A Guide to Dental Extraction Forceps: Choosing the Right Set

Extraction forceps are designed around the anatomy of the tooth they are meant to remove, which is why a general dental practice typically needs several patterns rather than a single universal design.

Upper vs Lower Forceps

Upper forceps generally have a straight handle that lines up with the vertical axis of the maxillary arch, while lower forceps use an angled beak to reach the mandibular arch comfortably.

Root vs Crown Forceps

Root forceps have narrower, pointed beaks for grasping root fragments, while crown forceps have wider beaks shaped to fit around an intact crown.

Building a Starter Set

A well-rounded starter set typically includes upper universal forceps, lower universal forceps, upper root forceps, and a cowhorn forceps for lower molars. From there, additional patterns can be added based on the case mix your practice sees most often.