Lab) Explorers

Purposes and Uses of 11/12 ODU Explorer:

• to detect, by tactile sense, texture and character of tooth surfaces

• calculus detection

• confirm direct observation

• define extent of instrumentation needed and guide techniques

• evaluate when calculus has been adequately removed

Caries Detecting Explorer:

Shepherd Hook #23

Detection:

• Caries

• Defective margins on restorations, crowns

• *NOT used for calculus detection

Subgingival Explorer Types:

• ODU 11/12 (C)

• TU 17 (D)

• Orban

Features for subgingival examination:

• Back of tip can be applied directly to base of pocket w/o trauma or laceration

• Short tip can be adapted to rounded tooth surface and line angles

• Thin, flexible, narrow tip can be adapted at base of pocket w/o undue displacement of pocket soft tissue wall

Basic Procedures for Use of Explorers- Subgingivally

• Sensory Stimuli

• Great flexibility increases tactile sensitivity

• ODU 11/12

• Tooth Surface Irregularities

• Normal tooth structure

• Irregularities created by excess or elevations in surface

• Irregularities caused by depressions in tooth surface

Tactile Stimuli:

• Vibrations created from instrument passing over tooth surface to fingers goes to brain

to interpret what we are feeling

• Catching over restoration, calculus, CEJ

Auditory Stimuli

• Sound may be created

• Distinctive click, metallic ring

Basic Procedures for Use of Explorers-Supragingival Procedures

• Use of vision

• Most effective when used with tactile detection

• Adequate light and air, proper retraction, and use of mirror

• Visual exam effective for supragingival calculus because when tooth is dried, calc. appears chalky

white or brownish-yellow

Facial and Lingual Surfaces:

• Adapt 1-2 mm of working end to tooth surface, continually adapted

• Short, walking strokes → overlapping

Proximal Surfaces:

• Lead with tip onto proximal surface, rolling handle w/thumb/index finger

• Ensure adaptation around line angles, double coverage

• Reposition @ line angles

• Explore under proximal contact area, overlap from facial/lingual

Subgingival Procedures-Essentials

• Light grasp improves tactile sensitivity

• Stable fulcrum

• 1-2 mm of working end adapted to tooth; remain in pocket

• Use overlapping, walking stroke

• Don’t leave gaps unexplored

• Always finish mesial & distal strokes UNDER contact areas

Supragingival Explorers: Types, Use, and Adaptability

• *Pigtail (A) or cowhorn (B)

• Use: Proximal surfaces for calculus or margins of restorations

• Adaptability: As paired, curved tips, applied to opposite tooth surfaces

Proper Adaption ODU 11/12

• Similar to Columbia 4R/4L

• Use 1-2 mm of the side of tip

• NEVER use point (tip)

• Practice makes perfect!!

Caries Detecting Explorers: Types, Use, and Adaptability

Shepherd hook (#23)

• Use: Examining surfaces and margins of restorations and sealants

• Only instrument that has a POINT as the working end

Proper Adaption of #23 Explorer

• Point must be perpendicular (⏊) to surface being evaluated

• Pressure used to check for caries

• Shank will flex with proper amount of pressure

• Use care to avoid slipping off tooth

• Sharp explorer should not be used to examine pits and fissures and supragingival smooth surface white spot lesions

What do you check with the EXPRO #23

• Grooves and pits on occlusals, buccals, & linguals

• Margins of restorations and crowns

• Only suspicious looking areas on smooth surfaces