A luxator is a dental instrument used for extracting teeth. It is proficient in cutting the periodontal ligament

Periodontal ligament

The periodontal fiber or periodontal ligament, commonly abbreviated as the PDL, is a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that essentially attach a tooth to the alveolar bone within which it sits...

s, which is required to extract a tooth

Tooth

Teeth are small, calcified, whitish structures found in the jaws of many vertebrates that are used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also use teeth for hunting or for defensive purposes. The roots of teeth are embedded in the Mandible bone or the Maxillary bone and are...

. The luxator instrument is used for rocking and cutting, whereas an elevator is used for lifting and prying. A luxator should never be used as an elevator, as this could easily damage the luxator.