Crow's bill dental forceps, Europe, 1701-1800
These forceps are known as ‘crow’s bill’ because of their shape and they are among the oldest instruments used for tooth pulling. The screw is used to adjust the pressure on the tooth. This modification was introduced by Joseph Leber (1729-1808) around 1770. This type of forceps would have been used to remove the roots of teeth that had rotted or been damaged. Damage may have been caused by a previous tooth pulling as a large amount of force was required and other teeth were often broken in the process.
Object number:
A600151
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: dental forceps
Forceps used specifically to remove teeth.
Glossary: tooth pulling
The removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are also routinely performed.
Glossary: dentistry
The study, treatment and management of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, gums, teeth and their supporting tissues.