade that allows for effective adaptation to root surfaces, making them particularly useful for smoothening and shaping tooth roots during periodontal treatment. Their design provides the clinician with the ability to reach deeper into periodontal pockets and effectively remove both calculus and necrotic tissue, which is essential for the overall health of the periodontal tissues.

While other instruments like periodontal hoes, sickle scalers, and ultrasonic scalers can be useful for specific purposes in dental hygiene practices, they are not as well-suited for subgingival root planing. Periodontal hoes are primarily used for supra-gingival scaling and removing larger deposits. Sickle scalers are generally intended for accessible areas above the gum line and may not be effective in deeper pockets. Ultrasonic scalers, on the other hand, are valuable for removing calculus quickly but may not provide the precision control needed for subgingival root planing as well as Gracey curettes do.

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