Where should the beaks of universal forceps be placed during extraction?

The placement of the beaks of universal forceps during tooth extraction is crucial for the success and safety of the procedure. Positioning the beaks at the bone and root junction is ideal because it provides the necessary leverage and support needed to effectively grasp the tooth. This specific area allows the forceps to grip the tooth more securely, which helps to minimize the risk of tooth fracture while maximizing the efficiency of the extraction.

By placing the forceps at the bone and root junction, the clinician can exert controlled force on the tooth, allowing for a more effective extraction with less trauma to surrounding tissues. This strategic placement also helps in transferring the extraction forces directly to the roots of the tooth, reducing the chances of causing undue pressure on the crown or other areas that could lead to complications.

In contrast, positioning the forceps at the crown, incisal edge, or above the gingival margin might not provide the same level of effectiveness or could potentially compromise the procedure. Such placements could lead to unnecessary stress on the tooth structure or damage to the surrounding periodontal tissues, making the extraction process more challenging and potentially traumatic.