What are probe / explorer combos?

Combination instruments carry a graduated periodontal probe on one end and an explorer on the other, so an examination can be completed without an instrument change. For a routine examination this halves the number of instruments on the tray; the trade-off is that a combination cannot be sharpened, replaced or sterilised independently of its other half.

How the probe / explorer combos range is organised

UNC-based:

Periodontal probe/explorer UNC #15/23 — 15mm graduations paired with a shepherd's hook.

Colour-coded:

Probe/explorer #CP11/23 firm-grip hollow handle, #XP12/23 double-ended.

Other:

Probe/explorer #1/23, probe/explorer #17GF.

Choosing the right probe / explorer combo

Combinations suit recall and screening examinations where you are charting and checking in one pass. Keep single-ended instruments for detailed periodontal charting, where you want the probe pattern standardised across the practice and not tied to whichever explorer shares its handle.