Luxating Instruments

Luxation is a critical aspect of dentistry, used in the process of tooth extraction. Luxating instruments are designed to detach the periodontal ligament before using elevators and dental forceps for atraumatic extraction. The right luxation instruments will ensure minimal trauma with the lowest incidence of inflammation and agitation after the procedure is complete.

Clinicians who choose high-quality luxating instruments will benefit from smoother chairside procedures, less fatigue, and better patient outcomes.

Dental Implant Technologies supplies a complete range of luxating instruments to clinicians in the United States.

Correct Technique for Dental Luxators

Unless specified, dental luxators aren’t intended for twisting or elevation. Luxators should be used with a gentle and consistent cutting motion in the same orientation as the tool head. Twisting or using a standard luxator to elevate a tooth can result in breakage, soft tissue trauma, and a more complicated procedure as the head fragment will need to be removed.

Modern tooth luxation was developed in the 1980s. Procedures are designed to be atraumatic and patient-friendly, which is where luxating instruments come in.

Luxating instruments are designed to cut and detach the periodontal ligament. They are effectively small knives that safely cut away the ligament in a way that is minimally traumatic and safe for the patient.

Dental luxators are thin, sharp, and are made from stainless steel, and are sometimes coated in titanium. Both materials are strong and resilient and suited to standard in-office sterilization techniques.

• Luxators are gripped in the palm of the hand and secured by the fingers and thumb. Most clinicians extend the forefinger down the shaft to aid in stabilization and accuracy, but the exact grip depends on what’s most comfortable for the surgeon.
• Standard sizes are 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm for the luxating head. This should be carefully selected to match the size of the root, as closely as possible. Our 5MM Luxation Periotome Curved (SKU: NX-LUX-5CX) is an option for teeth towards the posterior where the angle is difficult to work with. When access isn’t an issue, the 5mm Luxation Periotome, Straight (SKU: NX-LUX-5SX) can be used instead.

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• The luxator is worked gently and consistently around the root in a straight up and down cutting motion (uniform to the angle of the luxator head) to detach the periodontal ligament. When the root is loosened, extraction can be performed with an elevator or forceps, depending on the unique case.

While standard luxation periotomes aren’t designed for elevation, Dental Implant Technologies has solutions available to combine luxation and elevation with a single instrument.

Can All PDL Luxation Instruments be Used as Luxating Elevators?

A luxating elevator performs luxation while also providing the strength for leverage to gently lift a root from its socket. Luxating elevators are stronger than standard luxating instruments.

Luxating instruments designed for PDL luxation (periodontal ligament luxation) have thin tips and there is a risk of breakage if they are used incorrectly. Only specific luxating elevators should be used when leverage is applied to the tooth.

Dental Implant Technologies offers a complete range of periotomes designed for luxation. For clinicians intending to use luxating instruments for both PDL luxation and elevation, specialist instruments must be selected.

Our Titanium PDL Proxivator Kit (SKU: NX-PDLTBK) includes unique instruments that combine the performance of periotome luxating instruments and luxating elevators. Proxivators are used for PDL luxation with fine cutting action, while the stainless steel/titanium construction and unique design provide enough strength for elevation without the risk of breakage.

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Proxivators can be used as PDL luxation instruments and luxating elevators for any tooth extraction, including third molar/wisdom tooth extraction.

Luxation Periotome Kits for Clinicians

Purchasing luxation periotomes in a single kit is more cost-efficient. For clinicians seeking to replace older equipment or when establishing a new clinic, we recommend purchasing our Luxation Periotome Kit (SKU: NX-LK) over individual units.

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Our kit includes 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm luxation periotomes with curved and straight heads. These instruments cover the entire mouth no matter the root size or the position of the tooth being targeted for extraction. The kit also includes a sterilization cassette for storage and cleaning. All luxation periotomes in this kit are designed for atraumatic extraction with less pain, more bone retention, and a lower incidence of tissue damage. These instruments are for cutting the PDL and aren’t intended to be used as elevators.

Titanium heads remain sharp, resist corrosion, and prevent wear. The instruments are made from surgical stainless steel and feature ergonomic tapered grips.

What to Consider When Choosing Dental Luxators

Choosing luxators that are comfortable, efficient, and reliable is critical for success during dental extractions. Dental Implant Technologies understands that with such an extensive range of luxating instruments, it can initially be overwhelming to select the right ones, especially for clinicians that are starting their own practices for the first time.

There are some key points that can be considered before purchasing luxating instruments from our secure online store. Please consider that while the term luxators is used generically to describe a group of dental instruments, the specific term Luxator® is a trademark of Directa Dental and is used here in the generic sense. Dental Implant Technologies is not a supplier or affiliate of the Luxator® brand.

Luxators and elevators are relatively affordable considering the quality and reliability that is available. With the warranties offered on our range of instruments, clinicians can have peace of mind knowing that a lasting investment is being made.

Blade Shape and Size

These are two of the most critical factors to consider when choosing luxators. Different blade shapes are designed to work with different sized teeth and anatomical features in the socket. The shape and the size should be selected to closely match the size of the roots. We offer a range of luxating instruments with blades ranging from 2.0mm to 5.0mm to cover everything from smaller roots to the larger roots at the posterior of the ridge.

In some cases, as with the molars, roots of the same tooth can vary significantly in size, which could mean using at least two different luxators or luxating elevators. It’s important to take detailed scans to ensure that the surgery is planned carefully and that the right instruments are available.

Handle Shape

The handle shape of luxating instruments is particularly important. Some of the best luxating instruments have large tapered handles that fill the inside of the palm at the broader end and reduce in size towards the shaft for fine control with fingertips.

Some more modern styles have much thinner handles that some clinicians find to be more comfortable. The ideal handle shape largely comes down to preference. Instruments with large tapered handles are the most common.

Do Luxation and Elevation Call for Separate Instruments?

Standard luxators detach the periodontal ligament to prepare a tooth for elevation. As discussed in the section above concerning luxating elevators, a standard Luxator® should never be used for elevating the tooth, as there’s a high risk of tool breakage.

The specific approach depends entirely on the preference of the clinician. Traditionally, luxating instruments and elevators were individual tools. However, there are luxating elevators that can sever the PDL and then elevate the tooth without changing tools. In most cases, for a new practice, investing in combination tools like luxating elevators will be more cost-efficient.

Order the Best Luxating Instruments from Dental Implant Technologies

We are suppliers to the leading clinicians in the United States. Insist on the best equipment for atraumatic extraction. Browse our complete range of luxating instruments and order dental instruments, implants, and regenerative supplies from Dental Implant Technologies today.