Any dentists around: Q: re extraction procdure on a molar

[drivin_me_nuts]

Had to have a tooth taken out today. An interesting experience.

What't the process - ion so far as at the start he took a tool to in effect push the tooth upwards (or that's what it felt like) Can someone explain what he was doing

Cheers

[Driller]

The instrument you are talking about is called an elevator.

It is used rather like a little crowbar to lever the tooth up out of the socket. A common technique for extracting a tooth is to use an elevator to get some movement of the tooth and some socket expansion before using forceps to deliver the tooth.

If you imagine trying to lever up a manhole cover with a screwdriver then that's pretty much it

Often an elevator is all you need to remove some teeth and especially roots. Very useful instrument.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Thanks for the reply.

I never realised just how well 'planted' teeth are. It seemed to take some effort on his part!