How to Identify Dental Extraction Instruments

Dentistry is a popular career choice today, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dentists use many instruments in their profession. Among the most confusing to identify are extraction instruments. There are different forceps, for example, for each type of tooth. However, with the right resources, it is possible to tell the different ones apart.

Things You'll Need

• A dental assistant instrument guide book

Instructions

1. Choose an instrument, and decide which type of extraction instrument it is. It should be either a pair of forceps or an elevator. Forceps will have two handles and look almost like a pair of pliers, with a "beak" that closes. An elevator is a single shaft, thicker than examination tools, with one or two ends. It could also be a thick shaft with one thin end, known as a root pick.

2. Examine the instrument you chose. Notice everything you can about it. Does the beak close completely, or is the tip of the elevator curved or straight, narrow or wide? Find the number that should be printed on it toward the bottom of the shaft or handles. These numbers are used to identify the type and size of instruments used by dentists in the extraction process.

3. Look through your reference book for the section on forceps or elevators, whichever is appropriate for the tool you've chosen. This can be found in the index or table of contents of the book.

4. Find the reference to the number you've found. This can also be found in the index or the table of contents under the heading for the type of instrument you've chosen. There will usually be a picture along with the description, as most forceps have different suction and hollow parts in the "beak" depending on which tooth it is meant to pull. There are upper canine, upper left molar, upper wisdom tooth, root, upper universals, etc., kinds of forceps. With the elevators there are also several kinds, narrow and wide, root tip picks, etc.

5. Study the instrument and compare it to the picture in your reference book to ensure you have the right one. Notice all features of this particular instrument, including the hollow parts in the beak and whether the beak closes fully or stays open slightly. Read and re-read which tooth or teeth a particular instrument is meant for. This is the same for the elevators and root picks.

6. Repeat steps one through five with another instrument. Be sure to note what you are seeing and reading so you will be able to identify these instruments in the future. Repeat this process with each of the instruments you have in front of you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a dental student and just can't seem to tell these instruments apart from one time to the next, ask your professor or classmates for help to retain the information.

References

• Dental Instrument Guide
• Dental Instruments