Surgical Scissors in Dentistry: Types, Patterns and Selection

More than one pair on the tray

Surgical scissors handle several jobs in dentistry — cutting and dissecting soft tissue, trimming gingiva and cutting sutures. Using the right pattern for each task protects tissue, keeps edges sharp and makes procedures smoother.

Tissue and dissecting scissors

• Iris scissors — small, fine and sharp, for delicate soft-tissue work and precise cutting.
• Metzenbaum scissors — longer and slimmer with blunt tips, designed for dissecting and cutting deeper soft tissue.
• Mayo scissors — heavier, for tougher tissue and cutting sutures.

Gingival scissors

• Goldman-Fox scissors — fine gingival scissors, often with a serrated edge, for trimming soft tissue.
• LaGrange scissors — double-curved (S-shaped) blades that improve access for gingival contouring.
• Dean scissors — angled, often serrated blades for cutting gingiva and sutures.

Suture scissors

Dedicated suture scissors keep your fine tissue scissors sharp by taking the wear of cutting suture material. Many have a blunt tip to avoid nicking tissue.

Blade shape and tips

• Straight vs curved — straight blades for direct cutting, curved blades for access and following contours.
• Tip configuration — sharp/sharp, sharp/blunt or blunt/blunt, chosen by how close to delicate structures you are working.
• Serrated edge — one serrated blade grips tissue and reduces slipping during a cut.

Tungsten carbide options

Scissors with tungsten carbide (TC) cutting inserts — identified by gold-coloured handles — hold a sharp edge far longer than standard stainless steel and can be re-sharpened, making them a worthwhile investment for high-volume use.

Material and care

Standard scissors are made from autoclavable surgical stainless steel. Cut only the materials each pair is designed for, keep pivots clean and lubricated, and sterilise between patients. Test sharpness regularly — tissue scissors that crush rather than cut should be re-sharpened or replaced.

Dental Expert supplies Iris, Metzenbaum, Goldman-Fox, LaGrange and other surgical scissors, including tungsten carbide options, to clinics across Italy and Europe.