What dental tool can be used to retrieve a clamp that has been accidentally inhaled or swallowed?

Using ligatures is the most appropriate choice for retrieving a clamp that has been accidentally inhaled or swallowed. Ligatures, typically made of a strong, thin material, can be fashioned into a loop that secures around the clamp, enabling the practitioner to gently pull it back out of the airway or digestive tract. This technique is particularly useful in emergency situations where quick and safe retrieval is crucial.

In contrast, suction tips are primarily designed for clearing fluids from the oral cavity, making them unsuitable for retrieval purposes. Dental forceps are used to grasp and manipulate various dental objects but may not offer the precision or safety required in a retrieval scenario, particularly one involving inhalation or swallowing. Extraction tools are specifically designed for tooth removal and do not apply to the situation of retrieving a foreign object from the respiratory or digestive system.