Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and surface roughness changes in dental root samples following periodontal scaling by hand curette, piezoelectric ultrasonic devices or a combination of these. Methods: Twenty-four monoradicular teeth extracted as a result of periodontal disease were divided into 4 groups: Group A was treated by piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler Piezon ® Master 400; Group P by piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler PiezoSmart ® ; Group C using Gracey curette 7/8; Group AC by a combined technique of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler Piezon ® Master 400 and Gracey curette 7/8. The treated samples were then analysed using a white light interferometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Roughness analysis revealed major surface alterations in Group C (S a  = 24.98 μm); the samples treated using the combined technique (Group AC) showed reduced but still significant alteration (S a  = 14.48 μm), while samples treated with the piezoelectric ultrasonic devices (Group A and Group P) presented the lowest roughness values (S a  = 8.99 and S a  = 4.45 μm, respectively). A significant difference was found between groups C and P (P = 0.036). SEM analysis confirmed the roughness analysis revealing non-homogeneous surfaces in Group C, while a less morphological alteration was noted in the other groups. Conclusion: All periodontal devices used in this in vitro study produced a certain degree of surface alteration. Hand curettes appear to have a major impact on surface integrity compared with piezoelectric ultrasonic devices. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

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