OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of hand and ultrasonic scaling and to evaluate the surface roughness on the root surface of periodontally involved teeth using a scanning electron microscope. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 90 single-rooted teeth with a hopeless prognosis was selected for the study and divided into three separate groups. Group I consist of no treatment. In Group II, hand scaling was done using Gracey curettes, and in Group III, ultrasonic scaling was done. The teeth were then extracted and fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution for 24-48 hours and subjected to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluation. RESULTS: The SEM analysis revealed that the remaining calculus index was found to be similar in the ultrasonic group and the hand scaling group, whereas the surface roughness was found to be the least in the ultrasonic group. CONCLUSIONS: Hand instrumentation has resulted in more surface roughness as compared to ultrasonic instruments.