Dental Extraction Forceps Numbers Guide: Which Forceps for Which Tooth
American-pattern extraction forceps are identified by number, and each number is engineered for specific teeth — beak anatomy, hinge angle, and handle geometry all follow the tooth being extracted. This guide is a complete reference: it maps every common forceps number to its teeth, gives a quick 'which forceps for which tooth' lookup, covers the American vs. English (Ash) pattern split, and links each number to its German-made Helmut Zepf version — every forceps covered by our lifetime warranty.
Complete Extraction Forceps Numbers Chart
Upper (Maxillary) Forceps
| Number | Teeth | Design notes |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Upper central & lateral incisors and canines | Straight beaks meeting the long axis of anterior teeth; the classic upper anterior forceps |
| #150 | Upper incisors, canines, premolars and roots | The upper universal — S-curved beaks; Zepf's Cryer line adds diamond-coated, #150-A premolar and #150-AB variants |
| #10-S | Upper molars | Universal upper molar pattern with a rounded palatal beak and pointed buccal beak |
| #53-L / R | Upper first & second molars (left / right) | Side-specific — pointed buccal beak seats the two buccal roots, rounded palatal beak the single palatal root |
| #88-L / R | Upper first & second molars (left / right) | Nevius pattern — longer, more pointed buccal beak for deeper buccal-furcation engagement |
| #18-L / R | Upper molars (left / right) | Harris pattern side-specific upper molar forceps |
| #210-S | Upper third molars (wisdom teeth) | Beak angulation and offset built for posterior maxillary access |
| #64 / #65 | Upper incisors, roots and fragments | Fine bayonet-style beaks for retained upper roots and root tips |
Lower (Mandibular) Forceps
| Number | Teeth | Design notes |
|---|---|---|
| #151 | Lower incisors, canines, premolars and roots | The lower universal — beaks angled downward for mandibular access; Cryer line adds diamond-coated, #151-A and pediatric variants |
| #23 Cowhorn | Lower first & second molars | #23 'Cowhorn' — pointed beaks seat into the root bifurcation, converting grip force into elevating force |
| #17 | Lower molars (either side) | Right-angle beaks with matching bilateral points for routine lower molar removal |
| #217 | Lower molars | Alternative lower molar pattern with a broader beak profile |
| #222 | Lower third molars (wisdom teeth) | Short-handle, sharply angled beaks for posterior mandibular access |
Roots, Universal & Pediatric
| Number | Teeth | Design notes |
|---|---|---|
| #69 Tomes | Upper and lower roots and fragments | Tomes pattern — narrow serrated beaks that reach retained roots in either arch |
| Root Tip | Fractured roots and subcrestal fragments | RESCUE-LINE — anatomically curved fine beaks that grip fragments conventional forceps cannot |
| #101 Hull | Deciduous (primary) teeth | Hull pattern scaled for primary dentition |
| #150-S / AS | Primary upper teeth | #150-S / #150-AS — scaled beaks and handles for children and smaller mouths |
| #151-S / AS | Primary lower teeth | #151-S / #151-AS — pediatric lower universal |
English (Ash) Pattern
English (Ash) pattern forceps use straighter handles gripped in a different working position, and are numbered by the English system. Zepf carries the most-used English patterns, including Roba-Edition and Xcision-Line versions:
| Number | Teeth | Design notes |
|---|---|---|
| #36 | Lower incisors and premolars | Far-reaching special beaks (#36, #36M, #36N variants) |
| #13 | Lower premolars | English premolar pattern; available diamond-coated and exLOG |
| #22 | Lower molars and wisdom teeth | English lower molar pattern; deep parallel-grip exLOG versions available |
| #74 | Lower roots | Fine English root forceps for retained mandibular roots |
| #33 | Children (pediatric) | Roba-design English pattern for primary teeth |
Which Forceps for Which Tooth (Quick Reference)
| Tooth | Upper (maxillary) | Lower (mandibular) |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors & canines | #1, #150 | #151, #36 |
| Premolars | #150 (#150-A) | #151, #13 |
| First & second molars | #53, #88, #18, #10-S | #17, #23 cowhorn, #217, #22 |
| Third molars (wisdom) | #210-S | #222 |
| Roots & fragments | #65, #69 | #69, #74, RESCUE-LINE |
| Primary (deciduous) teeth | #150-S, #101 | #151-S, #33 |
Beyond the Standard Numbers: ZEPF Innovation Lines
Zepf extends the classic patterns with purpose-built designs: the Xcision-Line® (also in sets) with beak geometry optimized for atraumatic technique, and the exLOG® + Roba Edition engineered for vertical extraction force along the long axis — the forceps expression of the socket-preservation philosophy behind the Benex® Extraction System. Browse the complete Dental Extraction Forceps & Tools collection, or the full American Pattern range.
Forceps Are Half the Story
Every extraction starts before the forceps: luxation and elevation determine how atraumatic the delivery is. See the companion Dental Elevator Types Guide for straight, apical, periosteal, and periotome selection — including the best-selling X-Tool Das Original! root tip elevator system. Reprocessing parameters for forceps are in the Surgical Instrument Sterilization Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 150 and 151 forceps?
The #150 is the upper (maxillary) universal for incisors, canines, premolars, and roots; the #151 is its lower (mandibular) counterpart with beaks angled for mandibular access. Together they cover the majority of routine extractions.
Which forceps are used for upper molars?
Side-specific molar forceps: the #53 (left/right), #88 Nevius (left/right), and #18 Harris are the common upper molar patterns, with the #10-S as a universal option. The pointed buccal beak engages the two buccal roots and the rounded palatal beak the single palatal root.
Which forceps are used for lower molars?
The #17 (bilateral, either side) and the #23 cowhorn are the standard lower molar forceps; the #217 is an alternative pattern, and the English #22 covers lower molars and wisdom teeth. Cowhorn beaks seat into the root bifurcation to elevate the tooth.
What forceps are used for wisdom tooth extraction?
For upper third molars, the #210-S is designed for posterior maxillary access; for lower third molars, the #222 (short handle, angled beaks) and the English #22 are used. Impacted third molars often require surgical elevation before a forceps is applied.
What are cowhorn forceps used for?
Lower molars. The pointed #23 beaks seat into the bifurcation between the two roots, and squeezing the handles converts grip force into an elevating force that lifts the tooth from its socket.
Which forceps extract primary (baby) teeth?
Pediatric patterns: the #150-S / #150-AS for upper primary teeth, the #151-S / #151-AS for lower primary teeth, and the Hull #101 or English #33 for deciduous dentition — all scaled down for children and smaller mouths.
How do I identify an extraction forceps?
Read three things: the arch (upper beaks meet the handle nearly in line; lower beaks are set at roughly a right angle), the beak tips (rounded for single-rooted teeth, pointed for multi-rooted molars), and any left/right marking. The number stamped on the joint or handle then tells you the exact pattern — use the chart above to confirm the teeth.
What is the difference between American and English (Ash) pattern forceps?
Beak-to-handle geometry and grip position. American-pattern forceps are held palm-up or palm-down depending on arch with curved handles; Ash-pattern forceps use straighter handles in a different working grip. Tooth coverage is equivalent — the choice follows training.
Do extraction forceps come with a warranty?
Every Helmut Zepf extraction forceps we sell carries a lifetime warranty — German-forged surgical stainless steel, made in Seitingen-Oberflacht since 1921.
