How to Choose the Right Dental Extraction Forceps: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right dental extraction forceps is one of the most important decisions in everyday oral surgery. The correct beak shape grips the tooth securely, follows its anatomy, and lets you deliver controlled force with less trauma to the surrounding bone and soft tissue. This guide breaks down how forceps are organised, how to read figure numbers, and how to build a set that covers your daily caseload.

Why forceps selection matters

Every tooth has a different root form, crown shape, and position in the arch. Forceps are designed so the beaks adapt to that anatomy — engaging the root surface below the crown for a stable, two-point grip. Using a forceps that matches the tooth means a more secure hold, fewer crown fractures, and a cleaner extraction. Using the wrong one increases the risk of slipping, root fracture, and bone damage.

Understanding figure numbers

Extraction forceps are identified by traditional “figure” numbers (Fig. 1, Fig. 17, Fig. 79, and so on). Each figure corresponds to a specific tooth group and arch:

• Upper anteriors & canines — straight patterns such as Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
• Upper premolars — patterns such as Fig. 7 and the small Fig. 111.
• Upper molars (left/right) — anatomically paired patterns such as Fig. 17, Fig. 18, and Fig. 18A.
• Lower molars — patterns such as Fig. 21, Fig. 22, and the left/right Fig. 22L and Fig. 22R.
• Roots & fragments — fine-beak patterns such as Fig. 51, Fig. 33, and the small root patterns.
• Wisdom teeth / third molars — specialised patterns such as Fig. 67 (upper) and Fig. 79 (lower).

You can browse all of these by figure number in our Tooth Extraction Forceps collection.

Upper vs. lower forceps

Upper (maxillary) forceps generally have beaks roughly in line with the handles, while lower (mandibular) forceps have beaks set at an angle to the handles so they can reach down into the lower arch. Matching the right upper or lower pattern to the tooth makes the application path far more comfortable and controlled.

Don’t forget root fragments

Retained roots and small fragments need fine-tipped forceps that can reach into the socket. Pattern such as Fig. 51 (upper roots) and the small root forceps are built for exactly this. For broken-down or difficult roots, pairing fine forceps with a dedicated elevator makes the procedure smoother — explore our Root Elevators and Luxators to complete your extraction kit.

Material and build quality

Look for forging in surgical-grade stainless steel, well-defined serrations inside the beaks for grip, and a balanced, comfortable handle. Quality forceps hold their shape and edge through repeated autoclave cycles — a real cost saving over time compared with instruments that wear out quickly.

Building a starter set

A solid general-practice set usually covers: upper anteriors, upper premolars, upper left and right molars, lower incisors/canines, lower premolars, lower molars, plus a pair of upper and lower root forceps. From there you can add wisdom-tooth and specialist patterns as your caseload grows.

Shop the range

At Dental Expert we stock a complete range of extraction forceps by figure number, all in autoclavable surgical stainless steel. Browse the full Tooth Extraction Forceps collection, or explore everything in our full instrument catalogue to equip your clinic in one place.