Background: Bacterial plaque and calculus are accepted etiological agents in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. Their accumulation and attachment are facilitated by a roughened root surface. The rough calculus surface may not, in itself, induce inflammation in the adjacent periodontal tissues, but may serve as an ideal substrate for subgingival microbial colonization. Many techniques have been used to identify and remove calculus deposits present on the root surface. The purpose of this review is to compile the various methods and their advantages for the detection and removal of calculus.