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==Luxators and Elevators==

==Luxators and Elevators==

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 are required so that an appropriate range for each size of root is available.<br><br>

Luxators and elevators are used to cut or break down the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#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 are required so that an appropriate range for each size of root is available.<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 [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#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 winged elevators have extended sides and are also available.

'''Elevators''' have '''thicker working ends'''. They are used to break down the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#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 winged elevators have extended sides and are also available.

An extraction can be started with a luxator and completed with an elevator.<br><br>

An extraction can be started with a luxator and completed with an elevator.<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>

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 - Small Animal|sharpening]] as it is used against [[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology|bone]].

A periosteal elevator is required for open (surgical) extractions to expose the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#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 - Small Animal|sharpening]] as it is used against [[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology|bone]].

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'''Extraction Forceps:'''<br>

'''Extraction Forceps:'''<br>

Forceps are used to aid ligament breakdown by rotational force on the tooth. It is easy to snap the [[Enamel Organ#Crown|crown]] off by using excessive force or if the tooth is not levered sufficiently.

Forceps are used to aid ligament breakdown by rotational force on the tooth. It is easy to snap the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Crown|crown]] off by using excessive force or if the tooth is not levered sufficiently.

The forceps should grip the tooth firmly with '''four point contact'''. The best pattern for veterinary use is 76 and 76N. The pattern is almost straight with a slight offset of the beaks. The 76N has the same profile but with narrower beaks and is used to grip smaller teeth, for example cat teeth.

The forceps should grip the tooth firmly with '''four point contact'''. The best pattern for veterinary use is 76 and 76N. The pattern is almost straight with a slight offset of the beaks. The 76N has the same profile but with narrower beaks and is used to grip smaller teeth, for example cat teeth.