Which describes correct use of extraction forceps?

Correct answer: C. Seat the beaks as far apically as possible, beneath the cementoenamel junction and onto the root

• A. The handles are grasped at their END, as far from the hinge as possible — this is a lever, and the longer the effort arm the greater the mechanical advantage with less hand fatigue.
• B. Seating on the crown concentrates force on brittle enamel and is the commonest cause of crown fracture during extraction.
• C. CORRECT. The beaks must be forced APICALLY along the root surface, beneath the CEJ and under the gingival attachment. This transmits force to the root and to the crestal bone, expanding the socket, and it protects the crown from fracture. It also moves the centre of rotation apically, so the same handle movement produces greater displacement at the apex.
• D. The principal controlled movements are BUCCAL and LINGUAL expansion (plus rotation for single conical roots such as maxillary centrals and mandibular premolars). Mesiodistal force risks damaging the adjacent teeth.

Note: The sequence to hold onto: sever the attachment, luxate with an elevator, seat the forceps apically, expand buccally then lingually with slow steady pressure, rotate only where the root form allows, and deliver along the path of least resistance.