Which instrument is used for loosening the periodontal ligament around a tooth prior to extraction?

• A. Scaler
• B. Gingival margin trimmer
• C. Elevator
• D. Chisel

Answer: (C)

Luxation, or loosening the tooth by disrupting the periodontal ligament, is the crucial step before extraction. An elevator is designed to deliver controlled prying and tipping forces between the tooth and its socket, breaking the PDL attachments and widening the socket so the tooth can be mobilized and removed with forceps. Scalers and gingival margin trimmers are used for cleaning and debridement, not to disrupt the PDL. A chisel is more about removing bone or splitting a tooth, which isn’t the primary tool for initial loosening. So, the instrument best suited to loosen the tooth by disrupting the PDL is the elevator.