What is a common instrument used to check for overhangs after finishing an amalgam restoration?

The explorer is a common instrument used to check for overhangs after finishing an amalgam restoration due to its design and functionality. An explorer has a pointed, tactile tip that allows the dental professional to feel and detect any irregularities on the surface of the restoration and the adjacent tooth structure. By using the explorer, the practitioner can assess whether the amalgam material extends beyond the tooth margins, which could lead to potential issues such as food traps, plaque accumulation, or patient discomfort.

In contrast, while the other instruments may serve specific purposes in various dental procedures, they are not ideally suited for this particular task. For example, a sickle scaler is primarily used for scaling and removing calculus from tooth surfaces, while a carver is designed to shape and contour the restoration material during placement rather than for final examination. A burnisher is used to smooth the surface of the restoration but does not provide the tactile feedback necessary to accurately assess overhangs. Thus, the explorer stands out as the preferred choice for checking overhangs following an amalgam restoration.