Maxillary Extraction Forceps: Types, Numbers and Clinical Uses
Maxillary Extraction Forceps: Types, Numbers and Clinical Uses
Maxillary extraction forceps are dental instruments designed specifically for removing teeth from the upper (maxillary) arch. Their beak geometry, handle angle, and aperture size are engineered to access the upper teeth from below, navigating around the upper lip and engaging tooth crowns and roots with the correct force vectors for safe extraction. Understanding the maxillary forceps range is essential for dental procurement managers building complete extraction instrument inventories.
What Makes Maxillary Forceps Different From Mandibular Forceps?
The upper arch is accessed from below, requiring the forceps handle to be angled so the clinician can grip comfortably while the beaks engage the upper teeth without the handle blocking the line of sight. Most maxillary forceps have relatively straight handles for anterior teeth, progressing to S-curve and bayonet handle configurations for posterior molar access. The beak apertures are matched to the crown and root diameters of specific maxillary tooth groups.
Maxillary Anterior Forceps
Maxillary Forceps No. 1 and No. 150
The No. 1 and No. 150 are the two primary maxillary anterior and premolar forceps. Both have relatively straight handles and parallel, smooth-surfaced beaks. The No. 150 is the most widely used upper arch forceps globally, suitable for maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, and premolars. It is the starting point for any upper extraction kit.
Maxillary Root Tip Forceps No. 10S
The No. 10S has very narrow, tapered beaks designed to engage root tips and retained roots in the upper anterior region that cannot be gripped with standard beak-width forceps. Essential in any extraction kit for managing root fractures.
Maxillary Premolar Forceps
Maxillary Forceps No. 150 and No. 150A
Upper premolars are typically extracted with the No. 150, which provides adequate grip on the smaller premolar crown. For upper first premolars with two roots (buccal and palatal), the No. 150 must be used with a gentle buccal-palatal rocking motion rather than rotation, as rotation risks separating the two roots. The 150A with a wider beak is used when the premolar crown diameter requires a larger aperture.
Maxillary Molar Forceps
Maxillary Forceps No. 53R and 53L (Paired)
Upper molars have three roots -- one palatal and two buccal -- requiring right-specific and left-specific forceps to engage the buccal furcation correctly. The 53R is used for upper right molars and the 53L for upper left molars. The pointed beak tip on the buccal side engages between the two buccal roots, while the smoother palatal beak grips the single palatal root.
Maxillary Forceps No. 88R and 88L
The 88 series uses a bayonet-curved handle to improve posterior access in the upper arch. The beak function is similar to the 53 series. Preferred by clinicians who find the bayonet curvature provides better wrist position during upper molar extraction.
Maxillary Third Molar Forceps
Maxillary Third Molar Forceps No. 18L and 18R
Upper wisdom tooth (third molar) forceps have an extreme bayonet curve and short beaks to reach the distal upper arch. Available as left and right designs. Essential in any oral surgery instrument kit.
Complete Maxillary Forceps Reference Table
| Forceps No. | Target Teeth | Handle Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Upper anteriors and premolars | Straight | General upper use |
| No. 150 | Upper anteriors and premolars | Straight | Most common upper forceps |
| No. 150A | Upper molars (wide crown) | Straight | Wider beak version of 150 |
| No. 10S | Upper root tips | Straight | Very narrow beaks |
| No. 53R | Upper right molars | S-curve | Paired with 53L |
| No. 53L | Upper left molars | S-curve | Paired with 53R |
| No. 88R | Upper right molars | Bayonet | Alternative to 53R |
| No. 88L | Upper left molars | Bayonet | Alternative to 53L |
| No. 18R | Upper right wisdom tooth | Extreme bayonet | Third molar access |
| No. 18L | Upper left wisdom tooth | Extreme bayonet | Third molar access |
Wholesale Maxillary Forceps from Sialkot Pakistan
Pintech Instruments manufactures the full maxillary extraction forceps range in American and English pattern designs. All instruments are forged from AISI 420 stainless steel, available in individual pieces or complete upper arch extraction kit configurations. ISO 13485 certified. CE documentation provided. FOB Sialkot pricing. Minimum order 50 pieces per model.
View our American pattern forceps or English pattern forceps. Request a maxillary extraction kit quote.