Exploring Technique with an 11/12 Explorer
Selecting the Correct Working-End: Anterior Teeth
Visual Clue of the CORRECT Working-end (anterior teeth):
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Select the working-end that "WRAPS AROUND" or curves toward the tooth surface
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Adapts to the tooth surface
INCORRECT Working-end (anterior teeth):
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Working-end curves away from the tooth surface
Starting Point:
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Midline of the facial or lingual surface
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Point of the explorer should face direction that will be explored
Selecting the Correct Working-End: Posterior Teeth
Visual Clue of the CORRECT Working-end (posterior teeth):
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Lower shank: PARALLEL to the DISTAL surface of a posterior tooth
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Functional shank: goes "UP AND OVER" the posterior tooth
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Elbow of the shank points toward the back of the mouth
INCORRECT Working-end (posterior teeth):
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Lower shank is NOT parallel to the DISTAL surface of a posterior tooth
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Functional shank: goes "down and around" the posterior tooth
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Elbow of the shank points toward the front of the mouth
Starting Point:
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Distofacial or lingual line angle working toward the distal surface
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then, remove tip from the sulcus, roll instrument handle clockwise to aim the tip toward the front of the mouth​ and work toward the mesial surface
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Point of the explorer should face direction that will be explored
Steps for Subgingival Exploration
Step 1: Get Ready and Insert
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Place tip in the get ready zone
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Adapt tip to the tooth surface above the gingival margin in the middle-third of the crown
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Gently slide the tip under the gingival margin
