Physics Forceps Versus Conventional Forceps in Dental Extractions – A Split Mouth Comparison

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of physics forceps with traditional forceps during dental extractions for orthodontic treatment.

 Methodology: After obtaining from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Dental Section, Islamabad
Medical & Dental College vide letter No. IMDC/DS/IRB/220 dated 30-11-2022, participants were recruited from the OPD who met inclusion criteria, after taking informed written consents. Group A, the experimental group, had teeth extracted utilizing physics forceps, whereas Group B, the control group, had teeth extracted using standard methods.

Results: The study involved 70 extractions from 35 participants, with tooth numbers 14 and 24 extracted from each, representing 50% of the sample for each tooth. Both groups were statistically comparable at baseline (p-value > 0.05). The mean extraction time in Group A was 108.51±93.30 seconds, while Group B's was 127.29±117.09 seconds. Alveolar fractures occurred in 1 case (2.9%) in Group A and 8 cases (22.9%) in Group B. Tooth fractures were 4 cases (11.4%) in Group A and 3 cases (8.6%) in Group B. Soft tissue injuries were 4 cases (11.4%) in Group A and 10 cases (28.6%) in Group B.

Conclusion: The study found similar operational times between the groups. However, Group A had fewer alveolar fractures and soft tissue injuries. Both groups had similar tooth fracture rates, but Group A had lower complications and better comfort.