Luxating elevators and root elevators: what's the difference?

Luxating elevators and root elevators often sit side by side on the same tray. Both have a handle, a shank and a narrow working blade, and both are used to loosen a tooth before it comes out. But they are designed for different movements, and swapping one for the other is one of the most common ways to damage an instrument.

The luxating elevator: cut and widen

A luxating elevator has a thin, flat blade with a sharp edge. Its job is to work its way into the periodontal space between the root and the socket. There it severs the periodontal ligament fibres and slowly widens the space.

• It is pushed gently in the direction of the root (apically), with small side-to-side movements around the tooth.
• It is not made for levering or twisting. The thin edge that lets it slip into the ligament space is exactly what makes it bend or chip under leverage.
• Used patiently, a luxating elevator can loosen a tooth with less force on the surrounding bone. This matters when you want to keep the socket intact, for example before an implant.

The root elevator: lift and rotate

A root elevator has a stronger blade, thicker in section and usually slightly concave. It is built to take force.

• It is placed between the root and the bone, or between two teeth, and used as a lever or wedge to lift and rotate the root.
• Its sturdier blade can handle the controlled leverage that would ruin a luxating elevator.
• Root elevators come in straight, curved and angled patterns, so you can reach different parts of the mouth.

Using them together

In practice the two instruments complement each other. A luxating elevator often goes in first to free the ligament. A root elevator then lifts the loosened tooth or root. Forceps finish the extraction when the tooth is ready.

Why the handles are colour-coded

Our luxating elevators and root elevators come with colour-coded handles. Each colour marks a different blade, so the right width and shape can be picked from the tray at a glance, even with gloves on. Our luxating elevator sets come in a cassette that holds each instrument in its place.

Keep the edges sharp

A blunt luxating elevator tears the ligament instead of cutting it, and it needs more force. To keep the edge:

• never use a luxating elevator to lever or rotate
• store luxating elevators and root elevators so their blades don't touch other instruments
• check the tip before every use, and have a bent or chipped blade repaired or replaced

Find the right set

We make luxating elevators and root elevators by hand in our Sialkot workshop, as single pieces or complete sets. You can also have them made under your own brand. Ask us on WhatsApp for patterns, sizes and prices.