Oral surgery requires precision, skill, and suitable instruments for optimal results. Every instrument has a unique function and helps surgeons perform surgery effectively and safely.
It is essential for all oral/dental surgeons to learn the uses and importance of common oral surgery instruments.
Here is the detail of 8 common oral surgery instruments with their functions, available types, and importance. Let’s start!
Common oral surgery instruments are essential for performing different surgical procedures in dentistry.
There are some general reasons why these instruments of high quality are very crucial:
All common oral surgery instruments have their importance and function during the surgical procedure, and surgeons use them according to their needs.
Here are the details of eight oral surgery instruments:
Dental Elevators are primary in oral surgery; they are mainly employed to mobilize teeth before removal.
These instruments function because they cut the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth in the position of the alveolar bone, thus making the extraction process less complicated.
Types of Dental Elevators
| Types | Function |
| Straight Elevators | Used for initial loosening |
| Angled Elevators | Designed for accessing teeth in difficult-to-reach |
| Periosteal Elevators | Used to detach the soft tissue from the bone during tooth extraction |
Periotomes are specific instruments intended for the removal of the periodontal ligament with a minimal degree of injury.
They play a very crucial role in significant tooth preservation procedures like the placement of implants.
Table: Types of Periotome
| Types | Function |
| Standard Periotome | Ideal for general use in tooth extraction |
| Luxating Periotome | Combines the functions of a Periotome and a Luxating Elevator, allowing for added precision. |
Dental Chisels are vital in oral operations, especially when dividing a tooth and removing bone.
Most of them can be used together along with a surgical mallet to apply the required force.
Table: Types of Dental Chisels
| Types | Uses |
| Single-Bevel Chisels | Used for removing bone |
| Bi-Bevel Chisels | Ideal for cutting or splitting teeth |
Luxating Elevators are similar to dental elevators except that they have a thinner and sharper blade.
They are applied to section the periodontal ligament and also to over-expand the socket which makes the tooth extraction to be less traumatic.
Table: Types of Luxating Elevators
| Types | Functions |
| Flat Luxating Elevators | Uses for anterior teeth extraction |
| Winged Luxating Elevators | Provide more leverage for harrowing extraction |
Crane Pick Elevator is an extremely useful instrument for root and fragment management, especially in complicated scenarios.
Its design enables it to afford significant force, making it a beneficial instrument in oral surgery.
Table: Types of Crane Pick Elevators
| Types | Functions |
| T-Bar Crane Pick | Provides more leverage for challenging cases |
| Standard Crane Pick | Used for general root elevation |
Dental Forceps are common oral surgery instruments used in oral surgery.
They hold and extract teeth after they have been loosened.
There are many types of forceps, each designed for use with a particular kind of tooth.
Table: Types of Dental Forceps
| Types | Functions |
| Upper Forceps | Designed for upper teeth extraction |
| Lower Forceps | Tailored for lower teeth |
| Pediatric Forceps | Smaller and intended for children’s teeth |
The Dental Extraction Forcepsare available in various sizes and shapes to suit different kinds of teeth and provide a good hold and control on the tooth to be extracted.
The design of the forceps enables clarity when extracting the tooth.
Table: Types of Dental Extraction Forceps
| Types | Functions |
| Universal Forceps | Suitable for various kinds of teeth |
| Cowhorn Forceps | Specifically designed for the extraction of lower molars |
Apart from the specific instruments described above, many other common oral surgery instruments are also of tremendous importance in oral surgery.
These can be used in diagnostics, the alteration of the tissue, or the management of the field of surgery.
Table: Types of Some Other Common Oral Surgery Instruments
| Types | Function |
| Dental Mirrors | Used to view hard-to-see areas |
| Probes | Essential for examining and measuring periodontal pockets |
| Scalers | Used for removing plaque and calculus |
It is necessary to know the purpose and types of common oral surgery instruments for dentistry specialists and students.
Each tool comes under a different category and has its unique design with several variations.
Knowledge and skills in using these instruments offer accuracy, minimize complications, and improve the results of oral surgeries.
What type of oral surgery causes the most pain?
Many people see root canal therapy as the most painful dental procedure. However, alternative therapies may cause even more pain. Tooth extractions, especially surgical ones, may cause temporary discomfort.
What is the most commonly performed oral surgery?
Tooth extraction, often known as tooth removal, is the most frequently performed oral surgery. If you have significant tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), dental trauma, or problems with your wisdom teeth, an extraction may be advised. Teeth extractions might occasionally be done to get you ready for prosthetics like dentures.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
Photo by Arda Kaykısız
16 Comments
Very useful post for young dentists.
I have seen many dentist using these instruments but never tried to explore about their names or their uses. Today I am familiar with many instruments and their uses.
This is an informative post, and definitely good to have a basic idea, especially as visit to the dentist is just round the corner.
What a well-researched post this is! I have a big phobia on anything dental but this post is jam-packed with information!
I know most of them here cos I’ve been accompanying my kids for the dental treatments for over a year. Good to know in detail
Wow that was a help lot of information! Was posted in dental for 2 months during internship and it’s been long! Thanks for the revision!
This is such a well-researched, informative post. Loved the way you put in the effort to make the list and describe each point with so much information. Great read.
Recently, I got a small procedure done. But honestly, I didn’t think so much about the instruments. As long as the dentist does a good job, it’s cool. And mine is very good, so I didn’t even notice what instruments he used. Most of the times my eyes were closed. I wish I had read this last week. )
Most of the technical terms went over my head although I’ve probably seen quite a few. It’s important that precision and safety be paid great attention to, always.
An educative post. Now, I know which instrument is gonna take out my bad tooth, which I have been letting go since years. I only worry about the pain before and after the surgery.
I’m sure this post would be an excellent ready reckoner for dental students! For a non medical person like me, all I care about when sit on the dentist’s chair is that I don’t feel any pain and/or sensitivity during the procedure.
Been to dentist ..never bothered to know the names. I am sure my next visit will be filled with curiosity.
There is so much to know! This kind of information always highlights the importance of oral care and the exact details of the surgeries and procedures that take place.
I know a few dentists and medical students. This will be super helpful for them. Will pass it along
A post that is very informative. But the thought of a dentist, that is whom we mostly visit, gives me shivers. It hurts a lot, even water and air that is placed in the tooth cavity is so painful. Even after anesthesia, when pain sensation is mostly gone, the touch sensation becomes painful.
This is such an informative and well-structured article! It’s amazing how each instrument has such a specific role in oral surgery. Definitely a great resource for anyone in the field!