Each dentist must possess different types of tools that assist them with all sorts of dental procedures, tooth removal procedures especially. One of them is the dental elevator. The use of elevators in dentistry significantly contributes towards faster and more comfortable extraction procedures for the patient as well as for the dentist. But what does an elevator mean in the field of
dentistry? How necessary is it? Let’s go into detail about the definition of elevator dentistry. Why and how are elevators used, and what is their significance in the advancement of many dental procedures?
What are elevators in dentistry?
Dental elevators are handheld devices used in the art of dentistry to aid the dentist in extracting teeth. These are specific instruments that help displace or raise a tooth out of its bony socket, thereby facilitating its removal by the dentist. Dental elevators are generally employed in tooth extraction prior to the application of forceps in a bid to complete the procedure. They come in handy while carrying out some tooth removals that are complicated since the tooth may be buried to the roots or where a careful disengaging of the tooth from its ligaments and surrounding bone is required to minimize injury to the tissues adjacent to the tooth.
The Importance of Elevators in Dentistry
The main function of the elevators in dentistry is to ease the extraction. In the following section, let us understand the significance of these instruments in dental practices:
Effectiveness and Control
Elevators dentistry is used to enhance the control of the dentist during the extractions. They allow accurate movement, hence minimizing chances of injury to adjacent soft tissues, bony structures, or other teeth. Elevators also serve the purpose of gently prying the tooth taken out by the dentist, depowering the action.
Reduction in Patient’s Discomfort Levels
Use of the dental elevator by the dentist for the purposes of loosening the tooth becomes quite easy. This is because the tool can internalize breaking of the ligaments that surround the dentin, which makes it tolerant to the procedure, eliminating bruising. No excessive pushing and pulling is required because of this, with less pain and swelling for the patient as a result of this.
Less Trauma and Faster Recovery
In the early stages of extraction by the use of elevator dentistry, the transference of the gums and the bone is less. Thus, less bleeding and faster recovery are observed in the patient. This also helps avoid the chances of adverse effects like infections or excessive erosion of the bones, which happens due to forcible extractions.
Types of Elevators Used in Dentistry
There are several different kinds of dental elevators depending on the purpose. Let’s take a look at the types that are most commonly in use:
Straight Elevators
This is the simplest form of dental elevators. They are commonly used for simple extraction procedures where the tooth is not broken or impacted and is easily accessible. A straight lift is placed between the tooth and the bone so that the operator’s hand can be moved and the tooth can be detached.
Curved Elevators
Curved elevators are made for teeth that are difficult to reach, for example, molars or impacted teeth. Because of the curved design, the dentist can address the tooth being extracted in different positions, which are more comfortable for loosening the tooth out.
Triangular Elevators
These are much like the curved elevators; however, their tips are narrower and sharper. Broken or fractured roots that are hard to grab with standard forceps are commonly addressed using these tools. The use of triangular elevators allows such fragments and roots to be removed successfully and efficiently.
Cryer Elevators
The purpose of cryer elevators is designed in a way that they aid in tooth or root extraction that is irregularly shaped or broken and the remaining root segments are short. The design of the Cryer elevator allows the dentist to go deep within the socket to remove the tooth, which provides an advantage in removing long roots.
Benefits of Using Elevators in Dentistry
There are several benefits to using dental elevators during tooth extractions, including the following:
Better patient comfort: Elevators make the extraction less traumatic and painful, so that there is less pain during and post the procedure.
Increased accuracy: Elevators provide control that enables tooth extraction with minimal destruction of other soft and hard structures.
Shorter recovery period: Since elevators are associated with fewer traumas during extractions, the patients usually heal and recover quicker.
Lower chances of causing damages: The process of ‘teasing out’ the tooth avoids quick removals that may crack bones or lead to other infections.
FAQ
- What is the function of elevators in tooth extraction?
Elevators are instrument designs that are used to gain further access to the tooth in question by loosening the tooth from its bony socket, hence making the extraction quick, easy, and comfortable for the patients and in control by the doctors.
- Are elevators only used for the removal of teeth?
Apart from the use of elevators for the purpose of extractions, these instruments also come in handy in other cases, such as the removal of dislocated roots, impacted dentition, or surgical procedures.
- Do dental elevators hurt the patient?
No, because they do not exert unnecessary force, elevators facilitate a shorter recovery time for the patient and cause less pain.
Elevators in Dentistry: Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of
elevator dentistry should never be overlooked. Their aid in precision, patient care, and management of complications during tooth removals is quite commendable. It doesn’t matter if it is a simple tooth extraction or a difficult surgical procedure such as the removal of an impacted or fractured tooth; elevators facilitate the process and thus promote excellent surgical results as well as faster healing in the patients.
For instance, elevator dentistry may look like a minute aspect in the wider field of dental care, but such instruments are very important and assist greatly in making exodontia more effective and less painful. Therefore, on your subsequent dental appointment, bear in mind why and wherefore elevators are probably what made the process go so smoothly without any pain.