Dentistry is based on maintaining good oral health. It is also important for your self-esteem and well-being. Practicing good dental hygiene is crucial for keeping teeth and gums healthy.
If you are a tooth professional, it is important to have all the tools in hand to successfully treat your patients. Instruments range from dental syringes, mirrors, forceps to specialized ones such as Periotomes, Anglevators, and elevators. Even experienced dentists might confuse the distinguishing abilities of the two instruments. For instance, Periotomes and luxators are both tooth extraction tools, but are different dental instruments. Therefore, they are mistaken for their shapes and functions.
What is a Periotome?
Dentists commonly use Periotomes in teeth removal procedures that cause minimal damage to the surrounding alveolar bone. It is placed horizontally in the periodontal ligament. The sharp bent tips of the instrument allow specialized and atraumatic procedures.
What is a Luxator?
Luxators support extractions of the decayed and partially fractured teeth. The tips of the luxator are more delicate than elevators. If the force is applied to the instrument, it may easily break into pieces. However, due to its delicate size, the instrument is easily adjusted into narrow apical spaces.
The Difference Between a Luxator and an Elevator
A person who is not a dentist or an oral surgeon, cannot differentiate between luxators and Periotomes in extraction procedures. The purpose of the two is to cause less nerve and bone damage.
The differences are as follows:
Visual Difference:
The biggest difference between a luxator and Periotome lies in their physical appearance. The luxator possesses a short and wide handle made from a non-metallic material. The tip is long and narrow with a tapered end.
The Periotome, on the other hand, is entirely made of metal. It has a long, thin, and cylindrical handle. For better grip, the handle has a serrated pattern. The tip of the Periotome is shorter than the luxator. Plus, a side of the tip might be bent at an axis for easy access under the tooth. In addition, Periotome comes with both single and double tips.
Practical Difference:
As mentioned above, the technique of the two instruments is similar. Both apply force through gentle twisting motions and prevent brute force that may tear the periodontal ligament. The basic difference lies in the amount of overall force applied on both surgical instruments.
The luxator usually needs less force than a Periotome during a procedure. On the other hand, Periotomes require more force during extractions. Therefore, the dental surgeon must be gentle while using Periotomes, then gradually work their way up towards the periodontal ligament and root.
Switch to Anglevators:
Anglevators are an updated version of both luxators and Periotomes. The dental surgical instrument was rolled out a couple of years ago by GerDentUSA Inc. The ergonomic design allows deeper penetration and less trauma to the nerves, bone, and nearby tissues. The Anglevators are cost-efficient and perfect in almost every extraction procedure.