Do your best restorative dentistry work using our stainless steel #17 excavator with spoon ends. We handcraft this instrument from our unique steel to provide unparalleled sharpness and longevity. What Is the Dental #17 Excavator Used for? The dental #17 excavator is used to remove decayed dentin and other debris. This double-ended instrument has rounded, spoon-like working ends that make it a valuable tool for many restorative dentistry tasks. Benefits of the #17 Excavator The #17 excavator is