Tooth Extraction Movements

 Tooth Extraction Movements refer to the specific forces and directions used by the dentist to loosen and remove a tooth from its socket in the bone. These movements depend on the tooth’s anatomy, root shape, and position in the mouth.

Here is a simplified summary:

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🦷 Basic Extraction Movements:

1. Luxation (Loosening)

Purpose: To break the periodontal ligament and widen the socket.

Instruments: Elevators are used first.

Movement: Rotational or side-to-side to loosen the tooth.

2. Buccal-Lingual (Labial-Palatal) Rocking

For most teeth.

The forceps rock the tooth buccally (cheek side) and lingually (tongue side).

Gradually widens the socket.

3. Rotational Movement

For single-rooted teeth like maxillary central incisors or mandibular premolars.

Twisting the tooth gently left and right.

4. Apical Pressure (Downward Pressure)

Forceps are pushed toward the apex (root tip) to move the tooth slightly deeper.

Helps expand the socket and reduce root fracture.

5. Traction (Outward Pull)

Final step after sufficient loosening.

Tooth is gently pulled out of the socket along its long axis.

🔄 Tooth-Specific Movements

Tooth Type Main Movements

Maxillary incisors Labial & palatal rocking, slight rotation

Maxillary canines Labial-palatal + some rotation (long root!)

Maxillary molars Buccal pressure stronger (buccal root thinner)

Mandibular incisors Labial-lingual + very little rotation

Mandibular canines Labial-lingual, rotation carefully

Mandibular molars Buccal-lingual rocking, forceps applied apically

🔄 Rotational Force in Tooth Extraction

Rotation force is a specific movement applied during tooth extraction, where the tooth is gently twisted clockwise and counterclockwise around its long axis to help loosen it from the socket.

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✅ When to Use Rotational Force

Rotational force is mainly used for single-rooted, conical-rooted teeth, such as:

Tooth Type Suitable for Rotation? Reason

✅ Maxillary central incisor Yes Conical single root

✅ Mandibular premolars Yes Often single straight root

⚠️ Mandibular incisors Limited use Roots are flat & narrow

❌ Maxillary molars No Multiple roots (buccal + palatal)

❌ Mandibular molars No 2 roots – rotation may fracture

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🎯 Purpose of Rotational Force

Tears periodontal ligament fibers

Wedges and expands alveolar socket

Reduces need for excessive buccal-lingual force

Helps avoid root fracture (in suitable cases)

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⚠️ When Not to Use Rotation

Teeth with multiple or curved roots (e.g., molars)

Roots with dilaceration (sharp bends)

Thin, fragile roots (e.g., mandibular incisors)

Teeth with nearby anatomical risks (e.g., maxillary sinus)

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🦷 Steps for Using Rotation Force (Example: Maxillary Central Incisor)

1. Apply apical pressure with forceps to engage the tooth.

2. Begin gentle rotational movement side to side.

3. Increase rotation slowly while monitoring resistance.

4. Once loosened, use traction to remove the tooth.