Which instrument is used to loosen a tooth before extraction?

The instrument used to loosen a tooth before extraction is an elevator. Elevators are designed specifically to help separate a tooth from the periodontal ligament and the surrounding bone. This instrument is crucial in the extraction process, as it helps to create the necessary mobility of the tooth before it is removed with forceps.

Using an elevator allows the dentist to gently rock the tooth back and forth, which aids in loosening it and can make the extraction smoother and less traumatic for the patient. This is especially important for teeth with strong roots or when the tooth is impacted or in a difficult position.

Surgical scissors, while valuable in various surgical procedures, are not intended for loosening teeth. Anterior forceps are specialized instruments for grasping and removing anterior teeth but are used after the tooth has been loosened. The root tip pick is primarily utilized to retrieve small fragments of root that may remain in the socket after an extraction, rather than for loosening the tooth prior to extraction.