Which instrument is primarily used to remove cement?

The spoon excavator is primarily used to remove cement from a tooth surface or cavity preparation. This instrument features a spoon-shaped end that allows for effective removal of debris, cement, or other materials. It's designed for soft tissue manipulation and removal of debris without damaging the tooth structure. The shape and construction of the spoon excavator make it particularly effective for this purpose, enabling dental assistants and dentists to achieve clean working areas and excellent adhesive bonding when necessary.

In contrast, while an explorer is useful for detecting caries or checking the integrity of restorations, it is not designed for cement removal. The pediatric scaler is specifically tailored for scaling teeth in children, focusing on plaque and tartar removal, rather than on the removal of cement. Meanwhile, the periotome is primarily utilized in periodontal procedures for extracting teeth with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, rather than for removing cement. Each instrument has a specific role, with the spoon excavator being the most suited for the task of cement removal.