As dental implant therapy success rates rise, bone preservation has taken center stage in both immediate and delayed implant placements. The crux of this lies in the careful diagnosis and planning of tooth extraction. Historically, elevators were the go-to instruments for tooth extractions.
They functioned to extract a tooth in its entirety using a wheel and axle or lever action movement. The intent? To forcibly remove a tooth from its socket. However, the force exerted by these elevators on the tooth-bone complex can lead to significant stress. This stress often results in complications like alveolar fractures or root fractures. Consequently, what starts as a straightforward procedure quickly morphs into a challenging task, extending the procedure time and delaying potential same-day or future implant placements.
Enter the elvatome®. These modern instruments were designed to displace the tooth from the socket in a minimally traumatic manner. Instead of pulling at the root directly, the elvatome® focuses on the space between the tooth and bone (PDL), nudging the tooth from its position. The variety of angled tips available, coupled with clinician grip techniques like the pen grip or palm grip, grants clinicians a superior alternative to the traditional elevator. This is especially evident when dealing with multi-rooted teeth. Instead of wrestling with the opposing angles of each root, the dentist can section the tooth to address each root on its own.
Once a tooth is sectioned, the elvatome®’s unique angle and grip give the clinician the capability to navigate even the trickiest angles with ease. The instrument can be held like a pen, providing a secure purchase point. If necessary, the grip can be switched to a palm grip, allowing for more pressure along the tooth’s long axis. The clinician positions the elvatome® along this axis, using the palm of their hand and index finger for leverage.
The applied pressure is typically sufficient to commence the root’s displacement. A gentle twisting motion then frees the tooth from its alveolar housing, ensuring the root remains intact.
In conclusion, elvatome®s offer a monumental leap in dental extraction practices. They provide enhanced access for a range of extractions, from the most straightforward to the intricately complex, and assist in achieving minimally traumatic extractions. Beyond that, their ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, ensuring ease of access regardless of the root’s shape.
Contact your local Patterson representative to schedule a Clinical Zoom session and discover how we can enhance your practice’s efficiency.
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