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References

Abdelwahab M, Nørholt SE, Taneja P The efficacy of physics forceps for exodontia: a systematic review. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021; 79 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2020.12.033
Dentistry -Extraction forceps – Part 1: General requirements. 2022; https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#!iso:std:65160:en
Told R, Marada G, Rendeki S Manufacturing a first upper molar dental forceps using continuous fiber reinforcement (CFR) additive manufacturing technology with carbon-reinforced polyamide. Polymers (Basel). 2021; 13 https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162647
Rehal S, Shoker P The battle of the lower molar extraction forceps: cowhorn versus eagle beak. Dent Update. 2020; 47:972-973
Napier JR The prehensile movements of the human hand. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1956; 38-B:(4)902-913 https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.38B4.902
Ashcroft G, Pawsey PM The extraction of adult teeth. The Dental Practitioner and Dental Record. 1957; 7:330-334
Berkowitz BKB Mouth. In: Standring S (ed.).: Elsevier; 2021

Technique tips

From Volume 50, Issue 2, February 2023 | Pages 147-149

Authors

Carla Fleming

BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng)

Dip Con Sed, Consultant Senior Lecturer in Oral Surgery, Bristol Dental Hospital

Articles by Carla Fleming

Laura Collins

BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), Dip TLHP

Speciality Registrar in Oral Surgery, Royal London Hospital

Articles by Laura Collins

Email Laura Collins

Christopher Bell

BDS, MSc, FDSRCS (Eng)

Senior Clinical Lecturer, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK

Articles by Christopher Bell

Mark Gormley

BDS (Hons), MMEd, MSt, MFDS, MOral Surg, FHEA FDS(OS), RCS Ed

Consultant Senior Lecturer in Oral Surgery, Bristol Dental Hospital

Articles by Mark Gormley

Article

Dental extractions are the most common surgical intervention and are an essential skill for general dental practitioners. Forceps have existed for centuries and their design has varied little in this time. However, subtle differences between forceps can have a significant influence on the success of dental extractions. This article reviews conventional dental forcep anatomy and discusses the factors of material, handles, hinges and beaks, which need consideration when choosing forceps for dental extractions.

Forceps have been used to extract teeth for centuries. The word ‘forcep’ is derived from the terms ‘formus’ meaning ‘warm’ and ‘-cep’ meaning ‘taker’, relating to their original use of holding hot food on a stove. The effectiveness of a good dental forcep must not be underestimated and appropriate selection can significantly influence whether a tooth is removed intact during an extraction procedure.

Contemporary forcep designs, such as physics forceps, have yet to be proven as being less traumatic for dental extractions1 and so, conventional dental forceps are still used widely for extractions of teeth and roots in humans. This article reviews conventional dental forcep anatomy and discusses material, handles, hinges and beaks, factors that need consideration when choosing forceps for dental extractions.

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