Q: I am thinking of getting Physics Forceps to help with traumatic extractions. Have you tried them?
A: I have a set of Physics Forceps (GoldenMisch). Like any instruments in the dental office, it is nice to have the right tool when needed.
Physics Forceps are useful for achieving atraumatic extractions of all teeth. The unique design delivers a powerful mechanical advantage by employing an efficient first-class lever. Think of it the same way you take the top off a beer bottle with an opener. When the periodontal ligament is traumatized with the Physics Forceps or elevators, hyaluronidase (hyaluronate glycanohydrolase) is released.
The Physics Forceps feature a unique design that employs an efficient first-class lever. Image courtesy of GoldenMisch.Once the breakdown of the periodontal ligament by hyaluronidase is sufficient, the tooth is released from its attachment to the alveolus and can be removed. This leads to an extremely efficient and atraumatic extraction, which helps preserve bone.
The first two times I attempted to use the Physics Forceps, I was unsuccessful. I was trying to extract some severely decayed and broken down teeth. These turned into surgical extractions mainly because the teeth were mushy and kept breaking. So case selection is very important.
I have since done more than a dozen extractions successfully with the Physics Forceps. Some were on mandibular incisors, which I am always concerned that the root tips may break. In this case, I very easily extracted the teeth. I used a curette to break the gingival attachment, then applied pressure with the Physics Forceps for approximately two minutes and rotated my wrist, and the teeth literally popped out. I then took a bird beak forcep and removed the teeth.
Another extraction was a mandibular second molar on a very apprehensive patient. The tooth had a very thin and curved mesial root. I sectioned the tooth, then used the Physics Forceps. I removed the distal then the mesial root. The patient said that all he felt was some pressure. Another patient asked why his Physics Forceps extraction was different from every other extraction he had ever had.
Some of the advantages of utilizing Physics Forceps for extraction include the following:
- Enables predictable and efficient atraumatic tooth extractions, typically in less than four minutes.
- Preserves the buccal bone and cortical plate (no laying flaps or removing bone to access roots).
- Virtually eliminates root tip fractures.
- Increases services available to your patients so you do not need to refer them out.
If you are unsure about whether Physics Forceps are right for you, the company offers a rental program so you can try them. There is plenty of information on the Physics Forceps website. They have diagrams, articles, and video demonstrations. In addition, a training video is included with the forceps.
I was skeptical about this product at first, but after my lecture partner Paul Feuerstein, DMD, raved about how easy Physics Forceps are to use, I decided to try them. I am very happy that I took his recommendation and have added a great tool to my exodontia toolbox. In addition, my patients have gotten the real benefit: very atruamatic extractions with minimal postoperative issues.
Marty Jablow, DMD, lectures and consults extensively about integrating technologies into the modern dental practice (www.dentaltechnologycoach.com). If you've got a technology question for Dr. Jablow, send it to [email protected].
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
