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50 THE TECHNICAL PEOCEDXJEES IN FILLING TEETH.

while removing calculus, or in doing any operations upon dis-
eased gums, or while treating diseases of the peridental mem-
branes.
For washing cavities during any portion of the work of
excavating that may be done before i^lacing the rubber dam.
For cleaning the necks of the teeth before applying the
rubber dam.
For treating the gums after removing the rubber dam.
For removing debris and polishing powders during any por-
tion of the polishing of fillings that may be done without the
rubber dam.
For any and all of these uses a good rubber bulb water
syringe, which will hold about four ounces, is necessary. A very
small water syringe is a nuisance. A syringe should be used
with which the mouth can be flooded with water, or a strong,
continuous stream thrown for several seconds.
For cleaning the teeth preparatory to operating, warm
water should be used in almost every case, even though the teeth
are apparently in a cleanly condition. In the best conditions
there is usually more or less gummy material, containing many
microorganisms about the necks of the teeth, or about cavities,
especially proximal, buccal and labial cavities, which should be
loosened up with scalers and removed with a strong stream of
water. In very many cases the teeth should be cleaned with a
rubber disk and powdered stone and washed clean with a jet of
water before anything is done toward excavating cavities. In
all cases the field of operation should be made clean as the first
procedure.
The use of water while removing calculus is imperative. The
field of operation requires to be repeatedly washed with strong
jets of water, in order to do both operator and patient justice.
This is necessary in order to remove particles of loosened cal-
culus from about the necks of the teeth, and to remove blood
and debris that the next step of the operation may be seen. It
is necessary to impart a sense of cleanliness and comfort to the
patient. During this operation the operator's hands should be
washed very frequently.
In excavating cavities, water should be used freely in any
portion of the operation that is done before placing the rubber
dam. In many cases it is desirable to open cavities and do the
rougher parts of the excavating before the dam is apjilied. Dur-
ing such part of the operation as may be done without the rubber
dam, the cavity should be frequently washed with strong jets