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Dental Explorer Instruments

Dentistry is not an exacting science. All dentists use an instrument called an explorer as part of their equipment, but not all dentists use the same type of explorer. There are several explorers made, and a few are specifically made for certain specialties in dentistry. For instance, endodontics, orthodontics and periodontics may use different explorers. An explorer is made of stainless steel and is a vital tool for a dentist to give a patient a thorough examination.

  1. Periodondal Explorers

    • A periodontist or gum specialist uses several explorers. A sickle explorer is a single-end instrument that looks just like its name. It has a large sickle shaped tip that is useful in detecting calculus and tartar below the gum line in a patient. The periodontist also will use smaller, finer explorer called a cow-horn or pigtail explorer. This explorer is double-ended and has a little corkscrew at either end. More flexible than the sickle explorer, it detects decay and smaller deposits of tartar under the gum line. One explorer that is essential to the periodontist is not named an explorer but is one, nonetheless. It is a periodontal probe. It is single-ended with a long, thin, blunt end bent at a 65-degree angle and with black markings. The markings determine the depth in millimeters and are how periodontal pocket depths get measured below the gum line.

    Orthodontic Explorers

    • An orthodontist specializes in braces. Because the majority of his patients are children, he will use several different explorers. An orthodontist usually leaves decay detection and regular cleaning to the general dentist. However, the orthodontist will use a sickle or pigtail explorer in various sizes to facilitate the identification of loose bands and brackets on a patient. He also will use a larger sickle to facilitate the removal of orthodontic cement from bands that are on the back teeth and harder to reach. The sickle of choice for an orthodontist is one that is sickle on one side and has a long, tapered design that abruptly bends at the end. The bend hooks under the edges of bands, pulling them upward to detect looseness.

    Endodontic Explorers

    • Endodontists are dentists that specialize in the nerve of the tooth and perform root canals and other nerve-related treatment. While much of the endodontist equipment is similar to other dentists in the use of a sickle and a pigtail explorer to detect decay around and in the tooth, he also uses an endodontic explorer. In appearance, it is much the same as a periodontal probe but bends at even a sharper angle. Used to explore the nerve chamber of a tooth, it can fit down into the canals of the nerve to determine the length and depth.

    General Dentistry Explorers

    • General dentists are knowledgeable in all aspects of dentistry, but usually only practice limited dentistry such as cleaning, fillings, bridges, crowns, bridges, the simplest extractions and palliative treatment. Patients with needs such as braces, gum surgery, or, root canals are commonly referred to specialists in these areas for treatment. A general dentist uses basic equipment during an oral exam of a mouth mirror and an explorer. Explorers are distinct, pointed probe instruments used on tooth surfaces to diagnose abnormalities such as decay, gum line recession, and tartar accumulation below the gum line. A general dentist usually will use a sickle explorer or a pigtail explorer to check each pit and fissure of the mouth for abnormalities.

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