Extraction of the mandibular teeth requires forceps that can be used for single-rooted teeth, the incisors, the canines, and the premolars and for two-rooted teeth, the molars.

The forceps most commonly used for the single-rooted teeth are the lower universal forceps or the No. 151.  These have handles similar in shape to the No. 150 but the beaks are pointed inferiorly for the lower teeth.  The beaks are smooth and relatively narrow and meet only at the tip.  This allows the beaks to fit at the cervical line of the tooth and grasp the root.

The No.151A forceps are modified slightly for mandibular premolar teeth.  They should not be used for other lower teeth because their form prevents adaptation to the roots of the teeth.  The No. 151 is also adapted for primary teeth.  The No. 151S is the same general design as the No. 151, but it is scaled down to adapt to the primary teeth.  A single pair of forceps is adequate for removal of all primary mandibular teeth.

The most useful lower molar forceps are the No. 17.  These forceps are usually straight-handled and the beaks are set obliquely downward.  The beaks have bilateral pointed tips at the center to adapt into the bifurcation of the molar teeth.  The remainder of the beak adapts well to the bifurcation.  Because of the pointed tips, the No. 17 forceps cannot be used for molar teeth, which have fused conically shaped roots. 

For this purpose, the No. 222 forceps are useful.  They are similar in design to the No. 17, but the beaks are shorter and do not have pointed tips to prevent them from being used.  The most common tooth for which the No. 222 is useful is the erupted mandibular third molar.  The major design variation in the lower molar forceps are the Nos. 16 and 23, the so-called cowhorn forceps.  Their beaks are curved when viewed sideways, making them parallel to the long axis of the mandibular molars.  These instruments are designed with two pointed heavy beaks that enter into the bifurcation of the lower molar.  The handles are usually curved to stabilize the fingers and for leverage.