What method is used to check if bond is still present on the tooth after removing excess bond with a rotary instrument?

The method used to check if bond is still present on the tooth after removing excess bond with a rotary instrument is by using an explorer. The explorer is a dental instrument specifically designed for tactile examination of the tooth surface. Its pointed tip allows for careful probing of the area to assess whether any bonding material remains.

Using an explorer, a dental assistant or dentist can feel for any roughness or irregularities on the tooth surface, which may indicate leftover bonding material. This ensures that the tooth is free of excess bond and that the surface is properly prepared for any subsequent procedures, such as placing a restoration or performing a polish.

Other instruments, while useful in their own right, do not provide the same tactile feedback specifically needed for this task. A dental scaler is typically used to remove calculus and plaque, a mirror is primarily for visual assessment, and a prophy cup is used for polishing teeth rather than checking for leftover bonding material. Thus, the explorer is uniquely suited for the job of confirming the absence of excess bond.