A gum separator, also known as a gingival separator, is a dental instrument used to separate the gums before tooth extraction to avoid gum damage during tooth extraction.
In more detail, the purpose is:
- Protecting the gums: During a tooth extraction, the gum separator creates space between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. This prevents the surgical instruments from tearing or damaging the gums.
- Facilitating access: By gently pushing the gums away from the tooth, the separator provides the dentist with better visibility and access to the tooth that needs to be extracted. This is crucial for a clean and efficient extraction.
- Minimizing trauma: The controlled separation of the gums reduces the amount of force needed during the extraction process. This minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissues, leading to faster healing and reduced discomfort for the patient.
