Probe Williams / 23 Explorer, Double Ended, Silicone Handle

The Williams / 23 is a double-ended diagnostic instrument with a Williams periodontal probe on one end and a No. 23 explorer on the other, so you can probe and explore without changing instruments. The probe end has a slim, round tip on an angled shank, marked with thin lines at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10mm, with the 4 and 6mm lines left out. The explorer end is a fine, unmarked, sharp point at the end of a long, curved shepherd's hook. Both ends are set into a wide, lightweight, textured silicone handle.

• Williams probe end marked at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10mm, with gaps at 4 and 6mm
• No. 23 shepherd's hook explorer end with a fine, sharp point for checking tooth surfaces and restoration margins by feel
• Wide, lightweight, textured silicone handle for a secure grip
• Hardened Japanese-standard J2 stainless steel working ends, autoclavable

FAQs

What is a Williams probe and 23 explorer used for?

The Williams end measures periodontal pocket depth and checks for bleeding on probing during a periodontal examination and charting. Combined with the position of the gingival margin relative to the cemento-enamel junction, those readings also give the clinical attachment level. The No. 23 explorer end is used to feel tooth surfaces for calculus and surface irregularities and to check the fit of restoration margins. Having both on one handle means fewer instrument changes during an examination.

What do the markings on the Williams end mean?

The tip carries thin lines at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10mm. The 4 and 6mm lines are deliberately left out, which leaves wider gaps between 3 and 5mm and between 5 and 7mm, making the 5mm and 7mm points easier to pick out at a glance and helping to reduce misreading. The explorer end is not marked.

How is this different from your other double-ended probes?

The difference is the probe scale. Our UNC-15 probe / 23 explorer has the same No. 23 explorer, but its probe end is marked at every millimetre up to 15mm for finer readings on deeper pockets. Our UNC-15 / No. 6 explorer pairs that 15mm probe with a straighter No. 6 explorer. This Williams / 23 suits clinicians who prefer the classic 10mm Williams scale.

Why choose a silicone handle?

A moulded silicone handle is wider and lighter than a solid steel one, and the textured surface helps keep a secure grip.

What material is this instrument made from?

The working ends are hardened Japanese-standard J2 stainless steel and are autoclavable. They are set into a moulded silicone handle.

Handle colour: choose Pink, Blue or Green. All are the same instrument; only the handle colour differs.

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Manufactured by InstruDental, UK specialists in dental hand instruments.

Colour note: Handle colours may look slightly different in person due to screen brightness, settings and lighting.