The oral cavity is a complex system of one tissue and blood vessels all placed and functional in an extremely constricted space. To probe, examine and diagnose you need to reach all parts of the mouth and gain visibility inside a decaying tooth and around the molar. Dental Explorers function as an assisting tool that gains you the access you need to render suitable treatment. As the name suggests this apparatus is designed to help a dentist “explore” the human mouth to identify oral diseases, hygiene concerns, and plaque buildup.
Dental Explorers: Application and Use
Description and Use:
This oral care handpiece is used to complete a diagnostic examination. It usually has a single working end which is quite sharp. The fine craftsmanship of this tip helps the dentist identify soft spots or decaying spots in and around teeth.
This tool is available in different variations that are used to reach within distinct quadrants of the oral cavity. This tool also works as a hygiene treatment tool as it can be used to remove food deposits from the base and surrounding corners of the teeth.
This surgical apparatus is fitted with an extended handle that has serration towards the top to give the operator a firm grip over the tool when the examination is underway.
The working end of the tool is curved with a fine and sharp tip to move around the curved placement of the upper and lower teeth. This design gives the dentist control over the tactile sensation used to run diagnostics and reach affected areas of the gums, gingiva, and alveolus.
Function:
The primary function of Dental Explorers is to identify the presence and condition of a cavity. This is a condition caused by plaque and calculus buildup that leads to decay. The tooth becomes rotten and dark in the middle of the sides.
In some cases, the debris from food deposits eats away at the enamel making its way into the pocket. To examine the depth of the decay corresponding tools such as a periodontal probe or a mirror may be used.
Besides identifying decay, this instrument may also be used to examine the base of the tooth which is attached to the alveolar bone. The sharp end of the tool may be used with controlled force to check around the roots.
Application in Dental Surgery
As an assessment instrument, the dental explorer tool is useful in detecting calculus or identifying defective restoration, root caries, and tooth surface irregularities. When you visit the dentist in cleveland for emergency dental care, you can bet that you’ll see these tools in action.
Since this instrument has a relatively sharp working end the operator must maintain a light grasp on the tool. The grasp must be relaxed to give the dentist maintain the correct level of tactile sensitivity.
When the tool is in use, the side of the tip is used instead of the front. It is recommended to employ about 1 or 2mm of the side when examining a cavity for calculus and other abnormalities.
The tool is to be placed interproximal between the teeth that are to be explored. The lower shank must remain parallel to the long axis of the tooth. A V shape must be created on the distal surface of the treatment location. The B should not be pointing towards the mesial. This is also an excellent way to identify the correct working end of the tool in use.
The placement of the Explorer dental instrument must be adjusted according to the placement of the teeth, i.e.: anterior or posterior.
The instrument must be used gently to avoid laceration of the tissue. This is especially necessary when you are moving towards the coal into the interproximal space. The calculus buildup in this portion of the tooth placement is often missed due to the employment of the wrong technique.
When treating the lingual start at the torts from the midline. The tool must be held at an angle to work on both the upper and lower jaw. Make sure to keep pivoting on the fulcrum to keep the dental explorer tool adapted.
Corresponding Dental surgical instruments
When an abnormality is identified, you may need to then further the treatment by using other helping instruments. Most decays result in the need for an extraction. Following are the two most qualified teeth for an atraumatic process:
Dental Elevators
This instrument is designed to luxate the tooth from the bottom up and mobilize it enough for extraction. A dental forceps may be used to then grasp the crown of the tooth and pull it out of the cavity.
Anglevators
This is a tremendous instrument designed and patented by GerDentUSA Inc. to give the exodontist complete control over the luxation and removal of the impacted tooth. No matter what the condition of the tooth is removed, this tool will elevate, luxate, mobilize and extract teeth without causing any trauma to tissue or bone.
