Which dental instrument is used to remove plaque and calculus from teeth?

The selected answer is appropriate because both scalpel and curette are specifically designed to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth. A curette is particularly effective in scaling procedures, as it features a curved blade that can reach into the sulcus of the gum to effectively scrape away debris, calculus, and plaque. Scalpel can be used in some cases to remove hard deposits, although it is typically more associated with soft tissue procedures.

In contrast, the explorer is primarily utilized for detecting caries or abnormalities on the tooth surface, while the dental mirror serves as a visual aid, allowing clinicians to see areas of the mouth that are difficult to visualize directly. Forceps are generally used for tooth extractions or manipulating tissues rather than for cleaning or scaling the teeth. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the scalpel and curette are the correct tools for the task of removing plaque and calculus.