Harris Extracting Forceps

Description

Harris Extracting Forceps

The Harris pattern is an older eponym family that still has fans among general dentists. Our Harris extracting forceps come in four figures: Fig. 15 for lower molars, Fig. 18L and Fig. 18R for upper molars, and Fig. 16.

A handed pair for the upper arch

Upper molars have two buccal roots and one palatal root. So the buccal beak of an upper molar forceps carries a point that seats into the trifurcation between the two buccal roots. That point must face the cheek, which is why Fig. 18L suits the left side and Fig. 18R the right. Because of this, most clinicians buy them together.

Fig. 15 on the lower molars

By contrast, lower molars have a mesial and a distal root. The beaks of a lower molar forceps therefore carry points that aim for the bifurcation. Since the bifurcation shows on both the buccal and lingual faces, a lower figure does not need a right and left twin the way upper figures do. Like other lower forceps, its working ends meet the handles at roughly a right angle.

About Fig. 16

Fig. 16 comes from our surgical list under the Harris name. We lack more shape data for it, so we would rather say less than guess. If you know it from training, it is the one you remember. Also, we sell every Harris figure singly.

Hinge and beak checks between cases

• Close the handles, then check for even contact along both beaks.
• Open and shut the joint; it should move smoothly without grit.
• Look over the beak points on 18L, 18R and 15 for nicks.
• Work a dot of joint oil into the hinge once it is clean.

Your order and our cover

We make each Harris figure to our specification, and our team in the United States vets each one by eye. The stainless steel suits ASTM F899, the standard for surgical tool steel. Our cover holds firm: three years against manufacturing defects, tallied from your delivery date. Sterilize the forceps before first use, since it leaves us non-sterile; after that it can go through as many cases as you like. Compare it with our lower molar forceps range, open the full extracting forceps category, or visit our help page.

Made for use by dental clinicians. Please read our instrument care notes and how we ship too.