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Reliability of tactile perception using sharp and dull explorers in marginal opening identification
P Baldissara1, S Baldissara, R Scotti
1Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Bologna, Italy.
The International Journal of Prosthodontics
|February 19, 1999
Summary
A sharp-tipped explorer reliably detects open margin defects in dental prosthetics up to 36 microns. This tactile perception method is more accurate than using a dull instrument for assessing prosthetic fit.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Manual explorers are used for tactile perception of marginal openings in fixed partial dentures.
- Accurate detection of marginal discrepancies is crucial for prosthetic success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the reliability of different instruments for discovering marginal openings in vitro.
- To compare the efficacy of sharp-tipped versus dull explorers in detecting small defects.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study utilized a metal cylinder with V-shaped grooves (20-165 microns).
- Forty-two subjects used a sharp-tipped explorer and a dull stylet to detect these grooves.
Main Results:
- The sharp-tipped explorer demonstrated high reliability, detecting defects as small as 36 microns in 95% of subjects.
- The dull instrument yielded significantly inferior results (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Tactile perception with a sharp-tipped explorer is reliable for detecting open margin defects up to 36 microns.
- The challenge lies in evaluating clinical acceptability rather than defect detection itself.