Which instrument is used for extracting an upper canine tooth?

• A. roberts retractor
• B. upper straight forceps
• C. upper root forceps
• D. upper premolar forceps

Answer: (B)

For an upper canine, use an instrument designed for maxillary anterior teeth. Upper straight forceps have straight beaks that fit the crown of anterior teeth, including canines, allowing a direct, controlled pull along the long axis of the tooth. This configuration provides precise luxation and minimizes complications, making it the most suitable for canines. In contrast, premolar forceps are shaped for premolars, which have different crown/root geometry, and root forceps are intended for roots rather than whole crowns. The Roberts retractor is a soft-tissue retractor, not an extraction instrument. So the upper straight forceps are the appropriate choice for extracting an upper canine.