Extraction Forceps: Which Forceps for Which Tooth?
There is a suitable extraction forceps for every group of teeth. Upper and lower jaw, anterior teeth, premolars, molars and root remnants each place different demands on beak shape, angulation and handle. Once you know the design principles, you can identify a dental forceps at a glance and put together your instrument set in a targeted way. This guide gives an overview of dental forceps: how to tell upper and lower forceps apart, which forceps is intended for which tooth, what distinguishes root, bayonet and deciduous tooth forceps, and which figure numbers are common.
Key points at a glance
- An extraction forceps consists of beaks, joint and handles. The shape of the beaks matches the cross-section of the tooth root on which the forceps is placed.
- Upper forceps are straight, slightly curved or S-shaped; on lower forceps the beaks are sharply angled, up to a right angle to the handles.
- Upper molar forceps come in right and left versions: the pointed beak of one jaw faces buccally towards the cheek.
- Root forceps have narrow, tightly closing beaks; bayonet forceps are angled twice and reach the posterior maxilla.
- Deciduous tooth forceps are smaller and shorter than forceps for the permanent dentition.
- Figure numbers (e.g. Fig. 13, 17, 18, 67, 79) are common catalogue designations, but they are not identical across all manufacturers.
Anatomy of a dental forceps
Every dental forceps has three parts: the beaks, the joint (hinge) and the handles. The beaks are hollowed on the inside and grip the root below the crown. This transfers the force via the root rather than via the fracture-prone crown. The width of the beaks depends on the root cross-section: narrow for anterior teeth and root remnants, wider for premolars, widest for multi-rooted molars.
Two design patterns are distinguished: the English Pattern and the American Pattern. With the English Pattern, the fulcrum is closer to the working end, which gives more leverage. Lower forceps in the English Pattern often have beaks at a right angle to the plane of the handles. Because of this shape they are also known as hawksbill forceps.
Upper or lower jaw? How to tell the difference
The most important identifying feature is the angle between beaks and handles.
- Upper forceps: Beaks and handles are almost in line. Forceps for upper anterior teeth are straight. For premolars and molars they are slightly curved or S-shaped, so the hand stays in front of the mouth and the beaks are applied along the tooth axis.
- Lower forceps: The beaks are sharply angled downwards, often almost at a right angle. This allows the forceps to be placed on the lower teeth from above.
A second rule concerns the upper molars. They have two buccal roots and one palatal root. Their forceps are therefore not symmetrical: one beak has a pointed tip that engages between the two buccal roots, the other is rounded for the palatal root. The pointed beak always faces the cheek, which means there is a separate forceps for the right and the left side. Lower molars have one mesial and one distal root; their forceps have a pointed tip on both beaks and can be used on both sides.
Which forceps for which tooth?
Anterior teeth
For upper incisors and canines, use straight forceps with narrow, rounded beaks, for example Figure 1 for central incisors and canines or Figure 2 for lateral incisors. In the lower jaw, anterior and premolar forceps are often combined; here the beaks are narrow and sharply angled.
Premolars
Upper premolars are extracted with slightly curved or S-shaped forceps. A common universal design for upper anterior teeth, premolars and roots is the extraction forceps Figure 7. For lower premolars, the extraction forceps Figure 13 is a standard.
Molars
Upper molar forceps come in pairs: Figure 17 is intended for the right side, Figure 18 for the left side. For lower molars, forceps with two pointed beaks are common, such as the extraction forceps Figure 22. A special design is the cowhorn forceps (Figure 86/87): its pointed, horn-shaped beaks engage the furcation of lower molars.
Wisdom teeth
For upper wisdom teeth there are forceps with a bayonet shape, such as the extraction forceps Figure 67. For lower wisdom teeth, Figure 79 is a common design (extraction forceps Figure 79).
Root forceps and bayonet forceps
Root forceps grip root remnants and fractured teeth. Their beaks are narrow and close tightly so that they hold even small fragments securely. For upper roots, Figure 51 is common; for lower roots, Figure 33. Root forceps complement root elevators, which are used to loosen root remnants beforehand.
Bayonet forceps are angled twice between beaks and handles. This lets them reach the posterior maxilla even when the patient can only open the mouth to a limited extent. They are used mainly for upper wisdom teeth and upper root remnants.
Deciduous tooth forceps (English Pattern)
Deciduous teeth are smaller, their roots are shorter, and a child's mouth offers less space. Deciduous tooth forceps, also called paediatric forceps, are therefore smaller, with short handles and narrow beaks. The principle is the same as for the permanent dentition: there are separate designs for upper and lower incisors, premolars or primary molars, and roots. In our shop you will find, for example, the English Pattern extraction forceps for lower incisors, deciduous dentition and the English Pattern extraction forceps for lower molars, deciduous dentition.
Chart: tooth → forceps type
| Tooth / situation | Forceps type | Typical figure |
|---|---|---|
| Upper central incisors and canines | Straight anterior forceps | Fig. 1 |
| Upper lateral incisors | Straight, narrow anterior forceps | Fig. 2 |
| Upper anteriors, premolars and roots | Slightly curved universal forceps | Fig. 7 |
| Upper molars right / left | S-shaped molar forceps, pointed beak buccal | Fig. 17 / Fig. 18 |
| Upper wisdom teeth | Bayonet forceps | Fig. 67 |
| Upper root remnants | Root forceps, narrow beaks | Fig. 51 |
| Lower premolars | Angled premolar forceps | Fig. 13 |
| Lower molars | Molar forceps with two pointed beaks | Fig. 22 |
| Lower molars (furcation) | Cowhorn forceps | Fig. 86 / 87 |
| Lower wisdom teeth | Wisdom tooth forceps | Fig. 79 |
| Lower root remnants | Root forceps, right-angled | Fig. 33 |
| Deciduous teeth | Deciduous tooth forceps (small) | Varies by manufacturer |
Figure numbers come from catalogue systems that have evolved over time. For some numbers, manufacturers differ. Always check the indication in the product description before buying. You will find all models in our dental forceps category; a complete range is offered by the English Pattern extraction forceps set of 10.
Caring for extraction forceps
Dental forceps are cleaned, disinfected, inspected and sterilised after every use. Pay particular attention to the joint: residues collect here, and it should move freely after cleaning. Also check the beaks for bending and wear, because only beaks that close precisely will grip securely. Read more in our guide to instrument care and reprocessing.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a dental forceps is for the upper or the lower jaw?
By the angle: on upper forceps, beaks and handles are almost in line or slightly S-shaped. On lower forceps, the beaks are sharply angled, often almost at a right angle to the handles.
Why are there right and left forceps for upper molars?
Upper molars have two buccal roots and one palatal root. The buccal beak has a pointed tip that engages between the buccal roots. Since this beak must always face the cheek, each side needs its own forceps.
What is a bayonet forceps?
A forceps that is angled twice between beaks and handles. It reaches teeth and roots in the posterior maxilla, especially upper wisdom teeth, even with limited mouth opening.
What does English Pattern mean for dental forceps?
English Pattern refers to a design in which the fulcrum is closer to the working end. This improves leverage. Lower forceps of this design often have beaks at a right angle.
Which forceps is used for root remnants?
Root forceps with narrow, tightly closing beaks – often bayonet-shaped in the upper jaw and sharply angled in the lower jaw. The root is often loosened beforehand with a root elevator.
What is the difference between deciduous tooth forceps and standard extraction forceps?
Deciduous tooth forceps are smaller, with shorter handles and narrower beaks. They are adapted to the smaller teeth and the smaller mouth opening of children.