ABSTRACT
Molar cutters (far left) are used to clip spurs from the cheek teeth. However, they are not suitable for reducing exposed crown length (transverse sectioning of the entire tooth), which may result in fracture or trauma to the apical or periodontal tissues, already compromised by ongoing dental disease. The ends of the Crossley molar elevators/luxators (second from left) are orientated perpendicular to the shaft of the instrument to enable insertion into the periodontal space of a cheek tooth. One end is flattened longitudinally for the lingual and buccal aspects, and the other transversely for the rostral and caudal aspects. The periodontal ligament is ablated and the loosened tooth then grasped with the molar extraction forceps (third from left), the ends of which are again turned at right angles to the shaft. The tooth can then be manipulated in such a way as to crush the germinal tissues (to prevent regrowth) and then be removed.
