Calculus Detection Explorers

Question 1

What is an explorer?

Answer 1

An assessment instrument with a flexible wire-like working end

Question 2

What is an explorer (and other assessment instruments) used for?

Answer 2

Used to detect subgingival calculus deposits

Dental anomalies

Anatomic features of the teeth

Assess dental restorations and sealants

An explorer is the instrument of choice for calculus detection

Question 3

What does the 11/12-type explorer look like?

Answer 3

Tip is bent at a 90 degree angle to the lower shank

Shank is long and complex design

Question 4

What are the advantages of using an 11/12-type explorer?

Answer 4

Smooth back of tip is in contact with soft tissue base of the sulcus or pocket

This complex shank is excellent for both anterior and posterior teeth

The fine working end and flexible shank of an explorer enhance tactile information to the clinician’s fingers

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of 11/12 - type explorers?

Answer 5

None this explorer works well throughout the mouth and can be used in healthy sulci and deep periodontal pockets.

Question 6

What is an exploratory stroke?

Answer 6

A stroke used to detect calculus deposits or other tooth surface irregularities on the tooth surface

Question 7

How does a clinician find subgingival calculus?

Answer 7

During subgingival instrumentation the clinician relies on tactile sensitivity to detect calculus deposits by feeling vibrations from explorer tip to the handle.

Question 8

What is the technique used for subgingival exploring?

Answer 8

Assessment strokes should be short in length and involve many overlapping strokes.

Question 9

How should grasp be when exploring subgingival calculus?

Answer 9

Relaxed grasp, middle finger rests lightly on the shank

Question 10

How should adaptation take place for exploring?

Answer 10

1 to 2 mm of side of tip

Question 11

How should the pressure be applied when exploring?

Answer 11

Lateral and feather-light pressure against the tooth.

Question 12

How should the strokes be done when exploring?

Answer 12

Fluid, sweeping strokes

Question 13

What errors in technique should be avoided?

Answer 13

Avoid a firm, tense grip

Avoid applying pressure with middle finger against the shank

These reduce tactile information to the fingers

Do not remove explorer tip from sulcus or pocket as you make an upward stroke

Removing and reinserting the tip repeatedly can injure the gingival tissue

Question 14

What does good exploring technique look like?

Answer 14

Keep tip in contact with root surface as you move across the tooth

Keep strokes short, about 2 to 3 mm in length

Make many strokes to assess the entire root surface

Question 15

How should proximal surfaces be explored?

Answer 15

Lead with explorer tip do not back into the proximal surface.

Strokes reach under the contact area.

Question 16

What is tactile sensitivity?

Answer 16

The ability to detect calculus deposits by feeling vibrations transferred from the explorer tip to the instrument shank and handle.

Question 17

How do small calculus deposits feel?

Answer 17

A gritty sensation as the explorer passes of the small calculus deposits

Question 18

How do large calculus deposits feel?

Answer 18

More bumpy, the tip will move out and around the raised bump.

Question 19

What does an overhanging restoration feel like?

Answer 19

explorer must move away from the tooth and over the restoration.

Question 20

What does a deficient margin of a restoration feel like?

Answer 20

Explorer dips in to trace the restoration

Question 21

What does a carious lesion feel like?

Answer 21

Explorer dips into a rough depression. (Skating into a pothole)