The Explorer: A great adventure! TECHNIQUE FOCUS EXD 11/12 Presented by: Mellissa Boyd, RDH, BSDH

Calculus??

Now you see it…

Now you don’t…

How do I use the EXD 11/12? Assessment strokes Physical strength NOT required EXD 11/12 Small, overlapping Vertical, oblique, horizontal RELAXED modified pen grasp Activation Hand-forearm motion Digital motion

EXD 11/12 - Specifics Side of tip 1/3 always touches tooth Never use point Very light, small, overlapping strokes Visualize contour of teeth and roots

Posterior Teeth Select correct working end VISUAL CHECK Check terminal shank at DISTAL of premolar Terminal shank will be parallel to long axis of tooth Tip directed toward D of tooth YES NO

Adaptation & Activation for Posterior Teeth

Adaptation & Activation Place terminal DB line angle tip pointed toward DISTAL Keep terminal shank parallel to long-axis of tooth Insert tip to base of sulcus Small overlapping strokes ROLL handle, advance interproximally half way across D

Adaptation & Activation Back out, roll handle so tip pointed toward mesial Keep fulcrum on tooth Explore entire Buccal surface Keep tip sub-gingival

Adaptation & Activation ROLL handle to keep side of tip 1/3 adapted around MB line angle Advance interproximally Under contact Half way across M Use opposite working-end for L surfaces

Anterior Teeth VISUAL CHECK Terminal shank will cross over midline Working-end curves around tooth surface working toward Side of tip 1/3 touches tooth surface (1-2mm) NOT point

Adaptation & Activation for Anterior Teeth for R & L Handed Clinicians Insert tip to base of sulcus at midline Tip pointed in direction of surfaces toward ROLL handle at line angle Small overlapping strokes Explore all surfaces toward, then flip ends for surfaces away Complete all F surfaces, then L midline Use horizontal stroke R: toward / L: away R: away / L: toward

Challenges for Maintaining Adaptation Line angles Convex and rounded surfaces Proximal root surfaces Operator positioning

Why would I miss calculus? Irregular calculus pattern Instrument choice Wrong explorer Wrong end Grasp “Death-Grip” Middle finger Too much pressure Incorrect position Strokes Not overlapping Too big