Dental explorers, also called sickle probes, are used to detect carious lesions, tooth irregularities, and calculus deposits.
Explorers have a fine tip that allows tactile sensitivity, enabling dentists to feel changes on enamel and root surfaces.
Shepherd’s hook explorer (No. 23) – widely used for caries detection.
Pigtail explorer – useful for interproximal surface examination.
Explorers enhance early caries detection, support thorough diagnosis, and improve treatment outcomes by ensuring no hidden deposits are left behind.