What should be used to check for pieces of cement under the gumline?

The best tool to check for pieces of cement under the gumline is the explorer. An explorer is a thin, pointed dental instrument designed to detect irregularities and debris on the tooth surface and around the gums. Its sharp tip allows dental professionals to effectively feel for any foreign materials, such as cement, that may be lodged subgingivally.

This capability is particularly useful when assessing the area after a dental procedure where cement may have been used, as any remaining particles could contribute to periodontal complications or discomfort for the patient. The design of the explorer makes it adept at navigating the contours and furcations of the teeth, enabling thorough examination of the gingival margins.

While other tools like the periodontal probe, spoon excavator, and scaler each have their specific functions—such as measuring pocket depth, removing carious dentin, and scaling calculus respectively—they do not provide the same level of tactile feedback and precision for identifying debris under the gumline that the explorer does. Therefore, utilizing an explorer is considered the most appropriate choice for this task.