Introduction to Dental Explorers

Question 1

Define and describe an explorer

Answer 1

– Explorers can be defined as instruments used to detect anomalies
such as calculus and decay, located either on tooth surfaces or
related closely to tooth surfaces and restorative materials
– They are an assessment instrument designed with a flexible wire
working end that allows for vibrations to move from the tip along the
instrument into the handle and thus the clinicians fingers

Question 2

List the various Functions of an explorer

Answer 2

– Used to examine tooth surfaces for
– Calculus deposits
– Dental anomalies
– Normal anatomical features of the teeth
– Assess dental restorations
– Assess dental sealants
– Assist in locating Dental Decay

Question 3

List the various types of explorers and be able to describe their
shape, function and location of use

Answer 3

Shepherd Hook Explorer
- Shape – Resembles a shepherds hook
- Location of use – Supra gingival
- Function – Examination of margins or
restorations and assess sealant status and retention

Straight Explorer
- Shape – has a POINTED TIP that if
used incorrectly could injure soft tissue
- Location of Use – Supra gingival
- Function – Examination of margins
or restorations and assess sealant
status and retention

Curved Explorer
- Shape – curved to a 45 degree incline
- Location of use – Supra with some Sub gingival use in shallow pockets to 4mm
- Function – detection of calculus
in shallow pockets

Pigtail or “Cow horn” Explorer
- Shape – Similar to a shepherds hook but angulated laterally at 45 degrees
- Function – Supra and Sub gingival
calculus detection interproximal
- Location of use - normal sulci or
shallow pockets extending no deeper
than the cervical-third of the root

Orban Explorer
- Shape – tip bent at 90 degrees to the
lower shank. Explorer has a straight
lower shank
- Function – Subgingival calculus
detection
- Location of Use - Anterior root
surfaces from canine to canine, upper
and lower arch
- Technique for ideal use – Bent tip
allows for back of the tip to be directed
to soft tissues

11/12 Explorer (In your periodontal cassettes)
Shape - tip bent at 90 degree angle
to Lower shank/Terminal shank
which has a complex design
Function - Subgingival calculus
detection
Location of use – Subgingivally
around the entire mouth but very
good for Posterior teeth in particular

Question 4

Describe in detail the correct exploration technique for the 11/12
explorer

Answer 4

– Grasp – RELAXED Grasp with middle finger lightly resting on the
shank
– Adaption - use only 1-2mm of the SIDE OF THE TIP keeping it in
constant contact with the root surface
– Lateral Pressure – feather LIGHT pressure against the tooth
– Assessment Strokes – Fluid SWEEPING SMALL strokes 2-3mm in
length systematically covering every part of the root surface
– Strokes reaching under the contact point of the teeth when
exploring interproximally, leading with the explorer tip
– An Assessment or
Exploratory stroke is used
to detect calculus deposits
or other tooth surface
irregularities
– They should be short in
length and have many
overlapping strokes about
2-3mm in width

Question 5

Understand and apply the “Facing and Averted” concept for
exploration of Anterior Teeth

Answer 5

Right Handed Operator
– Start by sitting in the 8.00-9.00 Clock position
– This concept refers specifically for teeth 13-23 and 33-43 only
– Surfaces from the midline of the tooth facing you are “Facing” surfaces
– Surfaces from the midline of the tooth away from you are “Averted” surfaces

Question 6

Accurately describe the correct sequence when exploring both
anterior and posterior teeth

Answer 6

Example sequence of Explorer Use
– Lower Anterior teeth, Right Hander
– Example lower anterior, Right
Hander
– Sitting at 8 O’clock explore all of the
Facing surfaces
– Explore each tooth within any sextant
one tooth at a time till all of the facing
surfaces are finished
– Explore Labial surfaces first, then
all lingual surfaces
– Change to 12 O’clock and then
explore the Averted surfaces on
tooth at a time until the sextant is
finished.
– Explore Labial surfaces first, then
all lingual surfaces
– Repeat sequence for Upper

Question 7

Identify the number one error in explorer usage

Answer 7

– The TIP is NEVER placed
at a 90 degree angle to
the tooth surface
– If early decay lesions are
present, the surface layer
could break and they have
no chance of
remineralisation

Question 8

Understand and explain where appropriate what is the correct
working end of the instrument

Answer 8

The functional shank
goes “up and over” the
tooth
– The Terminal/lower
shank is parallel to the
distal surface
– The handle always
points out of the mouth

Question 9

Understand and explain where appropriate what is the correct
working end of the instrument

Answer 9

. The functional shank
goes “up and over” the
tooth
2. The Terminal/lower
shank is parallel to the
distal surface
3. The tip is pointing
towards the contact
4. The handle always
points out of the mouth