Elevators are used to loosen the tooth from the periodontal socket, separate the periodontal ligament from the tooth and help expand the socket for easier extraction. These instruments look like small screw drivers. Their design is such that they can be wedged into the ligament space between the tooth and its surrounding bone. As the elevator is forced into and twisted around in this space, the tooth is pressed and rocked against the bone. This helps to expand the socket. It also helps to separate the tooth from its ligament. As this work is continued, the tooth gradually becomes more and more mobile in its socket. In some cases, the dentist may be able to completely remove the tooth with just this tool. If not, the dentist will switch to the use of extraction forceps to complete the job.