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Design Characteristics of Dental Explorers

Overall Design

  • Made of flexible metal

    • conducts vibrations from the working-end to the clinician’s fingers when resting on the instrument shank and handle.

  • Shank: flexible 

    • enhances tactile sensitivity to locate calculus deposits beneath the gingival margin​

  • Cross section: circular

  • Working-end:

    • paired or unpaired (not similar)

      • Example: One end is an explorer; Other end is a periodontal probe​

    • length: 1 to 2 mm (referred to as explorer tip)

Explorer Tip

  • 1-2 mm of the SIDE of the explorer

  • part of the explorer that is adapted to the tooth

  • NEVER use the point to detect calculus deposits

Lower Shank

  • Longer shank allows for tactile sensitivity

  • Middle finger rests lightly against the shank

Variety of Design Types

The dental hygienist should be knowledgeable about the

recommended use of each basic design type.

​

Note: All design types are not well suited to subgingival use.

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Pigtail and Cowhorn Explorers

Design

  • Resembles a pig's tail or a bull's horn

Use

  • Detects calculus in normal sulci or shallow pockets

  • ​Extend no deeper than the cervical-third of the root

Advantages

  • Tip allows easier access to interproximal areas (between the teeth) and areas with tight spaces

Disadvantages

  • Curved lower shank causes stretching of the tissue away from the root surface.

Orban-Type Explorer

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Design

  • Lower shank: straight

  • Tip: bent at 90 degrees to the lower shank

Use

  • detects subgingival calculus detection on:

    • Anterior root surfaces

    • Facial and lingual root surfaces of posterior teeth

Advantages

  • Bent tip allows the back of the tip (instead of the point) to be directed against the soft tissue base of the sulcus/pocket

  • Excellent for use on anterior teeth

Disadvantages

  • Straight shank makes it difficult to use on the line angles, mesial, and distal surfaces of posterior teeth

11/12 - Type Explorer

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Design

  • Lower shank: long, complex

  • Tip: bent at 90-degree angle to lower shank

Use

  • Assessment of root surfaces

Advantages

  • Complex shank makes it easy to reach root surfaces 

Disadvantages

  • NONE!

*The 11/12-type explorer works well throughout the mouth and can be used in healthy sulci and deep periodontal pockets.

 

*The 11/12 explorer will be the type that is used in the UH Maui College Dental Clinic.

Knowledge Check

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