Information resources for the correct use of LO RUSSO RETRACTORS

Before using the tools that make up the retractor kit, the latter must be inspected to identify any defects (for example: worn parts, loss of parts, shape changes or color variations); in the presence of any alteration, the device must not be used. To activate the warranty program, please use the contact form here.

The instruments can be sterilized in an autoclave. Before each use, the instruments must be sterilized following the instructions provided in the use and maintenance manual.

Before using retractors, it is necessary to inspect the patient's oral cavity: ensure there are no mucosal lesions. Furthermore, any removable dentures, other removable appliances, or any other device or obstruction present in the patient's mouth must be removed.

Great care must be taken in identifying the appropriate instrument for the arch to be scanned intraorally:

• Each LO RUSSO RETRACTOR kit consists of three instruments: two for the mandibular arch (one for the right side and one for the left side), and one for the maxillary arch.
• First of all, it is necessary to identify the appropriate instrument for the arch to be scanned.

---

•  For the lower arch it is necessary to distinguish the instrument for the right side and that for the left side. The two instruments are indispensable for performing the intraoral scan of the edentulous mandible according to the two-stage strategy described for it. The distinction is very simple and intuitive, just let yourself be guided by the analogy between the shape of the side arm of the instruments for the lower arch and the shape of the arch: remember to keep the logo engraved on the handle of the instruments facing you .

Select the most appropriate size of retractor based on the size of the patient's alveolar-dental arches: excessively large sizes could cause compression or tissue damage. Refer to the instructions previously on this page for size selection.

It is useful to remember that on the handle of the instruments, on the side opposite the logo, there are small reliefs (visible and appreciable to the touch) which identify the size of the instrument (no relief: size 0; one relief: size 1; two reliefs: size 2).

To ensure the correct orientation of the instruments, the logo engraved on the handle must be facing the operator.

This procedure must be performed calmly and with the utmost care. The correctly oriented instrument is inserted into the patient's mouth by making a small rotation of its arms, similar to an impression tray. Do not bend the instrument arms during insertion: the springback could cause injury to the patient. Remember to keep the logo engraved on the instrument handle facing you.

HOW TO INSERT THE UPPER ARCH INSTRUMENT

HOW TO INSERT LOWER ARCH INSTRUMENTS

Once inserted in the oral cavity, the instrument must be placed in position: for the upper arch, the two arms must be housed in the vestibule; for the lower arch, the anterior arm should be lateral to the tongue, while the lateral arm should be in the vestibule (check the videos forthe maxillary archedmandibular arch showed in the previous step). Once in its final position, the instrument must be held firmly, without ever letting go and without using excessive pressure.

Please note that for the lower arch, in order to reach the correct final position, the instruments must not be oriented parallel to the midline, but according to the scheme shown in the following image.

Once you have finished using the instrument, it should be carefully removed, using the reverse movement to that of insertion.

Correct cleaning and sterilization of instruments, before and after each use, is a fundamental prerequisite for protecting the health of patients and staff. Always refer to the instructions given in use manual, and the specific operating procedures for the healthcare facility and required by local legislation.

Before each use, the instruments must be sterilized following the instructions given in use and maintenance manual.

The instruments that make up the LO RUSSO RETRACTOR retractor kit must always be used with the utmost attention by healthcare professionals qualified to practice dentistry and the clinical activities connected to it. These operators must comply with the recommendations in the use manual. In particular, it is mandatory:

• Respect the locations and orientation of use of the various instruments in the kit: the protrusions of the instruments, if oriented improperly or used incautiously, could cause trauma or injury to the patient's tissues.
• Do not apply improper pressure to the ends of the tools: they could be damaged or broken.
• Do not try to bend or modify the shape and size of the tools through the action of mechanical forces, thermal or chemical agents: the strength and safety of the tools would be irreversibly compromised.
• Instruments inserted into the patient's mouth must be held securely; instruments left loose in the patient's mouth, or not properly held, could move and cause damage, trauma or injury to the patient.
• Instruments should not be placed between the teeth, nor should the patient squeeze or chew on them. The patient's teeth or tissue could be damaged or traumatized, and the instruments could suffer irreversible damage.
  

To report any problems that arise during the use of our devices, use the appropriate contact form for forwarding ​ reports related to post-marketing surveillance. 

The various sizes of LO RUSSO RETRACTORS differ only in size. The three sizes of the retractor system are necessary to adapt to the interindividual anatomical variability of the alveolar-dental arches.

The smallest size is - or 0, the largest size is 2.

For optimal support in the intraoral scanning process of edentulous arches, you need the device that best suits the anatomy of the specific case; therefore, it is advisable to have your measurements. 

Testing each individual component of the spreader kit. It is important to verify that the individual tools:

• can be inserted easily and without creating trauma
• fit properly and allow you to adequately expose the entire field you are going to scan

Of course. On the handle of the instruments, opposite the logo, there are small raised markings (visible and palpable) that identify the instrument's size (no raised markings: size 0; one raised marking: size 1; two raised markings: size 2). Sometimes, the different sizes can also be distinguished by the different colors of the instruments.

Yes. Our retractor system is also useful in patients with totally or partially preserved teeth, when the presence of involuntary movements, or the patient's lack of cooperation, prevent an effective use of the intraoral scanner.