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Extraction forceps #151 (lower universal)
Also called: 151 forceps, mandibular universal forceps
Forceps with beaks bent down sharply to remove lower teeth.
The #151 is the mandibular (lower) universal forceps. Its beaks point down at almost a right angle to the handles, so it reaches lower teeth. It is used for lower incisors, canines and premolars.
How to spot it
- Beaks turned down sharply from the handles.
- Compare with the #150, which has a gentler bend for upper teeth.
What it is used for
- Removing lower anterior teeth and premolars.
Safety and care
- Critical item (it goes into soft tissue or touches bone): clean it, package it and heat-sterilize it after every patient.
Related
Sources: ProDent USA. Guide to Dental Extraction Forceps, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)