The Explorer (Lets’ explore the possibilities!)
There are several Types of Explorers: Shepherd Hook Explorer Straight Explorer Pigstail or Cowshorn Explorer Orban or #17/18 Explorer
ODU 11/12 Explorer #17 Explorer Explorers that you will use here at UMB.
#17 Explorer Primarily an anterior instrument Primarily an anterior instrument Is also used in periodontal pockets that are: Is also used in periodontal pockets that are: –Very deep > than 6mm pocket depth –Very narrow
General Design and Characteristics: Foot of instrument
General Design and Characteristics: Tip or Point of instrument
General Design and Characteristics: Terminal Shank or Lower Shank of instrument
In Summary: Or Terminal shank (this is the terminology we Will use most often)
Technique when using the #17 Explorer:
#17 Explorer for ANTERIOR TEETH 2. Insert so that terminal shank is parallel to the long axis of the Instrument tip should point down towards the sulcus. Here the terminal shank is parallel to line angle. 1. Begin by determining where the Mesial and Distal line angles are on the tooth you are working on.
Start at the Red dotted line (“Line angle”) furthest away from you and walk towards the contact. That means (for Maxillary teeth): Righties start with the ‘distal’ of #11 (upper left canine). Lefties start with the ‘distal’ of #6 (upper right canine). #11 #6
That means (for Mandibular teeth): Righties start with the ‘distal’ of #22 (lower left canine). Lefties start with the ‘distal’ of #27 (lower right canine). (What is your clock position for the Lower Anterior teeth?)
Exploring Sequence (for anterior teeth): AreaPatient’s Head Clock Position Maxillary Anteriors Neutral12:00 Mandibular AnteriorsNeutral12:00 For Right Handed Clinicians: Midline * *
ExploringSequence ( for anterior teeth) AreaPatient’s Head Clock Position Maxillary Anteriors Neutral12:00 Mandibular Anteriors Neutral12:00 For Left Handed Clinicians: Midline * *
This is where your Dental Anatomy is going to come to play!!!
Adapting instrument tip to the concavity: