Gordon-type universal dental forceps and dental elevator, London, England, 1850-1880
Aside from the fingers, dental forceps are the oldest instruments used for tooth pulling. A dental elevator is used to loosen the tooth before it is removed, or to remove small parts of the tooth and roots that cannot be gripped by the forceps. The forceps and elevator are made from steel and have ebony handles. The handles of the forceps are textured to improve grip.
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Glossary: dental elevator
A dental instrument used to remove teeth or parts of teeth that cannot be gripped with forceps or to loosen teeth and roots before using dental forceps.
Glossary: dental forceps
Forceps used specifically to remove teeth.
Glossary: tooth pulling
The removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are also routinely performed.
The study, treatment and management of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, gums, teeth and their supporting tissues.