What tool is primarily used to clean out the socket after tooth extraction?

The surgical curette is the correct tool for cleaning out the socket after a tooth extraction. This instrument has a spoon-shaped end that allows for effective scraping and cleaning of debris, granulation tissue, and residual alveolar bone from the tooth socket. Properly cleaning the socket is crucial for promoting healing and reducing the risk of infection post-extraction.

In contrast, the root tip pick is used for removing small fragments of tooth roots that may remain after an extraction. The elevator, on the other hand, is primarily used for loosening the tooth from its socket before extraction, while the amalgamator is a device used for mixing dental materials, particularly amalgam for fillings, and is not used in the context of socket cleanup.