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==Luxators and Elevators==

==Luxators and Elevators==

Luxators and elevators are used to cut or break down the periodontal ligament, which holds the tooth in the alveolus. A selection of dental luxators and elevators of varying sizes is required so that an appropriate range for each size of root can be selected.<br><br>

Luxators and elevators are used to cut or break down the [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligament]], which holds the [[:Category:teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|tooth]] in the alveolus. A selection of dental luxators and elevators of varying sizes is required so that an appropriate range for each size of root can be selected.<br><br>

'''Luxators''' have a very '''thin working end''' and are used to cut the gingival attachment and [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligament]], but should not be used for leverage as the metal at the tip is too thin and weak for this action.  <br><br>

'''Luxators''' have a very '''thin working end''' and are used to cut the gingival attachment and [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligament]], but should not be used for leverage as the metal at the tip is too thin and weak for this action.  <br><br>

'''Elevators''' have '''thicker working ends'''. They are used to break down the [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligament]] with a combination of apical pressure and leverage. The tip of an elevator should form a sharp edge which can be rounded or square. Modified ends such as the winged elevators have extended sides are also available.

'''Elevators''' have '''thicker working ends'''. They are used to break down the [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligament]] with a combination of apical pressure and leverage. The tip of an elevator should form a sharp edge which can be rounded or square. Modified ends such as the winged elevators have extended sides are also available.

A very small (2 mm) luxator, or a root tip elevator, will assist removal of fractured root tips and should be available for all extractions – just in case.<br><br>

A very small (2 mm) luxator, or a root tip elevator, will assist removal of fractured root tips and should be available for all extractions – just in case.<br><br>

'''Periosteal elevator:'''<br>

'''Periosteal elevator:'''<br>

A periosteal elevator is required for open (surgical) extractions to expose the [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]] by raising a mucoperiosteal flap. Different patterns are available but all have a spoon-like blade in line with the handle. The working side is flat with a concave curvature and the back side is rounded. The edge should be sharp and will need regular [[Dental Equipment Maintenance|sharpening]] as it is used against bone.

A periosteal elevator is required for open (surgical) extractions to expose the [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]] by raising a mucoperiosteal flap. Different patterns are available but all have a spoon-like blade in line with the handle. The working side is flat with a concave curvature and the back side is rounded. The edge should be sharp and will need regular [[Dental Equipment Maintenance|sharpening]] as it is used against [[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology|bone]].

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'''Extraction forceps:'''<br>

'''Extraction forceps:'''<br>

[[Category:Dental Instruments]]

[[Category:Dental Instruments]]

[[Category:To Do - Dentistry Images]]

[[Category:To Do - Dentistry preMars]]