Pair of dental forceps

Made:
1820-1855 in London
maker:
Weedon
Pair of dental forceps

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Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Steel dental forceps, for upper roots, by Weedon, London, 1820-1865

Dental forceps are used to remove teeth. Until the 1840s, with the development of anaesthetics, herbal remedies or alcohol were the only options for pain relief. In Great Britain in 1879, the first registered dentists list was published. It was voluntary to register until 1921 when it became mandatory. Before then anyone could advertise their services as a tooth-puller.

Details

Category:
Dentistry
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A621657
Materials:
steel
Measurements:
overall: 67 mm x 155 mm x 17 mm, .12 kg
type:
dental forceps
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust