Cryer Elevator — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Cryer ElevatorMFDS Part 1

A mandibular first molar has been sectioned at the furcation. The distal root has been removed, but the mesial root remains in its socket. Which task is a Cryer elevator particularly designed to perform?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Luxate the retained mesial root through the empty distal-root socket

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as D

A is correct. Right- and left-sided Cryer elevators have triangular working ends and are particularly useful after a multirooted tooth has been sectioned and one root removed. The instrument is introduced through the empty root socket so that its tip engages a purchase point on the retained root. Controlled rotation against the socket wall or interradicular bone displaces the root occlusally. This is principally a rotational lever or wheel-and-axle action, rather than simply the wedge action stated in the original explanation. Detaching gingiva or reflecting periosteum requires an appropriate periosteal instrument; a surgical retractor holds a reflected flap, and calculus is removed with a scaler or curette.

Reference: Mamoun J. Use of elevator instruments when luxating and extracting teeth in dentistry: clinical techniques. Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2017;43(3):204–211. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28770164/