Periotome Collection

Which Periotome Do You Need?

• One instrument for most extractions: the ZEPF FLEX-EX Power periotome (26.690.10). Its flexible blade does the work of a periotome, an elevator and an X-Tool, which makes it the best first periotome.
• Broad-blade luxation on straight access: the Power Periotome P1 XL (26.690.01).
• Interproximal surfaces: the Power Periotome P3 XL, left bent (26.690.02) and right bent (26.690.03), used as a pair.
• Thin blades for thin biotypes and immediate implant sites: the periodontic P1, P2 and P3 periotomes on the ZEPF-Line handle (26.182.11 to 26.182.13). The working tip unscrews, so a worn blade is replaced without buying a new instrument.
• Two blades in one instrument: the combination periotomes by Dr. Karl-Ludwig Ackermann (P3/P2, or P4 with a sharp spoon).
• Already own a handle: pick replacement inserts from the two tables at the end; each says which handle it fits.

Periodontic combination periotomes by Dr. Karl-Ludwig Ackermann

ZEPF-Line replacement inserts

These fit the ZEPF-Line periotomes 26.182.11, 26.182.12 and 26.182.13 and the P3/P2 combination 26.182.23. They do not fit the solid handle 26.182.00.

Solid handle and its inserts

The P1 to P4 inserts below fit the solid periotome handle 26.182.00, not the ZEPF-Line periotomes.

What Is a Periotome Used For?

A periotome is a thin, sharp-bladed instrument used to sever the periodontal ligament fibers around a tooth before extraction. With the ligament released, the tooth can be lifted out gently instead of levered against the socket, which preserves the buccal bone plate and gum architecture. That matters most when an immediate implant or ridge preservation is planned.

How the Periotome Changed Extraction

For most of dentistry’s history, teeth were removed with elevators and forceps that levered the tooth against the surrounding bone. That works, but the force goes into the socket walls, and the thin buccal plate is often the first thing to give. The periotome turned the order around: instead of prying first, a very thin blade is worked down the periodontal ligament space to cut the fibers that hold the tooth, so it can be delivered with far less force. As immediate implant placement and ridge preservation became routine, keeping the buccal bone intact mattered more, and periotomes became a standard part of atraumatic extraction. Luxators work on a similar principle with wider blades; our Periotome vs Luxator vs Elevator guide explains the difference. Helmut Zepf’s range covers both classic periodontic periotomes with interchangeable P1 to P4 blades and the FLEX-EX Power periotome, whose flexible blade combines the work of a periotome, an elevator and an X-Tool in one instrument.

Clinical Use

Before an extraction, the periotome blade is inserted into the sulcus and worked along the root to sever the periodontal ligament fibers, ahead of any elevator or forceps. This preserves the buccal bone plate and the gingival architecture, which is why periotomes are used ahead of immediate implant placement, immediate dentoalveolar restoration (IDR) and socket or ridge preservation, and in thin biotypes. The angled P3 and P4 blades and the left and right bent Power periotomes reach the interproximal surfaces.

Care and Reconditioning

Clean, disinfect and sterilize periotomes between patients following Helmut Zepf’s instructions and the symbols on the product package, and inspect the thin blades for bending or dulling before each use; on the interchangeable-insert versions, a worn blade is replaced by swapping the insert. Our Surgical Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide covers the general workflow.

Compare With

Related Helmut Zepf collections: Desmotome, X-Tool Root Tip Elevators, Benex Extraction System, IDR Set, and Dental Elevators. See also the Dental Elevator Types Guide, the Surgical Instrument Comparison Chart and the Surgical Instrument Glossary.

FAQ

Further reading: Minimally Invasive Extraction with Helmut Zepf Instruments · Deutsche Dental Technologien to Showcase its New Periotomes and Rongeurs at the 2026 Joint Meeting of the Florida Association of Periodontists & Florida Prosthodontic Association · Periotome vs Luxator vs Elevator: Which Atraumatic Extraction Instrument, and When?

Manufacturer literature: Flex-EX Power Periotome flyer (PDF) — more in our Surgical Instrument Library.