What tools are used for scaling and root planing?

The correct answer is based on the tools specifically designed for scaling and root planing, which are essential procedures in periodontal therapy aimed at removing plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces both above and below the gum line. Hand scalers and ultrasonic scalers are widely recognized as the primary instruments for this purpose.

Hand scalers are manual tools with sharp edges that allow the dental professional to carefully remove deposits from the tooth surfaces. They are particularly effective in accessing difficult areas and providing tactile feedback to the clinician. Ultrasonic scalers, on the other hand, use high-frequency vibrations combined with water to disrupt and dislodge calculus, providing a more efficient means of cleaning larger areas compared to hand instruments.

Other options do not fit as appropriate tools for scaling and root planing. Dental probes and explorers are primarily used for assessing periodontal health and examining tooth surfaces but do not serve the primary function of removing deposits. Hygienic brushes and dental floss are designed for home care maintenance rather than professional scaling. Electric drills and lasers may have applications in various dental procedures, but they are not standard tools for scaling and root planing. Thus, hand scalers and ultrasonic scalers are the correct answer for effective periodontal cleaning.