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Preserving Precision, Ensuring Safety

To maximize the lifespan of your CONODENT premium instruments and ensure the safety of your patients, follow this standardized reprocessing protocol. Proper care prevents corrosion, maintains sharpness, and ensures smooth mechanical function.

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1. Point-of-Use Preparation

• Immediate Rinse: Rinse instruments under warm running water immediately after use to remove blood, tissue, and debris.
• Avoid Drying: Never allow biological contaminants to dry on the instrument. If immediate cleaning isn’t possible, use a pH-neutral enzymatic foam or gel to keep debris moist.
• Separation: Keep delicate items (Periotomes, Composite instruments) separate from heavy tools (Forceps, Elevators) to prevent tip damage.

2. Cleaning & Disinfection

• Ultrasonic Cleaning: This is the most efficient method. Use a pH-neutral detergent and ensure instruments are in the open position.
  • Note: Do not mix dissimilar metals (e.g., chrome-plated and stainless steel) in the same cycle to avoid galvanic corrosion.
• Manual Cleaning: Use only soft nylon brushes. Never use steel wool or wire brushes, as these will damage the protective “passive layer” of the steel and lead to “pitting.”
• Drying: This is the most critical step. Thoroughly dry instruments before sterilization. Moisture trapped in joints or box locks is the primary cause of rust during autoclaving.

3. Inspection & Lubrication

• Visual Check: Inspect tips for sharpness, alignment, and any signs of “spotting” or corrosion.
• Lubrication: For all hinged instruments (Forceps, Needle Holders, Scissors) and spring-action tools (Crown Removers), apply a medical-grade, water-soluble lubricant (Instrument Milk).
  • Note: Do not use industrial oils; they will interfere with the sterilization process.

4. Sterilization (Autoclaving)

• Parameters: Follow standard steam sterilization cycles (typically 134°C for 3–5 minutes).
• Loading: Do not overload the autoclave. Ensure steam can circulate freely around every instrument surface.
• Cassette System: We recommend using CONODENT Stainless Steel Cassettes to protect delicate tips from rattling and breaking during the cycle.

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Quick Troubleshooting: Spots vs. Rust

Appearance	Cause	Solution
Brown/Orange Stains	High pH in water or dried blood.	Use distilled water and neutral detergents.
Dark Black Spots	Ammonia in cleaning agents or improper drying.	Ensure pH-neutral chemicals; dry immediately.
Bluish/Grey Tint	Excessive “Instrument Milk” or hard water.	Follow lubricant dilution ratios; use softened water.

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The “CONODENT” Golden Rules

1. Neutral pH Only: Always use chemicals with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5.
2. Open Joints: Sterilize forceps and scissors in the open/unlocked position.
3. No Tap Water: Use distilled or deionized water for the final rinse and autoclave reservoir to prevent mineral scaling.

CONODENT Atraumatic Extraction Protocol

Stage 1: Initial Entry (The 2mm Straight)

• When: The very first step after the syndesmotomy.
• Goal: To create the first “gap” in the PDL.
• Technique: Insert the 2mm Straight Luxator at a slight angle into the sulcus. Use a gentle “push and wiggle” motion to find the narrowest part of the PDL. The 2mm width is small enough to penetrate even the tightest interproximal spaces without fracturing the enamel of adjacent teeth.

Stage 2: Expanding the Circumference (The 3mm Straight & Curved)

• When: Once the 2mm blade reaches the full depth of the gingival sulcus.
• Goal: To sever the fibers around the entire tooth.
• Technique: * Use the 3mm Straight for the buccal and lingual surfaces.
  • Use the 3mm Curved for the mesial and distal line angles. The curve allows the blade to follow the rounded “corner” of the root without digging into the bone.

Stage 3: Creating Root Displacement (The 4mm Curved)

• When: When the tooth begins to show the first sign of mobility (Class I).
• Goal: To act as a wedge to displace the tooth from the socket.
• Technique: Switch to the 4mm Curved Luxator. Because it is wider, it creates more lateral displacement. Insert it deep into the mesial or distal corners. The curved blade acts like a shoehorn, pushing the root away from the socket wall while you sever the deeper apical fibers.

Stage 4: Final Luxation for Molars (The 5mm Curved)

• When: Specifically for large-diameter roots or multi-rooted molars.
• Goal: To finalize the separation before forceps are applied.
• Technique: The 5mm Curved Luxator is used to bridge the gap between two roots or to engage the wide buccal surface of a molar. By “walking” the 5mm blade around the tooth, you ensure the socket is sufficiently expanded to allow the tooth to lift out vertically with zero resistance.

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Quick Reference: Which Luxator to Grab?

Clinical Scenario	First Choice	Follow-up Choice
Fractured Root Tip	2mm Straight	2mm Curved
Anterior Teeth (Incissors)	3mm Straight	3mm Curved
Premolars	3mm Straight	4mm Curved
Large Lower Molars	4mm Straight	5mm Curved
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)	3mm Curved	4mm Curved

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Critical Safety Warning

Luxator vs. Elevator: Remember, the CONODENT White Series handles are ergonomic for pushing force. Unlike a heavy-duty elevator (like a Coupland), do not apply a “twisting-lever” force. Use the luxator like a knife to cut the ligament. If you need to “pry” the tooth, switch to a CONODENT Stainless Steel Elevator once the luxator has done its job.

In modern exodontia, the goal is no longer just “getting the tooth out”—it is preserving the bone for the future. The Chompret Elevator is the essential bridge between the diagnosis and the final extraction.

Step 1: The Initial Entry (Syndesmotomy)

Before applying any lateral or rotational force with a large elevator or forcep, use the Straight Chompret to perform a 360-degree syndesmotomy.

• The Technique: Insert the ultra-slim tip into the gingival sulcus at a 10-degree angle to the root. Slide the blade down to sever the periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers.
• The CONODENT Advantage: The Sand-Pattern handle allows for the extremely light “pencil grip” required for this delicate movement, providing maximum tactile feedback as you feel the ligament give way.

Step 2: Creating the Wedge Space

Once the fibers are severed, use the Left or Right Curved Chompret to create a small “pilot” space in the mesial or distal periodontal space.

• The Technique: Use a gentle “teasing” motion. The goal is not to lift the tooth yet, but to create a path of least resistance for your larger elevators (like the Seldin or Coupland).
• The CONODENT Advantage: The curved geometry of the Chompret allows you to reach deep into the posterior regions without the handle hitting the opposing arch, maintaining a clear line of sight.

Step 3: Root Fragment Retrieval

If a root fractures subgingivally, the Chompret becomes your primary rescue tool.

• The Technique: Because the Chompret blade is thinner than a standard elevator, it can wedge between the root fragment and the alveolar wall without crushing the bone.
• The CONODENT Advantage: Our Premium Medical Grade Steel is tempered to be thin yet incredibly stiff, allowing you to apply the precise tip-pressure needed to “flick” a root fragment upward.

Why use a Chompret BEFORE Forceps?

Benefit	How it works
Bone Preservation	Severing the PDL first prevents the “vulsion” of the buccal plate when the tooth is pulled.
Reduced Fracture Risk	By loosening the tooth first, you reduce the squeeze-pressure needed on the forceps, protecting the crown.
Implant Readiness	Maintains the “socket integrity,” which is vital for immediate implant placement success.
Patient Comfort	Less “cracking” sounds and less pressure felt by the patient during the procedure.

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This guide is designed to help your customers understand the clinical value of the Chompret Root Elevator (Syndesmotome) as a “pre-forceps” tool, emphasizing the atraumatic benefits of the CONODENT design.

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Blog Post: The Science of Grip – Why Sand-Pattern Finish is Revolutionizing Dental Instruments

In the high-precision world of exodontia, the interface between the clinician’s hand and the instrument is everything. While traditional mirror-polished instruments have been the industry standard for decades, CONODENT is leading a shift toward a more functional, clinician-centric design: the Sand-Pattern Finish.

1. Eliminating the “Glare Factor”

Traditional high-gloss instruments act like mirrors under the intense LED operatory lights. This creates “hot spots” of reflection that can cause significant eye fatigue over a long surgical day.

• The CONODENT Solution: Our Sand-Pattern finish diffuses light in multiple directions, creating a soft, matte appearance. This ensures that your focus remains entirely on the surgical site, not on the reflections on your handle.

2. Superior Micro-Traction (The “Wet-Grip” Advantage)

Surgical environments are inherently wet. Mirror-polished handles can become slippery when in contact with fluids or even moisture on gloves, requiring the clinician to grip harder, which leads to hand fatigue.

. The CONODENT Solution: The sand-pattern creates a microscopic “peak-and-valley” texture on the stainless steel. This increases the surface area and provides Micro-Traction, ensuring a rock-solid grip even in the most challenging conditions without requiring excessive squeeze-force.

3. Enhanced Tactile Sensitivity

Many clinicians believe that a heavier grip is a more secure grip, but the opposite is true for delicate root retrieval. A lighter, more secure hold allows for better “haptic feedback”—the ability to feel the difference between bone and root.

• The CONODENT Solution: By combining our Lightweight Ergonomic Design with the Sand-Pattern finish, CONODENT instruments allow you to hold the tool with a relaxed hand. This translates to better tactile feedback and more successful retrievals of fractured root tips.

4. Durability and Aesthetics

Mirror finishes show every scratch and water spot from the autoclave. Over time, they can begin to look dull or “used.”

• The CONODENT Solution: The Sand-Pattern finish is incredibly resilient. It hides minor surface scratches and maintains its professional, high-end aesthetic through hundreds of sterilization cycles.

The CONODENT Commitment

Our instruments aren’t just tools; they are extensions of the surgeon’s hand. By moving beyond traditional aesthetics and focusing on the physics of the grip, we provide instruments that are safer for the patient and more comfortable for the doctor.

Technical Specifications Recap

Feature	Sand-Pattern Finish Benefit
Light Reflection	Diffused / Anti-Reflective
Grip Stability	High (Micro-Traction)
Hand Fatigue	Reduced (Low Squeeze-Force Required)
Maintenance	Resilient to scratches and water spots
Certification	ISO 13485:2016 Certified

Technical Focus: Seldin vs. Cryer – Choosing the Right Elevator for the Task

Knowing when to use a Seldin vs. a Cryer can be the difference between a 5-minute extraction and a 30-minute struggle.

In the toolkit of a successful dental surgeon, the Seldin and Cryer elevators are two of the most frequently used instruments. While they may appear similar to the untrained eye, their mechanical principles and clinical applications are distinct.

At CONODENT, we have enhanced both classic patterns with our signature Sand-Pattern Ergonomic Handles to ensure that no matter which you choose, you have the best grip in the industry.

1. The Seldin Elevator: The “Universal” Wedge

The Seldin is primarily a wedge-style elevator. Its straight, thin, and slightly concave blade is designed to be driven vertically into the periodontal ligament (PDL) space.

• Mechanical Principle: Wedge and Lever.
• Best For: Initial luxation of a tooth, expanding the alveolar socket, and severing the PDL around the entire circumference of the root.
• When to reach for the CONODENT Seldin: When you need to create initial movement in a tooth that is still firmly seated.

2. The Cryer Elevator: The “Triangular” Powerhouse

The Cryer is a wheel-and-axle elevator. It features a sharp, triangular-shaped blade that is angled off the shaft.

• Mechanical Principle: Wheel and Axle (Rotation).
• Best For: Removing fractured roots or roots left behind after a crown has been removed. It is particularly effective in multi-rooted mandibular molars once one root has been extracted.
• When to reach for the CONODENT Cryer: When you have an empty socket next to a remaining root. You place the tip into the empty socket, engage the interradicular bone, and rotate to “elevate” the remaining root fragment.

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Key Comparison Table

Feature	CONODENT Seldin	CONODENT Cryer
Blade Shape	Slim, Straight, Concave	Sharp, Triangular, Angled
Primary Motion	Vertical Wedging / Prying	Rotational (Wheel & Axle)
Ideal Arch	Universal (Upper & Lower)	Primarily Mandibular (Lower)
Best Use Case	Initial tooth luxation	Root fragment retrieval
Handle Finish	Sand-Pattern (Non-Slip)	Sand-Pattern (Non-Slip)

The CONODENT Advantage

Regardless of the pattern, CONODENT elevators are manufactured in our ISO 13485:2016 certified facility using premium medical-grade steel. Our Sand-Pattern Finish ensures that even under high-torque rotational forces (Cryer) or heavy vertical pressure (Seldin), the instrument remains stable in your hand.