explorer

ex·plor·er (k-splôrr)

n.

A sharp, pointed probe used on tooth surfaces to detect caries or other defects.

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explorer,

n a dental instrument with a slender head that is honed to a fine point, used to conduct a tactile examination and appraisal of pits and fissures, carious lesions, root surfaces, and margins of restoration.

explorer, 11/12-type,

n a type with a paired working end and long lower shank whose specially angled tip design makes it suited for use in either shallow depressions or deep pockets.

Explorers.

explorer, cowhorn,

n a type so named because of the shape of its shank that is used to examine teeth for calculus, caries, and restoration margins. Also called
pigtail explorer.

explorer, curved shank,

n a type used to examine proximal tooth surfaces for calculus and caries, which, because of its arc, allows easier access to back teeth.

explorer, Orban No. 20,

n.pr a type that is used to detect calculus, caries, lesions, and cemental changes on the subgingival surfaces of a tooth.

explorer, pigtail,

n See explorer, cowhorn.

explorer, pocket,

n See explorer, Orban No. 20.

explorer, sickle,

n a hand-activated assessment tool, so named because of the distinctive shape of its shank, that is used to examine fissures and the surfaces of natural teeth, restorations, and sealants; not suited for exploration inferior to the gingival margin.

explorer, straight,

n a type with an unpaired working end and short lower shank that is used to examine caries inferior to the gingival margin and in restorations with irregular margins; not suited to detecting calculus inferior to the gingival margin.

explorer, TU-17,

n.pr a type that is used to detect calculus, caries, lesions, and cemental changes on the subgingival surfaces of a tooth; may be adapted for use on selected supragingival surfaces.

explorers, paired,

n.pl two identical explorers with contralateral curves that are used to examine opposite tooth surfaces superior to the gingival margin; mirrored-image explorers.