Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) 2025 Practice Exam – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Elevators are specialized dental instruments used primarily to break the periodontal ligament and assist in the extraction of teeth. The periodontal ligament is a network of fibrous tissue that connects the tooth to the alveolar bone. By using elevators, dental professionals can effectively loosen the tooth from its socket by gaining leverage against the root, which facilitates a smoother extraction process.

This function is critical in oral surgery and tooth extraction procedures, as it helps to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and allows for a more controlled removal of the tooth. Proper use of elevators is essential for not only the efficiency of the procedure but also for the overall comfort and care of the patient.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of elevators in dental practice. For instance, while local anesthesia is crucial for pain management during dental procedures, it is administered using syringes or other specific devices, not elevators. Gingival surgeries and cleaning tooth surfaces involve different tools and techniques focused on soft tissue management and dental hygiene, respectively.