Different Types of Dental Forceps
Hello! Do you want to learn about dental forceps? These are special tools that dentists use to take out teeth. Let’s learn about them!
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Forceps?
Dental forceps are tools that help dentists pull out teeth. They look like big tweezers. They have handles for the dentist to hold and beaks that grab the tooth.
Good forceps help:
- Keep your bone safe
- Make pulling teeth hurt less
- Help the dentist work better
Big Groups of Dental Forceps
Forceps for Top Teeth vs. Bottom Teeth
1. Maxillary Forceps
These are for top teeth. They have curved beaks to fit your top teeth better. Some kinds are:
- #150A for front teeth on top
- Ones for back teeth on top
2. Mandibular Forceps
These are for bottom teeth. They hold your bottom teeth in a flat way. Some kinds are:
- #23 for front teeth on bottom
- #87 and cowhorn forceps for back teeth
If a dentist used the wrong ones, it could hurt more! The Custom Hard Night Guard can help protect your teeth after some procedures.
How They Are Made
1. American Pattern
- Has a hinge in the middle
- Has wide blades for teeth with many roots
2. English Pattern
- Has a screw type hinge
- Gives more control when pulling teeth
Special Kinds of Forceps
1. Cowhorn Forceps
Cowhorn forceps look like the horns of a cow. They help pull bottom back teeth that have roots stuck together.
2. Root-Tip Forceps
These have thin tips to grab small pieces of tooth roots that break off.
3. Pediatric Forceps
These are smaller and softer for kids’ teeth. They don’t hurt as much.
Just like we need Custom Sports Mouth Guards to protect teeth during sports, dentists need the right forceps to protect your mouth during extractions.
What Makes a Good Forceps
Beak Shape
Some are curved. Some are straight. Some are round at the end. Some are triangle shaped.
Handle Feel
Good forceps have:
- Cross lines to help grip
- T-bars or ball joints to hold better
What They’re Made Of
Most are made of stainless steel because it:
- Stays clean
- Lasts a long time
- Won’t rust
Some brands that make good ones: ProDentUSA, Hu-Friedy®, and Henry Schein.
How to Use Bottom Teeth Forceps
Step 1: Look at the Tooth
The dentist takes an X-ray to see if the tooth needs to come out.
Step 2: Pick the Right Forceps
For lower back teeth, they might use #17 forceps.
Step 3: How to Pull the Tooth
- Push down toward the root
- Move side to side slowly
- Pull up when the tooth is loose
Step 4: After the Tooth Comes Out
Keep the hole clean where the tooth was.
The right forceps, like our Hard Soft Night Guard, can make a big difference in comfort.
Big Mistakes to Not Make
- Using top teeth forceps on bottom teeth
- Twisting too hard and breaking roots
- Not cleaning the tools right
Numbers About Forceps
| What We Measured | Physics Forceps | Old Kind of Forceps |
|---|---|---|
| How long it takes | 3.5 minutes | 5.2 minutes |
| Pain after | 12% of people | 28% of people |
| Keeps bone good | 88% of the time | 72% of the time |
| Breaks roots | 6% of the time | 18% of the time |
Special Forceps Uses
| Kind of Forceps | What They’re Used For | Why They’re Good |
|---|---|---|
| Cowhorn (#23, #16) | Bottom back teeth with stuck roots | Less breaking |
| Root-Tip (#301) | Small pieces of roots left behind | Thin tips to grab small parts |
| Pediatric (#151S) | Kids’ teeth | Less hurt, fit small hands |
What Experts Say
- For bottom teeth: Use cowhorn or Physics Forceps
- For less pain: Use English pattern forceps
- Clean with hot steam after each use
Questions People Ask
1. What’s the difference between American and English forceps?
American ones have a hinge in the middle. English ones have a screw. The English kind gives more control.
2. Can cowhorn forceps hurt bone?
Yes, if not used right. The dentist needs to know how to use them well.
3. How often should forceps be replaced?
Check for worn out parts. Good brands like Henry Schein last longer.
In the End
The right dental forceps make pulling teeth better. Dentists pick them based on:
- What tooth needs to come out
- How many roots it has
- Where it is in your mouth
For your dental care after extractions, consider our Soft Night Guard to protect your remaining teeth.
