Explorer ODU 11/12

The Explorer ODU 11/12 is reached for whenever a clinician needs to confirm what a periodontal probe alone cannot reliably tell them: whether subgingival calculus, a rough root surface, or a restoration overhang is present below the gumline. Where a probe is built to measure pocket depth against a millimeter scale, the ODU 11/12 is built purely for tactile feedback, letting the clinician feel for deposits and irregularities that a visual or probing exam would miss.

Both working ends carry a fine, curved tip on a long, flexible shank, but the two ends are not identical: one mirrors the shank angle and curvature of a Gracey 11/12 curette, and the other mirrors a Columbia 13/14 curette. This double-ended design lets a single instrument follow the same proven access geometry clinicians already use with those curettes, reaching posterior interproximal and subgingival surfaces from two different angles without switching instruments.

Clinically, the ODU 11/12 is used during initial periodontal screening and again after scaling to confirm calculus removal, and independent in vitro research has found it detects subgingival calculus more reliably than a standard periodontal probe. The flexible shank transmits tactile feedback from the tip to the clinician’s fingers, which is what allows deposits to be felt rather than seen. Medical-grade stainless steel, corrosion resistant, autoclavable.

Product Features

• Explorer ODU 11/12 detects subgingival calculus and root irregularities by tactile feel rather than direct vision
• One end mirrors the shank angle of a Gracey 11/12 curette, the other mirrors a Columbia 13/14 curette
• Fine, flexible curved tips reach subgingival surfaces without traumatizing soft tissue
• Independent in vitro research shows superior subgingival calculus detection compared to a standard periodontal probe
• Used during initial periodontal screening and again after scaling to confirm calculus removal
• Also identifies overhangs and irregularities on existing restorations
• Medical-grade stainless steel, corrosion resistant, fully autoclavable

ODU 11/12 Explorer vs a Periodontal Probe: The ODU 11/12 Explorer and a periodontal probe are used for different purposes even though both enter the sulcus. The probe measures pocket depth against a millimeter scale, while the ODU 11/12’s fine curved tip is built for tactile detection of subgingival calculus, root irregularities, and restoration overhangs, a task in vitro studies show it performs better at than a standard periodontal probe.