Periodontal Explorers

Question 1

describe the periodontal explorer

Answer 1

• thin, wiry, working end
• bends and curves in the shank to adapt to subgingival root surfaces
• hollow handle to allow for tactile sensitivity

Question 2

what is the use of the periodontal explorer

Answer 2

• used to detect subgingival calculus and tooth irregularities
• allows clinical to assess the amount of calculus prior to removal
• evaluate root surfaces following calculus removal

Question 3

what is tactile sensitivity

Answer 3

clinicians ability to feel vibration transmitted from the instrument working end with their fingers as they rest on the shank and handle

Question 4

what is the skill of tactile sensitivity important for

Answer 4

to complete nonsurgical periodontal therapye

Question 5

describe instrument activation

Answer 5

• grasp explorer using modified pen grasp
• light grasp to increase ability to feel vibrations
• roll instrument between thumb and forefinger to keep tip adapted

Question 6

how should you use the periodontal explorer in posterior? anterior?

Answer 6

-posterior: offset
- anterior: flip

Question 7

describe explorer activation

Answer 7

walk short, overlapping strokes all the way into interproximal
- terminal shank should be parallel to long axis of the tooth
- readapt instrument so it is curved towards mesial
- begin at distal line angle and overlap
- continue across facial into interproximal

Question 8

what are the surfaces towards for RH clinical

Answer 8

8:00

Question 9

what are the surfaces away for RH clinician

Answer 9

11:00

Question 10

how do you use the periodontal explorer in the anteriors

Answer 10

• begin at midline
• handle is parallel to long axis
• short overlapping strokes into interproximal
• FLIP instrument and do opposite surfaces