Which procedure involves the removal of calcareous deposits from tooth surfaces?

The procedure that specifically involves the removal of calcareous deposits from tooth surfaces is best described as scaling. Scaling is a critical part of dental hygiene practices aimed at maintaining oral health by eliminating calculus (tartar), plaque, and other debris that can accumulate on the teeth. This process often takes place during dental cleanings and focuses on the enamel, the root surfaces, and the areas between teeth.

Prophylaxis does encompass the overall preventive care provided to maintain oral health, including scaling, but it is a broader term that includes polishing and possibly fluoride application. Root planing, on the other hand, is a more specific procedure that follows scaling and focuses on smoothing the roots of teeth to promote healing in cases of periodontal disease. Curettage refers to the removal of soft tissue or debris from the sulcus or pocket areas around teeth, but it does not specifically pertain to the removal of calcareous deposits from the tooth surface itself.

Thus, while prophylaxis is an encompassing term that includes various preventive measures, scaling is the precise procedure that targets the removal of calcareous deposits directly.