By David Hudnall, DMD

The goal of a simple, atraumatic extraction is to widen the socket sufficiently to allow the tooth with its root structure intact to be lifted and removed from the bone using only minimal force. While it is possible to develop a technique using traditional oral surgery instrumentation that facilitates this process, many dental practitioners don’t fully understand the mechanics and finesse involved when traditional forceps are employed.

Physics forceps take the guesswork out of determining the fulcrum location by applying force at the most desirable location in order for the tooth to be easily removed with minimal effort.

What Are Physics Forceps?

Physics forceps are truly an example of using the right tool for any dental extraction procedure. They act as a class I lever by applying controlled pressure parallel to the long axis of the root. Since the pivot point is located within the buccal bumper of the forceps, the operator is able to take advantage of minute forces that slowly widen the periodontal ligament space and bony socket, allowing the tooth to be removed intact without the need for excessive forces that often result in fractured teeth, buccal bone plate fracture, and trauma.

The result is a more comfortable surgical procedure for the patient, less postoperative discomfort, improved healing, and the ability to immediately place a dental implant into an untraumatized socket.

How Do Physics Forceps Work?

A physics forceps tooth extraction begins by placing the extraction forceps with the disposable silicone bumper over the buccal tissue, deep within the vestibule and apically to the patient’s alveolus. The beak end is then positioned on the lingual or palatal root surface 1–3mm sub gingivally.

Once the instrument is positioned, the handles are grasped and slightly rotated in the direction of the bumper using only wrist movement in a slow, steady, and controlled manner.

This process places tension on the palatal root, which widens the socket around all roots and allows the tooth to be slowly lifted, usually intact, while simultaneously protecting and preserving the walls of the bone surrounding the tooth.

Physics Forceps versus Traditional Forceps

In order to evaluate the efficacy of physics forceps, a research study was conducted and its results were published in a 2015 article of the Journal of Maxillofacial Oral Surgery. Researchers concluded that physics forceps allowed difficult extractions to be performed with predictable results and less incidence of crown, root, and buccal bone plate fractures when compared to using traditional dental forceps.

Traditional Forceps

Many dental schools teach an extraction technique that involves using an elevator to begin the loosening process. This, in itself, can cause damage to surrounding structures. Elevation is followed by grasping the tooth with forceps and applying apical pressure combined with alternating buccal and lingual forces. This is a great way to break teeth, surrounding bone, and neighboring teeth or restorations.

Using conventional forceps causes a lot of anxiety for both you and your patient. It also results in additional trauma to bone and tissue that often requires surgical intervention, suturing, an extended healing process, and bone grafting to enable dental implant placement.

Physics Forceps

These physics forceps atraumatic tooth extractions are designed to move the tooth 1-3 mm coronally along the long axis of the tooth without relying on squeezing the instrument handles or applying brute force. The key component is the application of constant, steady pressure, which stimulates the release of hyaluronic acid to help break down the periodontal ligament.

Once the tooth has been lifted sufficiently, it is possible to remove the tooth in its entirety using either universal forceps or rongeurs. Atraumatic extraction preserves bone health and enables an intact tooth structure.

Where to Get Physics Forceps

The physics forceps technique and instrumentation are both patented by GoldenDent, a Detroit-based dental manufacturer and distributor that operates under the principle of providing simple, predictable, and unconventional solutions for dentists.

Physics forceps are available from the manufacturer in six different designs that are specific to the location of the tooth being removed. A quick internet search reveals that knock-off varieties have popped up and are available, although there is no data to support their efficacy, usefulness, or longevity.

Patient Education and Physics Forceps

Many patients have fear when it comes to dental extractions, often conjuring up horror stories from unpleasant past experiences. Patients are amazed by the simplicity of the physics forceps extraction method, often commenting on the ease of the procedure.

Utilizing specialized equipment that takes advantage of leverage to remove a tooth is a much more effective means of tooth removal and leads to a more successful outcome.

In addition, the technique helps to maintain interseptal bone and interdental papilla – which are both so important when creating a natural-looking replacement tooth.

Since no pressure is being placed on adjacent teeth, physics forceps extractions are less likely to cause harm to neighboring teeth and restorations.

Stomadent Dental Lab: The Trusted Experts in Dental Innovation

Although Stomadent Dental Laboratory focuses on the restorative aspect of dentistry by offering a wide range of traditional and CAD/CAM manufactured products, we realize that not all teeth can be restored. Sometimes it is necessary to remove teeth and place dental implants or another type of restoration for the greater good of the patient’s oral health.

Why not utilize the techniques that yield the most optimal final results? Let physics forceps alleviate your concerns about performing extractions. Using the right equipment and techniques will help achieve the most aesthetically-pleasing restorative results possible!