What instruments are typically used to check contacts after placing a matrix?

The use of an explorer and mouth mirror to check contacts after placing a matrix is essential in dental procedures, particularly when restoring teeth. The explorer is specifically designed for examination purposes; it allows the dental assistant or clinician to accurately assess the interproximal contacts between adjacent teeth. This is crucial to ensure that the filling material has been appropriately contoured and does not result in overhangs or inadequate contact.

The mouth mirror complements the explorer by providing a clear, indirect view of the tooth surfaces and the areas where contact is formed. Through the use of the mouth mirror, the clinician can not only visualize the contacts but also gain access to areas that are otherwise difficult to see directly. This aids in evaluating the restoration's fit and ensuring that it provides proper interproximal contact, which is important for both the function and health of the teeth.

In contrast, the other tools mentioned, such as scalpels and forceps, are not intended for checking contacts and instead have different roles in dental practice, such as cutting or grasping tissues. Likewise, probes and tweezers serve specific functions that do not align with evaluating the fine details of contact points, and cotton rolls and suction tips are primarily utilized for maintaining a dry field rather than assessing restorations. This