HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What are elevators used for in dentistry?

1. To keep the mouth open during procedures

2. To detach tissue from bone

3. To remove root fragments and tooth fragments

4. To shape dentures for aesthetics

The correct answer is: To remove root fragments and tooth fragments

Elevators are specialized dental instruments primarily used for the purpose of removing root fragments and tooth fragments, particularly during tooth extractions. They work by allowing the dentist to leverage and loosen the tooth or its remnants from the surrounding bone and periodontal ligaments. This is crucial in cases where a tooth is broken or when root pieces remain in the socket after an extraction. By applying controlled pressure and rotational movements, elevators help in dislodging teeth efficiently and minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue. This makes them an essential tool for ensuring that all fragments are removed, which is important for preventing complications such as infections or delayed healing. In contrast, other tools might serve different functions in a dental procedure, such as keeping the mouth open, detaching tissue from bone, or shaping dentures, but elevators specifically focus on the extraction and removal of teeth and their parts.