Equine Dental Extraction Elevators
Elevators for loosening and extracting equine teeth with steady, controlled leverage.
Equine Dental Extraction Elevators
An elevator does the work that decides whether an extraction goes smoothly. Separate the periodontal ligament properly and the tooth releases; rush it and you are fighting the ligament with forceps. Velmourne's equine dental extraction elevators are made for that first stage — working ends sharpened to hold an edge, shafts stiff enough to transmit force without flex, and handles you can grip when your hands are wet.
The range runs from two-piece starter sets through full Burgess systems, with mallets, curettes and replacement heads alongside.
Why the Elevator Matters More Than the Forceps
Equine teeth sit deep, with long reserve crowns and a thick periodontal ligament. Extraction is a staged process, and elevation is the stage that determines the rest:
- Ligament separated cleanly, so the tooth loosens rather than fractures
- Force applied along the root, not across it, protecting the alveolar wall
- Less time at the forceps stage, which means less time under sedation
- Lower risk of root breakage, gum tearing and bleeding
- Consistent feel across a full list, without the edge dulling mid-procedure
Elevator Sets
- Equine Dental Elevators, Set of 2 — two essential patterns for general luxation. The sensible starting point if you are building a kit.
- Equine Dental Elevators, Set of 6 — balanced range of head shapes for routine and more difficult extractions.
- Equine Dental Elevators, Set of 8 — the fullest range of sizes and head shapes, covering molars, incisors and canines.
- Extraction Dental Elevator Set — multiple specialised blades for different stages of elevation.
Burgess System
The Burgess design allows deeper penetration around the root with controlled force, which is why it is the pattern most reached for on cheek teeth.
- Equine Dental Teeth Elevator Burgess Set — the core Burgess set for precise ligament separation.
- Burgess Elevator Set, Complete — the full system, for clinics and mobile practices working a varied caseload.
- Burgess Set, New with Round Head Elevators — updated round-head geometry for smoother rotational luxation.
- Set of 6 Burgess Heads — replacement heads, so a dull edge does not retire the whole set.
Interchangeable Systems
- Interchangeable Head Elevator Set — several blades on one handle. Lighter to carry and quicker to swap mid-procedure, which suits ambulatory work.
- Interchangeable Head Elevator Set with Dental Mallet — the same system with a mallet included, for extractions needing percussive assistance.
Supporting Instruments
- Dental Mallet — controlled percussive force where hand pressure alone will not seat the elevator, particularly alongside Burgess patterns.
- Bone Curette — clears debris, granulation tissue and bone fragments once the tooth is out. Available individually or as a set.
What They Are Used For
- Cheek teeth extraction — the hardest of the routine procedures, where Burgess patterns earn their place.
- Incisor extraction — trauma cases, overgrowth, and EOTRH management.
- Canine extraction — restricted access, requiring a fine working end and controlled leverage.
- Ligament separation — the preparatory stage that makes the extraction itself predictable.
- Post-extraction debridement — clearing the alveolus before it is left to heal.
Building a Set
If you are starting out, the Set of 2 covers general luxation and tells you which head shapes you actually reach for. Most practices move to a Burgess set once cheek teeth extractions become regular, and add a mallet when hand pressure alone stops being enough. Interchangeable systems suit ambulatory work, where weight in the vehicle matters.
Every instrument carrying the Velmourne name is stainless steel and is checked for edge and shaft rigidity before dispatch. There is no minimum order — buy one elevator or fit out a practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are equine dental elevators used for?
They separate the periodontal ligament from the tooth root, loosening the tooth so it can be extracted with minimal force and minimal damage to the surrounding bone.
What makes the Burgess pattern different?
The Burgess design reaches deeper around the root and lets you apply force in a controlled, sustained way — which is why it is the usual choice for cheek teeth rather than incisors.
Which set should I start with?
The Set of 2 if you are building a kit, the Set of 6 or 8 if you extract regularly across different tooth types. Sets are more economical than buying the same patterns individually.
Are replacement heads available?
Yes. The Set of 6 Burgess Heads replaces worn heads on an existing Burgess handle, so a dulled edge does not mean replacing the whole system.
What is the mallet for?
It delivers controlled percussive force when hand pressure will not seat the elevator — most often on firmly attached cheek teeth, and usually alongside a Burgess elevator.
Do the elevators need resharpening?
Yes, like any edged instrument. How often depends on caseload. Replacement heads are stocked so a dull instrument never holds up a list.
What steel are they made from?
Medical-grade stainless steel, hardened and passivated so the working end holds its edge and the instrument withstands repeated autoclaving.
Are these suitable for someone starting out?
They are professional instruments for qualified veterinary surgeons and trained equine dental technicians. Sedation and restraint decisions sit with the attending vet.