Grip and Control: A History of Forceps

Upper Central Extraction Forceps (Catalogue Number: 004)

Amongst the artefacts in the collection lie an array of cold, steel extraction forceps. At first glance, this collection of forceps would deceive anyone into thinking they are antiques. However, these forceps haven’t gone out of style to this day! On the contrary, they are still highly valuable instruments in modern dentistry. While some medical and dental tools have changed significantly over the last century, the dental extraction forceps remain almost the same. These forceps were introduced with intimate respect to biomechanics, the dentists’ hands (and their ability to manipulate force), and the highly detailed anatomy of the patient’s teeth and jaw. 

To the untrained eye, dental forceps may seem like a one-size-fits-all pliers - but in reality, it is quite the opposite! Forceps are crafted to follow the unique curvature of the crown and root, and the resistance of individual teeth. The sharp-edged incisors, the broad-ridged molars, and the pointy-edged canines will differ in their resistance against extraction because of their different angulations and anchorages (that is how they are embedded differently in the bone of the jaws). The uniqueness of teeth makes the process of pulling out a tooth something like solving a unique anatomical puzzle. Because of this, each pair of forceps is crafted to mirror the anatomy of its designated tooth. We often see forceps with delicate beaks for incisors and broader more curved beaks for multi-rooted teeth, such as molars and premolars. Also, because the same tooth will differ in anatomy from left to right, forceps are also manufactured in mirroring pairs, for right teeth and left teeth of the same jaw!

As a thoughtful response to the needs of the human hands using forceps, the beaks even differ even for upper jaws and lower jaws. This allows the dentist to firmly grip on the tooth with minimal strain. Beaks of upper forceps are typically aligned with their handles, or with minimal angulation, allowing the dentist to approach the upper teeth directly. On the other hand, beaks of lower forceps are constructed at sharply downward angles. This allows the dentist to apply force from above, avoiding the awkward position of the wrist that will strain both the dentist and the patient. 

These specially designed forceps inform the entire experience of extraction. Use od5f the correct forceps means that force is applied more efficiently, visibility is more easily maintained, and control and comfort are at a good level for both the dentist and the patient. 

You can find forceps from a range of time periods in our collections including hookbill extraction forceps from the sixteenth century, through to twentieth-century forceps sets. We even have forceps designed specifically for children!