Session outcomes — Surgical principles & techniques (summary)
What you should be able to do
- Understand mechanics principles for simple exodontia.
- Explain biomechanical principles of extraction.
- Demonstrate safe extraction techniques on models.
- Perform suturing on relevant anatomical models.
- Demonstrate safe use of luxators, forceps, and sutures.
- Make the hole bigger OR the tooth smaller (with minimal trauma)
| Strategy | What it means | Common examples |
|---|
| Make the hole bigger | Increase socket space / reduce bony resistance | Apical pressure with forceps; (advanced: troughing/removal of bone) |
| Make the tooth smaller | Reduce tooth/root resistance | Section crown/roots (advanced) |
| Principle | What it achieves | Typical clinical “translation” |
|---|
| Lever + fulcrum | Mechanical advantage with controlled elevation | Elevator use with bone as fulcrum (not adjacent teeth) |
| Wedge | Expands socket/PDL space | Luxator/elevator insertion; apical forceps pressure |
| Wheel & axle | Powerful rotational displacement | Cryer-type mechanics for retained roots (high force → caution) |
Safe technique essentials (model-practice focus)
- Access & visibility: retraction, illumination, finger rests
- Controlled force: incremental movements; reassess if not progressing (don’t “muscle it”)
- Protect structures: apply force away from sinus/mandibular canal; avoid adjacent tooth damage
- Patient positioning + stabilisation: especially mandible support (dislocation risk)
Suturing: minimum outcomes
- Be able to place sutures safely on models
- Use sutures to support soft tissue adaptation and stabilise tissues where needed