How to Remove Fragments and Root Tips – Essential Tools for Clinicians
Whether a tooth has fractured during extraction, or if it is heavily broken and decayed, clinicians need the right instruments to remove root fragments and tips. Experienced clinicians will agree that the tools used for dental procedures are just as important as the technique. In fact, the quality of dental instruments used for root fragments and root tips can be the key difference between a smooth and successful procedure vs. one that is complicated for the clinician and traumatic for the patient.
Dental Implant Technologies is a supplier of the most reliable dental instruments, including those used for root tip and fragment extraction. Learn about some of the essential tools that clinicians use for this type of extraction and the benefits that they offer.
What is the Procedure for Removing the Root Fragment and Root Tip?
There are various procedures used by clinicians to remove root fragments and root tips. The ideal procedure depends on the unique case, but typically employs various methods of severing or gently loosening the periodontal ligament so that the root tip and fragment can be extracted with leverage or direct grip.
To loosen the ligament, PDL periotomes can be used. Serrated PDL periotomes cut the ligament cleanly and with minimal trauma, resulting in a fairly straightforward procedure with a swift recovery. The problem with many PDL periotomes is that they aren’t designed for leverage and will break if too much is applied, leading to complications in the procedure.
Elevators can be used to sever the periodontal ligament before lifting the root fragment and tip.
The root fragment and root tip can also be lifted out after severing the periodontal ligament, using specialized root fragment forceps.
Light and Suction are Key to Successful Root Fragment and Root Tip Extraction
Clinicians must be able to visualize the root fragment to achieve a clean extraction. In addition to light, suction must be used to clear the treatment site of any fluid and debris that make it difficult to observe the fragment and the surrounding soft tissue.
In addition to the specialized instruments that we will cover in the following sections, clinicians should always have reliable suction aspirators on hand. Dental Implant Technologies offers this high-quality Frazier Suction Aspirator Kit (SKU: NX-FA).
PDL Periotome Performance with Elevation Potential in a Single Kit
PDL periotomes that sever the periodontal ligament can’t be used for elevation. However, specialized PDL proxivators can.
The Titanium PDL Proxivator Kit (SKU: NX-PDLTBK) contains innovative proxivators that can both sever the periodontal ligament while also ejecting roots and tips from the socket. Using proxivators will minimize the chairside complexity for smoother procedures and less fatigue. They also cause less trauma for patients when compared to using traditional PDL periotomes.
Our unique PDL proxivators are made from titanium to ensure biocompatibility and eliminate any potential reaction with soft tissue. The instruments in the set are offered in a variety of curved, straight, spade, and serrated options, allowing the best access and performance no matter the location of the root fragment and tip that is being extracted.
PDL proxivators are a valuable investment for any practice. In addition to their use for root fragment and root tip removal, they can also be used for traditional atraumatic extraction of fully intact teeth. When using this set, no separate luxation periotomes or elevators will be necessary.
The kit is included with a cassette for convenient storage and sterilization.
Root Fragment Forceps
When a root fragment is strong enough to be removed with forceps, specialized root fragment forceps can be used.
Dental Implant Technologies provides a complete range of root fragment forceps including these Diamont Root Tip Forceps (NX-RTF1) that are angled at 45 degrees for easy placement and manipulation. With diamond dusting, these root fragment forceps are slightly textured to improve grip and confidence for the practitioner.
When a standard PDL periotome is used to sever the ligament, these forceps can lift the root fragment and tip fully intact. Keep in mind that forceps won’t typically be necessary if using the PDL proxivator set.
The Best Instruments for Fragment and Root Tip Extraction
Root tip extractions are sometimes complicated especially when dealing with damaged fragments. The instruments from Dental Implant Technologies can make the process simpler and stress-free for clinicians. With innovative options like our PDL proxivator kit, it’s simpler than ever to sever the periodontal ligament and efficiently lift a fragment and root tip right out of the socket.
For the best instruments used for root tip extraction, browse the complete range of tools available at Dental Implant Technologies today.