Extraction forceps numbering is one of the most-asked-and-most-confusing topics in dental procurement. The numbers come from three competing systems (American, English, German) layered over a century. The result: a forceps catalogue that reads like a phone book.
This guide gives you a clean translation table, the most-used numbers grouped by tooth, and how to build a complete extraction kit without overstocking.
TL;DR
The numbering identifies the tooth and arch the forceps fits, not the brand. #150 = upper universal anteriors/premolars. #151 = lower universal anteriors/premolars. #18R / #18L = upper molars (right/left). #23 = lower molar cowhorn. Master these five and you cover ~80% of routine extractions.
The numbering system in one paragraph
Most modern catalogues use the American (Harris) numbering for general dental forceps. Numbers under 100 typically refer to specialist or older patterns (e.g., #23 cowhorn, #44 root). Numbers 150–151 are the universal upper/lower forceps used worldwide. Numbers 16, 17, 18R, 18L, 88R, 88L, 222 are tooth-specific molar forceps. R/L means right/left for molars. S often means small (children).
The most-used numbers — grouped by what you're extracting
- Upper anterior teeth (incisors, canines) → #1, #150, #150S (small)
- Upper premolars → #150, #150A
- Upper molars (right side) → #18R, #88R, #210S (root)
- Upper molars (left side) → #18L, #88L
- Lower anteriors → #151, #151S
- Lower premolars → #151, #151A
- Lower molars → #16 (cowhorn), #17, #222
- Lower molar roots → #44, #45 (root tips)
- Cowhorns (split-root molars) → #23 (lower), #88R/L (upper)
Number → tooth — quick translation table
| Number | Arch | Tooth(s) | Beak shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Upper | Anterior incisors | Straight, narrow | Older pattern; #150 has replaced it in most kits |
| #150 | Upper | Anteriors + premolars | Straight, universal | The most-used upper forceps worldwide |
| #150A | Upper | Premolars (specifically) | Curved beaks | Better adaptation than #150 on premolars |
| #151 | Lower | Anteriors + premolars | Curved-on-flat universal | The lower equivalent of #150 |
| #16 | Lower | Molars (cowhorn) | Pointed cowhorn | Splits roots — needs intact crown |
| #17 | Lower | Molars | Beaks meet, not pointed | Use when crown is intact |
| #18R / #18L | Upper | 1st & 2nd molars (R/L) | One pointed beak (buccal) | Pointed beak goes between buccal roots |
| #23 | Lower | Molars (cowhorn) | Cowhorn, lower-specific | Most popular lower molar cowhorn |
| #44 | Lower | Roots / fragments | Narrow, fine | Root tips after crown removal |
| #88R / #88L | Upper | Molars (cowhorn) | Cowhorn, upper-specific | For split upper molar roots |
| #222 | Lower | 3rd molars (wisdom) | Curved, narrow | Adapted for limited mouth opening |
ErgoDenta extraction forceps
Browse the full numbered range in our Extraction shop. The forceps below are some of the most-ordered patterns by our distributor partners.
How to build a complete extraction kit (without overstocking)
For a general practice doing routine extractions, this 7-piece kit covers ~95% of cases:
- #150 — upper universal
- #151 — lower universal
- #18R + #18L — upper molars
- #23 — lower molar cowhorn
- #88R or #88L — at least one upper cowhorn
- #44 — root tips
For oral surgery practices, add #222 (third molars) and a fragment forceps. For paediatric practices, add the S (small) versions of #150 and #151.
What the suffixes mean
- S → Small (paediatric or limited mouth opening)
- R / L → Right / Left (specific to molars only)
- A → Variant pattern (often premolar-specific)
- K → Kornberg / Königsberg pattern (German design heritage)
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between #150 and #151?
When do I use a cowhorn vs a regular forceps?
Why is there an R and L for upper molars but not lower?
Are forceps from different manufacturers interchangeable?
What about ErgoLite forceps — are they suitable for routine extractions?
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