In this episode, I’m joined by two repeat guests, Drs. Jake Stucki and Scott Weiskopf, who are here for a discussion around every oral surgeon’s indispensable tool: forceps. In today’s episode, we take a virtual trip around the mouth and share which of the large variety of forceps we think are preferable for taking out each type of tooth, although it’s important to note that there are many different ways of doing things and what works for us might not work for you. We also have some valuable advice to share around how to avoid a root tip breaking, and even how you can prevent your patient from swallowing a tooth (speaking from experience!). 

Key Points From This Episode:

• What forceps are used for, and when to use them.
• Scott’s favorite forcep.
• Each of us shares what we think the best forcep is for removing maxillary molars.
• Common problem that Scott sees occurring when students start out with the more aggressive forceps. 
• Forceps that we generally use for upper and lower premolars. 
• A comparison between some of the many ashes that exist. 
• Circumstances under which you should be removing tissue. 
• Why the concept of “apical pressure” can be confusing. 
• The tool that Scott starts every tooth removal procedure with. 
• What Jake and I like to use the cow horn for. 
• Scott’s approach to removing mandibular molars. 
• Our thoughts on using a hand piece.
• How the root shape determines which tools we use. 
• Benefits of using rongeurs. 
• Scott and I share how we like to hold forceps. 
• When you should swap one forcep out with another during a procedure. 
• Advice to avoid breaking the root tip off. 
• Experiences we have had of patients swallowing a tooth, and how to avoid this!
• Tips for using throat packs.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

A.Titan — https://www.atitan.com/ 

KLS Martin Group — https://www.klsmartin.com/en/disciplines/dental-and-oral-surgery/ 

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059