“…Most studies conducted with a profilometer have shown that smoother surfaces are obtained with curettes than with an air scaler or ultrasonic instruments (Bye et al 1986, Van Volkinburg et al 1976, Jones et al 1972, Kerry 1967, Meyer & Lie 1977, Schlageter et al 1996). Using SEM, the same conclusion was reached by Allen & Rhoads (1963), Belting & Spjut (1964), Björn & Lindhe (1962), Cross‐Poline et al (1995), Gantes et al (1992), Garnick & Dent (1989), Hunter et al (1984), Pameijer et al (1972), and Wilkinson & Maybury (1973). However, D’Silva et al (1979), Ewen & Gwinnett (1977) and Moskov et al (1964) found just the opposite.…”