Comparative evaluation of use of apexo elevators versus crane pick elevators in extraction of mandibular posterior root stumps

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The crane pick elevator is a solid version of the pick‐type dental elevator that rolls the root out of the socket using the wheel and axle method. The traditional apexo elevator works on the wedge principle, wherein it helps to retrieve root stumps below the gingival line. Although most of the extractions can be performed with routine techniques and instruments, there is a constant urge to improve these conventional procedures with newer instruments and techniques. Thus, we intend to do a comparative study, evaluating the efficiency of apexo elevators versus crane pick elevators in the extraction of mandibular root stumps. Patients and Methods This was a comparative in vivo study conducted on a total of 68 patients aged 18 years and above. They were divided into two groups of 34 each using a random number generator. The patients were evaluated on the basis of their gender, whether extraction was successful, time taken for extraction, operators' difficulty, root length and the tooth that was extracted. Results Majority of the participants were males in the apexo group (61.7%) and females in the crane pick group (55.8%). InAU terms of successful extraction, it was seen to be more with apexo elevators compared to crane pick elevators and is statistically significant (0.04*). The operator encountered greater difficulty during the removal of root stumps with crane pick elevators. Conclusion We concluded that crane pick elevators are useful in luxating apical one third of the root when fractured. However, apexo elevators are better when it comes to delivering the tooth out of the socket.