When using a ligature cutter, what should you hold while cutting the pigtail?

When using a ligature cutter, it is essential to hold the hemostat while cutting the pigtail. The hemostat serves as a stabilizing tool that provides the necessary grip on the wire being cut. This stabilization is crucial for ensuring that the cut is clean and precise, which minimizes the risk of injury to the surrounding tissues and ensures the overall effectiveness of the procedure.

The hemostat also allows the dental assistant or practitioner to maintain better control over the ligature during the cutting process. This control helps prevent the ligature from slipping, which could lead to accidents or improper cuts. Proper technique involves using the hemostat to hold the wire securely, so that when the pigtail is cut, it does not affect the adjacent oral structures.

While other instruments like a scaler, explorer, or forceps have important functions in dental procedures, they do not provide the same level of control and stabilization needed for safely cutting a ligature's pigtail. Each serves a different purpose, but the hemostat is specifically designed for tasks that require a firm grip and manipulation of materials like wires in this context.