Mastering the Art of Tooth Extraction: A Guide to Dental Elevators
- Posted August 28, 2024
- by LENOX INC CANADA
Dental elevators are essential instruments in a dentist’s toolkit, playing a crucial role in tooth extraction procedures. These versatile tools help loosen teeth and roots, making extractions more efficient and less traumatic for patients. In this article, we’ll explore the types, mechanics, and proper use of dental elevators.
Understanding Dental Elevators
Dental elevators, also known as luxators, are instruments designed to sever the periodontal ligament and expand the alveolar bone around teeth. They work on the principle of leverage, using the crest of the socket bone as a fulcrum to dislodge a tooth from its socket.
Types of Dental Elevators
There are three main types of dental elevators:
- Straight Elevators: Examples include Coupland’s and Warwick James’ elevators. These have one concave and one convex aspect to the tip and are used for wedging.
- Triangular Elevators: Such as Cryer’s or Winter’s elevators. These have a lateral point and are used to deliver class I leverage.
- Pick Elevators: These are specifically designed to engage root tips.
Dental Elevators
-
Bernard Spade Root Elevators in Offset – Premium Dental Surgical Instrument
Rated 0 out of 5USD36Discover the Bernard Spade Root Elevators in Offset by Lenox Instruments. Premium-quality tool for atraumatic root retrieval and precise luxation. Durable, ergonomic, and professional-grade. Shop now! -
Root Elevator Cryer Left Small – Precision Dental Surgical Tool
Rated 0 out of 5USD36Discover the Root Elevator Cryer Left Small by Lenox Instruments. Precision-crafted tool for atraumatic extractions and root fragment retrieval. Durable, ergonomic, and professional-grade. Shop now! -
Root Elevators Cryer Right Small – Precision Dental Surgical Tool
Rated 0 out of 5USD36Discover the Root Elevators Cryer Right Small by Lenox Instruments. Precision-crafted tool for atraumatic extractions and root fragment retrieval. Durable, ergonomic, and professional-grade. Shop now! -
Spoon Excavators 1.5MM Fig#18 – Precision Dental Tool
Rated 0 out of 5USD22Discover the Spoon Excavators 1.5MM Fig#18 by Lenox Instruments, a professional dental tool designed for precise excavation and removal of decayed tooth material during restorative procedures. Trusted by professionals in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, and Europe.
Mechanics of Dental Elevators
Elevators work by:
- Wedging: The blade is introduced into the periodontal space along the tooth’s long axis, separating the periodontal ligaments.
- Leverage: The elevator is applied perpendicular to the tooth’s long axis and rotated, using the alveolar bone as a fulcrum.
- Wheel and Axle: Commonly used with Cryer’s elevators to remove retained roots by engaging and carefully rotating them out of the socket.
Proper Technique for Using Dental Elevators
- Grip: Hold the elevator in the palm of your hand with your index finger extending down the shank for additional control4.
- Initial Mobility: Use a straight elevator (e.g., #301 or #92) to gain initial tooth mobility. Insert it perpendicular to the tooth into the space between the tooth to be removed and the adjacent tooth.
- Positioning: The elevator should rest on the crest of the bone between the teeth. The concave surface should face the tooth being removed.
- Rotation: Keep one edge of the elevator against the alveolar bone as a fulcrum while rotating the other edge toward the tooth being removed.
- Caution: Never use the adjacent tooth as a fulcrum to avoid damage4.
Lenox Dental Elevators
-
3CH / 15 UNC Explorer Probe Double Ended – Premium Dental Surgical Instrument
Rated 0 out of 5USD14Discover the 3CH / 15 UNC Explorer Probe Double Ended by Lenox Instruments. High-quality dental surgical instrument for precision diagnostics and periodontal evaluation. Durable, ergonomic, and versatile. Shop now! -
Basic Dental Exam Set – Includes 4 Instruments – Premium Dental Surgical Kit by Lenox Instruments
Rated 0 out of 5USD51Discover the Basic Dental Exam Set - Includes 4 Instruments by Lenox Instruments. Premium stainless steel dental kit designed for precision diagnostics and durability. Ideal for dental professionals worldwide. Shop now! -
Multi-Point Composite Filling Instrument – Precision Dental Tool for Composite Placement
Rated 0 out of 5USD29The Multi-Point Composite Filling Instrument is a specialized dental tool designed to offer precise control for composite placement. Its unique multi-point design ensures even application and contouring, making it ideal for restorative dental procedures. -
Double Ended Spatulas – High-Quality Stainless Steel Dental Spatulas
Rated 0 out of 5USD14Discover the Double Ended Spatulas by Lenox Instruments, a professional dental tool designed for precise mixing, sculpting, and application of dental materials. Trusted by professionals in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, and Europe. -
Vestibulum Universal Retractor – Precision Dental Surgical Instrument
Rated 0 out of 5USD29Explore the Vestibulum Universal Retractor by Lenox Instruments, designed for effective retraction during dental procedures with an ergonomic design, polished finish, and durable stainless steel construction. Trusted by dental professionals globally. -
29 Ball Burnisher Double-Ended German Stainless Steel
Rated 0 out of 5USD22Discover the 29 Ball Burnisher Double-Ended German Stainless Steel by Lenox Instruments, a professional dental tool designed for precise burnishing and contouring of composite and amalgam materials. Trusted by professionals in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, and Europe. -
Dental Cassette with Full Silicon Pad – 21x18x4CM – Premium Instrument Protection
Rated 0 out of 5USD109Discover the Dental Cassette with Full Silicon Pad - 21x18x4CM by Lenox Instruments, a premium storage solution designed to organize and protect dental tools. Trusted by dental professionals in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, and Europe. -
Heidbrink Elevator, Straight 5mm – Precision Dental Surgical Instrument by Lenox Instruments
Rated 0 out of 5USD36Discover the Heidbrink Elevator, Straight 5mm by Lenox Instruments. Premium-quality dental surgical instrument for precise and atraumatic extractions. Durable, ergonomic, and professional-grade. Shop now!
Choosing the Right Elevator
The choice of elevator depends on the clinical situation and operator preference4. Factors to consider include:
- Size: Larger elevators can accommodate more contact points, distributing force more evenly.
- Tooth Location: Different elevators are designed for specific areas of the mouth.
- Root Morphology: Some elevators are better suited for multi-rooted teeth or fractured roots.
Safety Considerations
- Soft Tissue Protection: Always be mindful of surrounding soft tissues to prevent injury.
- Force Control: Apply controlled force to prevent slipping or damaging adjacent structures.
- Bone Preservation: Avoid excessive force that could damage the alveolar bone.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of dental elevators is crucial for efficient and safe tooth extractions. By understanding the types, mechanics, and proper techniques, dental professionals can improve their extraction procedures, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced complications.
Remember, proper training and practice are essential for developing proficiency with dental elevators. Always follow best practices and safety protocols when performing tooth extractions.
