Dental Extraction Forceps Numbering Chart
Extraction forceps figure numbers vary between manufacturers and regional pattern systems. Use this chart as a purchasing reference, then confirm the exact manufacturer, arch, tooth group, side and beak against the proposed product. It is not a clinical selection protocol or evidence that identically numbered instruments are interchangeable.
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- A complete forceps introduces arch, tooth group, side and pattern as parts of its reference.
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- The forceps reference
What to Know Before Comparing Products
- A figure number is a purchasing reference, not a guarantee of interchangeability between manufacturers.
- Always send the arch, tooth group, and side alongside the figure — especially for lower-molar and third-molar patterns.
- Right and left upper molar forceps are separate figures (typically 18R and 18L, 53R and 53L) — always name the side.
- European figure systems (67A, 79, 222) and American figure systems (#150, #151, 210S) can describe similar teeth using different numbers.
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.
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- A forceps head accompanies the four reference checks: pattern system, full figure, anatomy and beak geometry.
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- Reading the full reference PATTERN SYSTEM Manufacturer’s range FULL FIGURE Prefix, number, suffix ANATOMY Arch, tooth group, side BEAK GEOMETRY Exact working end
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.
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- Close-up forceps photograph identifies the beak and joint as separate inspection points.
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- Beak & joint BEAK PROFILE Shape and angle JOINT Alignment and movement Arch, tooth group, side and pattern Figure numbers vary between manufacturers.
What to Send with a Forceps Enquiry
A quote-ready forceps line names the arch, tooth group, side where applicable, manufacturer reference and required beak or serration details. Include the original catalog reference when changing suppliers. The cited F300 and F301 examples distinguish upper-root from lower-root patterns; neither number alone establishes equivalence across manufacturers.
For a mixed set or a private-label range, list each figure, quantity and finish on its own line. Keep the approved component schedule with the order so the received set can be checked against the same list.
Common dental extraction forceps figures
Figure references are ordering aids. Blade dimensions, shank, and handle vary between manufacturers — approve a sample before standardizing an OEM range.
| Figure | Arch | Tooth group | Beak / notes | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Upper | Anterior (incisor, canine) | Straight beaks, general upper anterior use | American |
| #99A / #99C | Upper | Anterior | Anatomically contoured upper anterior beak | American |
| #150 | Upper | Universal (anterior to premolar) | Universal upper "cryer-style" — one of the most familiar general-purpose upper patterns | American |
| #150S | Upper | Universal — pediatric primary | Pediatric proportions of #150 | American |
| #150A | Upper | Premolar | Anatomically contoured universal for premolar use | American |
| #151 | Lower | Universal (anterior to premolar) | The mandibular counterpart to #150 — universal lower general-purpose | American |
| #151S | Lower | Universal — pediatric primary | Pediatric proportions of #151 | American |
| #151A | Lower | Premolar | Anatomically contoured universal for lower premolar | American |
| #74 / #74N | Lower | Anterior (incisor, canine) | Narrow beaks for slender lower-anterior roots | American / English |
| #88R and #88L | Upper | Molar (first molar) | Side-specific — anatomically contoured for right and left upper first molars | American |
| #89 and #90 | Upper | Molar (second molar) | Right (#89) and left (#90) upper second molar patterns | American |
| #18R and #18L | Upper | Molar | Right and left upper molar with pointed buccal beak for furcation engagement | American |
| #53R and #53L | Upper | Molar | Right and left upper molar with anatomical beaks | American |
| #210S | Upper | Third molar (wisdom) | Straight-handled upper third-molar pattern | American |
| #67A | Upper | Third molar | European-style upper third molar with steeper handle-to-beak angle | European |
| #65 | Upper | Root | Fine narrow beaks for upper root tips | American |
| #286 | Upper | Root — bayonet | Bayonet-shaped shank for upper posterior root access | American |
| #16 | Lower | Molar (cowhorn) | Opposing pointed beaks engage the furcation of lower molars | American cowhorn |
| #17 | Lower | Molar (first or second) | Anatomically contoured lower molar universal | American |
| #23 | Lower | Molar (cowhorn — heavier) | Heavier cowhorn pattern for lower molars with furcation involvement | American |
| #222 | Lower | Third molar | Lower third-molar pattern with angled handles for posterior access | American |
| #79 | Lower | Third molar | European-style lower third-molar pattern | European |
| #40 | Lower | Molar / cowhorn — pediatric | Pediatric proportions | American |
| #300 | Upper | Roots | HuFriedy F300: serrated upper-root reference; confirm the proposed supplier SKU | Manufacturer-specific reference |
| #301 | Lower | Roots | HuFriedy F301: curved, serrated lower-root reference; confirm the proposed supplier SKU | Manufacturer-specific reference |
| #3C / #79C | Pediatric | Root — primary | Fine pediatric root patterns | American |
| #39 | Upper | Molar — pediatric | Pediatric upper molar | American |
| #4C | Upper | Molar — pediatric | Compact side-specific pediatric upper molar | American |
| #1C | Lower | Anterior — pediatric | Compact pediatric lower anterior | American |
| #16S / #23K | Lower | Molar / cowhorn — pediatric | Pediatric-scaled lower molar and cowhorn patterns | American |
What Can Be Confirmed Before You Order
We hold ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification. Request the certificate and its covered organization, site, scope and validity details before ordering. This management-system certification is not a blanket product or destination-market approval.
Sialkot production workflow
Material selection, forming, heat treatment where required, grinding, finishing, inspection, marking, and export packing.
Material02Grade confirmed by SKU
Material and applicable steel grade are confirmed against the quoted pattern instead of applying one grade to every instrument family.
MOQ03Order-type minimums
Samples: 1-3 pieces per pattern; standard product orders: confirmed with your quote; mixed wholesale: 25 instruments (mixed patterns); OEM: 25 pieces per pattern.
Packaging04Protective and branded options
Individual pouches, procedure sets, cassettes, protective bulk cartons, product labels, and approved private-label packaging.
Export05Documented dispatch
Commercial invoice, packing list, protective outer packaging, and courier or freight tracking appropriate to the order.
Dental Extraction Forceps Numbering Chart FAQ
Is a forceps figure number sufficient when the manufacturer is unknown?
No. Makers use different numbering conventions: figure 17 is an upper-right molar model in one range, while another range uses its own prefixed American-pattern references. Keep the maker, the pattern convention and the full reference with the figure number before you compare an order or a replacement.
What information should accompany a request to replace a 150 or 151 forceps?
Provide the maker, the complete figure and suffix, the jaw designation, adult or child form and clear beak views. In the American-pattern range, 150 labels an upper and 151 a lower reference, with additional variants under each number, so the number helps identify the range but the complete model is still needed to match a replacement.
Can the letter after a forceps figure be left off the order?
No. A suffix can change the product: in one range 150-A and 151-A are parallel-beak variants of 150 and 151, and another range uses suffixes for child and modified-tip versions. Read a suffix's meaning in the relevant maker's listing rather than applying one maker's code to another.
Are right and left versions always marked with R and L?
No. A maker can use explicit letters, separate figure numbers or descriptive labels: one lists 88-L and 88-R, while another describes figures 17 and 18 as upper-right and upper-left models. Keep the written side and the complete reference together, because a photograph alone may not settle the order.
Which source should settle a disagreement about a numbering-chart entry?
The maker's own reference description. One maker's reference, for example, identifies F300 for upper roots and F301 for lower roots. Use the maker's description beside the chart entry, because those labels do not give a universal straight-versus-bayonet rule across makers.
Sources and Further Reading
Official product and catalog sources support the pattern taxonomy. Always use the instructions supplied with the exact product.
Related Guides
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