Keeping patients’ mouths healthy and pain-free is the goal of every oral healthcare provider. To optimize patient outcomes, practitioners need the right tools for every job, and periosteal elevators are no exception.
In dentistry, periosteal elevators are most often used in periodontal procedures and oral surgeries, such as tooth extractions, dental implants, and bone grafts. The CDC’s data shows that tooth extractions alone have been carried out on over 40% of American adults. Periosteal elevators are essential to this procedure. They are used to gently lift the periosteum, the connective tissue that supplies the bones beneath it with blood and nutrients for development and growth. Periosteal elevators are also used to slice, retract, and reflect (fold back) the periosteum to expose and provide access to the bone. The best elevators will minimize tissue damage during procedures so patients can heal faster.
In this article, we will explore various periosteal elevator types, materials, and use cases to help dental professionals select the best tools for their procedures.
Various designs and materials are used for periosteal elevators to suit different procedures and practitioner preferences. They are typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or carbon fiber and come in malleable and rigid styles. While malleable elevators are generally used in neurosurgery to manipulate brain tissue, rigid styles are used to manipulate tissue around bones in oral and orthopedic surgeries.
As with any procedure, selecting the right tool is critical. From Molt to Freer to Bennett to Buser and more, there are many types of periosteal elevator designs, which were invented for specific purposes and procedures.
The Molt periosteal elevator, with its curved blade and rounded edge, cuts the periosteum and lifts tissue efficiently. The Freer periosteal elevator, featuring a blunt tip and slight curve, excels in tight spaces. The Bennett periosteal elevator offers a sharper-angled blade for precise retraction, while the Buser's narrow, spear-like end provides access to hard-to-reach areas. Across all types, controlled force ensures safe use and preserves surrounding bone and tissue integrity.
The following is a selection of periosteal elevators crafted to last and improve practitioner performance.
A good quality, budget-friendly option, this Freer double-ended periosteal elevator is expertly crafted for optimal efficacy. It features textured grip sections that provide stable handholds when reflecting and retracting the periosteum following gingival tissue incisions.
Made of tough, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, this Bennett double-ended periosteal elevator has precision-finished edges that minimize tissue trauma. It is fully autoclavable and has an ergonomic hexagonal grip that provides optimal performance and comfort while reducing hand and wrist strain.
Handcrafted in Immunity Steel, this premium Buser double-ended periosteal elevator ensures maximum edge retention. Its matte finish reduces light reflection, and its black tips provide good visual contrast against bone and tissue. Featuring a narrow blade and tip to access tight spaces, it has a thick yet lightweight handle for comfort and control.
Whether periosteal elevators are used to manipulate tissue during tooth extraction, bone grafting, or implant placement, a best practice is to choose quality tools with sharp tips and sure grips. This will help reduce the risk of tissue tearing or causing trauma to the surrounding bone due to tool slippage. By enabling practitioners to perform each procedure meticulously, the best periosteal elevators ensure better outcomes, faster recovery times, and happier smiles much sooner.