vertical technique

ver·ti·cal tech·nique

(vĕr'ti-kăl tek-nēk') Using the working-end of an electronically powered instrument in a manner similar to that of a calibrated periodontal probe, with the point directed toward the junctional epithelium. Instrument tip is in a vertical orientation to the long axis of the tooth; used to remove calculus and plaque when probing shallow or deep periodontal pockets with instruments.