Periosteal elevators are one of the most reached-for instruments on any extraction tray, but not every design suits every case. Getting the right elevator for the job makes tissue reflection cleaner, reduces trauma, and speeds up the whole procedure — while the wrong shape can mean extra strain on both the tissue and your wrist.
What a periosteal elevator is for
A periosteal elevator is used to reflect the mucoperiosteal flap away from bone, giving clear access to the surgical site before extraction, bone recontouring, or implant placement. The blade needs to be thin enough to slide cleanly under the periosteum, yet rigid enough to hold its edge through repeated sterilisation cycles.
Choosing the right blade shape
- Molt (9 design) — a rounded, double-ended blade well suited to general flap reflection across most extraction cases.
- Howarth — a finer, more angled tip for tighter interproximal or posterior access.
- Freer — a double-ended, sharper design often preferred for delicate soft-tissue work alongside bone elevation.
What to look for in the instrument itself
- Surgical-grade stainless steel that holds a clean edge through repeated autoclave cycles without pitting or discolouration
- A hand-finished blade and handle balance, so the instrument sits evenly in the hand through longer procedures
- A handle profile that reduces hand fatigue during extended surgical lists
Most UK practices keep at least two elevator shapes in rotation — a general-purpose design for routine extractions, and a finer-tipped option for posterior or surgical cases. Browse our full Surgery range for periosteal elevators, root elevators and rongeurs, all surgical-grade stainless steel and hand-finished for UK dental and oral surgery practices.
