Dental Extraction Forceps Numbering Chart

How to Use This Chart

Match the tooth and arch you need to extract to the row in the table, then use the figure column as the supplier reference. If your existing instrument line uses a different pattern system (for example, an English distributor's numbering vs the American figure system), send both the figure and a plain-language tooth description with the enquiry. The "Beak / notes" column flags patterns where the buyer needs to specify additional detail (side, root form, serration) before the supplier can pick the correct beak geometry.

This chart covers the most commonly requested figures across upper anterior, upper premolar, upper molar, lower anterior, lower premolar, lower molar, cowhorn, root, third-molar, and pediatric families. It does not attempt to list every figure ever produced. Where a pattern is not shown, the current stocked equivalent can be quoted by providing the pattern name, target tooth, arch, side, and root form on the enquiry.

When Two Systems Describe the Same Tooth

Different pattern systems (American, English, European) sometimes assign different figures to the same clinical purpose. An upper third molar can be quoted as #210S (American), #67A (European), or under a distributor's own house reference. A lower third molar is #222 in American systems and #79 in European systems. When switching supplier, the reliable purchasing control is the arch, tooth group, and beak profile — the figure is a shortcut, not a definition. If your existing forceps line was built on an English distributor's range, keep the original reference on the enquiry so the supplier can confirm what maps to what.

Side is another common source of mismatched orders. Right (R) and left (L) upper molar forceps are separate figures because the beak seats differently against the buccal and palatal roots of first molars. Ordering "18" without R or L usually produces one side only. For any figure ending in R or L, always list both if a pair is needed, and always name the side even if the supplier is expected to know.

What to Send with a Forceps Enquiry

A quote-ready forceps line names the arch (upper or lower), tooth group (anterior, premolar, molar, third molar, root, pediatric), side where applicable, figure or pattern name, and any serration or beak-form request. For English pattern orders, include the distributor reference. For pediatric orders, include whether the pattern is scaled from the corresponding adult figure or is a distinct pediatric design. For root forceps, note whether the intended use is retained-root retrieval or general root removal — the finer #300 differs from the more general #301.

For a mixed set or a private-label range, list each figure on its own line with the quantity and any handle-finish preference. Do not send "one set of forceps" — every set on the market has a different composition, and receipt of an oversized or undersized set is one of the most common wholesale return reasons in this catalog family.

• Compare upper extraction forceps patterns
• Compare lower extraction forceps patterns
• Compare pediatric extraction forceps patterns
• Compare third molar forceps
• Read the choosing-forceps buying guide