Selection of instruments for the successful extraction of molar teeth: a pilot study

We report the result of a pilot study that was designed to test the effectiveness of a chart that gives advice about the choice of extraction instruments and the techniques necessary to remove molar teeth successfully. It was designed from experience gained from the extraction of several molar teeth under local anaesthesia, and includes 20 blocks that cover a combination of five clinical presentations of tooth decay with four clinical presentations of tooth mobility. Recent graduates who used the chart were able to extract more molar teeth successfully than those who did not, and its use can also reduce the amount of supervision time necessary without compromising the guidance required.