The sharp-ended instrument holds a very important place in dentistry. As the name depicts, dental explorers are used to exploring the oral cavity. In addition, the instrument assists in the early diagnosis of many dental ailments. It is a double-ended tool where one side looks like a cow horn, and the other side is angled and pointed to one side.

Purpose of Dental Explorer:

A dental explorer is also known as a sickle probe. A sharp pointing end enhances the tactical sensation. Following are the orthodontic issues a dental explorer is made to detect:

• Subgingival calculus.
• Supragingival calculus.
• Anatomical anomalies.
• Decalcification.
• Asymmetrical margins of the restoration.
• Dental Caries.

Types of Explorers:

There are three types of explorers that you can find in the market:

1: Double ended explorers:

Double-ended explorer has two unique end tips; both of them serve a different purpose. Both ends contribute differently in removal of subgingival calculus and caries detection, doctors mostly use double-ended explorers for early diagnosis.

2. Explore Double-ended explorers.

These explorers are used for identifying true pockets in teeth. It is also used in furcation and restoration. The tip of the explorer is very thin, making manipulation easy for the dentists.

3. Single-ended explorers.

The single-ended explorer offers tactile information to a clinician’s fingers. It is used to locate tooth irregularities, calculus deposits on the teeth, restoration, and defective margins.

How to use dental explorer?

• To use the dental explorer, apply light to moderate pressure between the burnished calculus and tooth structure.
• Apply pressure on both up and down on the margins.
• Create a basket weave of strokes in horizontal, oblique, and vertical directions.
• You can apply a combination of slow and fast strokes.

Dental Explorer Techniques:

Here are some tips and tricks regarding the usage of the dental explorer:

• Try leading with the tip of the dental explorer. Make sure not to back up with it.
• When addressing the tooth surface, move forward with the side of the tips.
• Move the dental explorer in V-to-D motion (from posterior to midline teeth) for correct adaptation.
• For calculus obstruction, lift the explorer away from the calculus and move under it to reach the bottom.
• Always overlap the explorer strokes.
• Roll with fingers, thumb, and middle finger to keep the explorer tip adapted.
• Initiate the strokes by using a finger-to-finger flex. Pivot the fulcrum finger.

Dental Explorer Buying guide:

Read through the factors to keep in mind before purchasing the dental explorer for your practice:

Price:

Price is one of the most important factors when buying a dental explorer. Ensure you pay a fair amount for the instrument and that the manufacturer is not overcharging you. Set a specified budget and order the surgical instruments accordingly.

Material:

The material of the dental explorer is very important. First, purchase the dental explorer made from German-forged stainless steel. Not only do the stainless-steel dental surgical instruments last longer, but they are also sterilized effectively. In addition, the Dental explorer should remain rust-free even after years of usage.

Ergonomic design:

Ergonomically engineered dental explorers enhance tactile sensation at the dental surgeons’ fingers. The ergonomic dental explorer is also efficient and precise in its work.

Where to purchase?

One of the most promising names in the world of dental explorers is GerDentUSA Inc. The manufacturer has been widely relied on by thousands of surgeons throughout the globe. From dental explorer to extraction forceps, you can find an extensive range of instruments on their website. The ergonomically designed products offer precision and optimum results in both major and minor surgical procedures.