Dental surgical instrument companies supply the elevators, forceps, retractors, rongeurs, needle holders and scissors that oral surgeons, periodontists and implant teams rely on. Some are large surgical manufacturers that serve many specialties; others focus on oral surgery, implant and bone-grafting products. This list brings together 10 notable companies from the US and Germany.
Key takeaways
- The 10 companies are listed in no particular order, not ranked.
- Some are pure instrument makers; others combine instruments with implant and regenerative products.
- Surgical instruments need toughness, precise jaws and joints, and clear reprocessing instructions.
- Standardizing surgical trays around one or two suppliers simplifies replacement and staff training.
How we chose these companies
We included manufacturers and manufacturer-distributors whose main focus includes surgical instruments, chosen for breadth of range, specialization and market presence in dental surgery. They are listed in no particular order and the list is not a ranking by revenue or quality. For more companies, including hand instrument specialists, use the searchable Aurix supplier directory.
The top 10 dental surgical instrument companies
1. Aesculap (B. Braun)
Aesculap is a German manufacturer of surgical instruments based in Tuttlingen and part of B. Braun. As a broad surgical manufacturer, it suits hospitals and clinics that want dental surgical instruments from a multi-specialty supplier.
2. KLS Martin Group
KLS Martin Group, also based in Tuttlingen, makes surgical instruments as well as oral and maxillofacial systems, which makes it relevant to oral and maxillofacial surgery departments.
3. Integra Miltex
Integra Miltex is the Miltex dental and surgical instrument brand of Integra LifeSciences, based in York, Pennsylvania. Its range covers surgical and general dental hand instruments.
4. Sklar Surgical Instruments
Sklar Surgical Instruments of West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a surgical instrument maker and distributor serving dental and other specialties.
5. Salvin Dental Specialties
Salvin Dental Specialties, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, supplies oral surgery, implant and regenerative products. It is a one-stop option for implant and grafting practices that want instruments and regenerative supplies together.
6. Ace Surgical Supply (now ACE Southern)
Ace Surgical Supply of Brockton, Massachusetts, supplies oral surgery, implant and bone-grafting products. It is a Henry Schein subsidiary and merged into ACE Southern in 2022.
7. Helmut Zepf Medizintechnik
Helmut Zepf is a German manufacturer of dental and surgical instruments based in Seitingen-Oberflacht.
8. Stoma Dentalsysteme
Stoma, based in Emmingen-Liptingen, Germany, makes dental surgical and hand instruments.
9. Carl Martin
Carl Martin is a German manufacturer of dental instruments in Solingen, with hand and surgical instruments in its focus.
10. Aurix International (our company)
Aurix International is a USA-based supplier of surgical-grade stainless steel dental and surgical instruments. Alongside individual instruments it offers pre-assembled surgical kits, custom kits, wholesale and private label.
Quick comparison
| Company | Based in | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesculap (B. Braun) | Tuttlingen, Germany | Manufacturer | Surgical instruments |
| KLS Martin Group | Tuttlingen, Germany | Manufacturer | Surgical instruments, oral and maxillofacial systems |
| Integra Miltex | York, PA | Manufacturer | Surgical and hand instruments |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | West Chester, PA | Manufacturer and distributor | Surgical instruments |
| Salvin Dental Specialties | Charlotte, NC | Manufacturer and distributor | Oral surgery, implant, regenerative |
| Ace Surgical Supply | Brockton, MA | Manufacturer and distributor | Oral surgery, implant, bone grafting |
| Helmut Zepf | Seitingen-Oberflacht, Germany | Manufacturer | Surgical and hand instruments |
| Stoma | Emmingen-Liptingen, Germany | Manufacturer | Surgical and hand instruments |
| Carl Martin | Solingen, Germany | Manufacturer | Hand and surgical instruments |
| Aurix International | USA | Manufacturer and distributor | Hand, surgical, periodontal instruments and kits |
Instrument makers and oral surgery specialists
The companies on this list approach dental surgery from different directions. Aesculap and KLS Martin are broad surgical manufacturers whose dental and maxillofacial ranges sit alongside instruments for other specialties, which suits hospital departments that buy across many disciplines. German makers such as Helmut Zepf, Stoma and Carl Martin focus more closely on dental and surgical hand instruments.
In the US, Integra Miltex and Sklar offer surgical instruments for dental and other specialties, while Salvin and Ace Surgical combine instruments with implant, regenerative and bone-grafting products. That combination is convenient for implant and periodontal surgery practices that want instruments and grafting supplies from the same source. Knowing which model suits you narrows the shortlist quickly.
What to look for in a dental surgical instrument company
Surgical instruments take more force and more reprocessing cycles than most other dental instruments, so build quality matters. When comparing companies, look at:
- Range across the surgical tray. Check availability of the instruments you actually use: periosteal elevators such as the Molt 9, straight and Cryer elevators, upper and lower forceps, Minnesota and Seldin retractors, rongeurs, bone files, Mayo-Hegar or Castroviejo needle holders and Goldman-Fox or La Grange scissors.
- Joints and jaws. Hinged instruments should open smoothly without play, and jaws should meet evenly. Tungsten carbide inserts on needle holders and scissors are a common option to ask about.
- Kits and cassettes. Pre-assembled extraction, implant or grafting kits can speed setup. See choosing a surgical and dental instruments supplier for oral surgery for a checklist.
- Documentation. Ask for IFU covering cleaning, lubrication and sterilization, and follow them with CDC infection-control guidance.
- Repair and replacement. Ask whether the company sharpens, realigns or replaces worn instruments, and how long that takes.
For a quick refresher on what belongs on a surgical tray, read our top 15 oral surgery instruments, and for extraction-specific tips see setting up an extraction tray step by step.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a surgical and a general dental instrument company?
Surgical companies focus on instruments used to incise, elevate, retract, cut bone and suture, along with related implant and grafting products. General instrument companies cover examination, hygiene and restorative instruments as well.
Why are so many surgical instrument makers in Tuttlingen?
Tuttlingen and the surrounding area in southern Germany have a long tradition of surgical instrument manufacturing, which is why several companies on this list are based there.
Can I mix instruments from different surgical suppliers on one tray?
Yes, many practices do. Standardizing where possible makes reordering, training and reprocessing simpler, but the best instrument for each task matters more than a single brand.
How often should surgical instruments be inspected?
Inspect them at every reprocessing cycle for damage, corrosion and stiff joints, and do a more thorough check at regular intervals, such as monthly.
Building a surgical tray from scratch? Aurix International can help you specify surgical-grade instruments individually or assemble them into a custom surgical kit. Design your surgical kit →
