G. Mod. 13 Explorers

Question 1

Explorer

Answer 1

Assessment instrument with flexible wire like working end used to detect sub-gingival calculus and anatomic features

Question 2

Explorers are used to detect tooth surface for (4)

Answer 2

Calculus deposits
Dental anomalies
Anatomic features of teeth (grooves, curves, root furcations)
Assess dental restorations and sealants

Question 3

Supra gingival

Answer 3

Use of instrument coronal to (ABOVE) gingival margin

Question 4

Subgingival

Answer 4

Use of instrument apical (BELOW) gingival margin

Question 5

Lower/Terminal shank

Answer 5

Nearest explorer tip
The last bend closest to working end

Question 6

Basic explorer design types

Answer 6

Pigtail and cow horn- calculus detection in normal sulci or shallow pockets, curved lower shank causes considerable stretching of tissue away from root surface

Orban type- Subgingival calculus detection on anterior root surfaces and facial and lingual root surfaces of posterior teeth
Straight shank makes it difficult to use on line angles, M and D posterior teeth, can’t be used interproximally

11/12 type- long, complex shank (many bends) excellent for anterior and posterior
NO Disadvantages-used in healthy or deep sulci and deep pockets

Question 7

Fine working end and flexible shank enhance

Answer 7

Tactile info to clinicians fingers

Question 8

Assessment / exploratory stroke

Answer 8

Used to detect calculus deposits or other tooth surface irregularities on tooth surface, short overlapping strokes

High degree of precision

Featherlight controlled strokes

Question 9

Tactile sensitivity

Answer 9

Ability to detect tooth irregularities by feeling vibrations transferred from explorer tip to instrument shank and handle

Question 10

Correct working end posteriors

Answer 10

Lower shank is parallel to distal surface (V to D)
Functional shank goes up and over tooth

Question 11

Common places to fail detecting calculus

What stroke are extremely useful to make sure it is all detected

Answer 11

Near line angles of posterior teeth
Midlines of anteriors

Horizontal-point is toward but not touching base of pocket

Question 12

Most common positioning error when working on maxillary posterior teeth

Answer 12

Failing to maintain neutral wrist

Question 13

Spicule

Answer 13

Small, isolated specks of calclus

Common under contact areas, line angles and near midline of tooth

Feels like in-line skating over a few pieces of gravel

Question 14

Ledge

Answer 14

Long ridge of Calculus running parallel to gingival margin

Tip will move out and around raised bump

Skating over speed bump

Question 15

Ring

Answer 15

Calculus Parallel to gingival margin that encircles the tooth

Question 16

Veneer

Answer 16

Thin, smooth coating of calculus

Shield like shape located on portion of root surface

Question 17

Overhanging restoration

Answer 17

Tip moves away from tooth

Skating over section of sidewalk higher than adjacent section

Question 18

Deficient margin on restoration

Answer 18

Tip dips in to trace restoration

Skating onto section of pavement lower than surrounding

Question 19

Carious lesion

Answer 19

Decayed area on tooth crown or root

Usually detected visibly (white on smooth surface, brown on pits and fissures)

Do not need to be explored when visible

Question 20

Caviated lesion

Answer 20

Loss of outer surface layer of crown or root

Usually needing restoration (into enamel and dentin)

Question 21

Noncaviated lesion

(Incipient lesion or caries)

Answer 21

Demineralization of area of tooth surface

Can be reversible or arrested

Fluorides and sealants can remineralize