The different types of dental elevators are shown in this video and the basic principles of use of elevators has been explained in the simplest way possible!
Dental elevator principles: controlled force, protected tissues
Elevators assist luxation by applying mechanical principles such as the wedge, lever and wheel-and-axle. Safe use begins with diagnosis, radiographic assessment, instrument identification, a stable operator position and a planned path of delivery. The adjacent tooth should not be used as a fulcrum, and uncontrolled apical or lingual force can damage bone, soft tissue, roots or nearby anatomical structures.
| Principle | Clinical objective | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wedge | Progressive periodontal-ligament expansion | Sudden deep penetration |
| Lever | Controlled luxation against suitable bone | Adjacent-tooth fulcrum |
| Wheel and axle | Rotational delivery of selected roots | Force without visual control |
Before use, confirm instrument integrity and sterility. Continue with ethical handling of extracted teeth, dental instrument sterilization lessons and OMFS scope-of-practice context.
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