Types of Dental Extraction Instruments: Elevators, Luxators and Periotomes Explained

Tooth extraction relies on a small family of instruments that look similar at first glance but do very different jobs. Understanding the difference between elevators, luxators and periotomes helps clinicians choose the right instrument for each case — and helps students make sense of the surgery tray. Here is how they compare.

Root elevators

Root elevators are the workhorses of exodontia. They are placed between the tooth root and the alveolar bone and used with controlled rotational and lever movements to loosen the tooth before forceps are applied, or to deliver retained roots. Common patterns include:

• Straight elevators in different blade widths (for example 2–5 mm) for general luxation
• Curved and angled patterns (left/right pairs) for posterior teeth and root tips
• Fine root-tip picks for fractured apices

Blade width matters: narrower blades reach interproximal spaces and root fragments, wider blades give more purchase on whole teeth. Explore the full range of root elevators.

Luxators

Luxators look like elevators but have thinner, sharper blades. Instead of levering, they are worked apically along the root surface with gentle rocking pressure to cut the periodontal ligament and expand the socket slightly. Because the blade is finer, luxators are used with light hand pressure only — they are not designed for heavy leverage. Many clinicians use a luxator first, then finish loosening with an elevator.

Periotomes

Periotomes take this principle further. Their very fine, flat blades are inserted into the periodontal ligament space and advanced around the root to sever the ligament fibres with minimal damage to the surrounding bone. This makes them central to atraumatic extraction techniques, especially when the socket will receive an implant and bone preservation matters. Straight, curved and posterior blade designs allow access around different tooth surfaces. See our periotome collection, including multi-instrument sets.

Supporting instruments on the extraction tray

A complete extraction setup usually also includes:

• Extraction forceps matched to the tooth being removed
• Periosteal elevators for reflecting soft tissue when a flap is needed — see periosteal elevators
• Surgical curettes for debriding the socket
• Rongeurs and bone files for smoothing sharp bone edges
• Needle holder, scissors and suture for closure — see needle holders

Choosing between them

As a simple rule of thumb: periotome to sever the ligament atraumatically, luxator to cut and expand with light pressure, elevator to apply controlled leverage and deliver the tooth or root. Many extractions use two or all three in sequence. Instrument choice always remains a clinical decision based on the tooth, root anatomy and treatment plan.

All our extraction instruments are made from surgical stainless steel and are fully autoclavable. Browse the complete oral surgery instruments collection — Dental Expert supplies dentists, oral surgeons and dental students across Italy and Europe.