5-25
- TOOTH EXTRACTION
a. This section describes only one extraction technique. Although many types of extraction forceps are
manufactured, the removal of any erupted tooth can usually be done with one of two instruments: The
Maxillary Universal Forceps (150) or the Mandibular Universal Forceps (151).
b. Technique.
- Break the attachment of the gingival tissue to the tooth by forcing a blunt instrument (Periosteal
Elevator, Woodson Plastic Instrument, etc.) into the crevice between the tooth and the gingiva,
all the way around the tooth. The tooth-tissue attachment should be broken to the level of the
alveolar bone.
- Use the free hand to guide the beaks of the forceps under the gingival margin on the facial and
lingual aspects of the tooth and to support the alveolar process. Apply pressure toward the root of
the tooth to force the tips of the forceps as far down on the root as possible.
- To loosen teeth with more than one root (molars and upper first bicuspids): slowly rock the tooth
with progressively increasing traction in a facial-lingual direction. To loosen single-rooted teeth
combine this rocking motion with rotation. (see Figure 5-7)
- When the tooth is loose, deliver it by exerting gentle traction. Note the direction in which the
tooth moves most easily and follow this path for delivery.
- Inspect the extracted tooth to determine if the roots have been fractured.
- After the extraction, compress the sides of the empty socket (this repositions the bone that has
1 root
1 root
3 roots
2 roots
1 or 2
roots
Figure 5- 7
Associated Roots