Which instrument would be used to luxate a tooth root and is not a forceps?

• A. Upper Bayonet Forceps
• B. Winters Elevator
• C. Cryers Elevator
• D. Lower Root Forceps

Answer: (C)

Luxating a root relies on a tool that can apply precise leverage to loosen the tooth from the socket without pulling on the crown. Elevators are designed for this purpose, while forceps are meant to grasp and pull the tooth once it is sufficiently mobile. Cryers Elevator is specifically built for root luxation: its slender, curved working end can be positioned between the root and the socket wall and used to pry the root upward, breaking the remaining periodontal ligament attachments without grasping and pulling on the crown. This makes it the best choice when the goal is to loosen a root or root tip before extraction. The other options are forceps, which are used after luxation to remove the tooth, or, in the case of another elevator, simply another instrument capable of luxation but not as specialized for root progression as Cryers.