Root surface texture after scaling with hand instruments, ultrasonic scalers (Amdent 830 and Cavi-Med 2000), and a sonic scaler (Titan-S) was assessed in vitro. The experimental material consisted of 48 extracted human teeth divided into six groups. Root surface texture was assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hand and sonic instrumentation produced large grooves and removed cementum evident at a magnification of x 70, while the root surface alterations after ultrasonic instrumentation were not detectable below a magnification of x 500. The working principle of each scaling instrument in relation to its effect on the root surface was discussed.