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66 THE TECHNICAL PEOCEDUEES IN FILLING TEETH.
position for operations on the buccal surfaces of the upper teeth
of the left side. In this, note that there is a finger rest upon the
bones of the cheek that is very good, and the grasp is one giving
great power. When this position has been used considerably, it
is found to be excellent for much of the excavating and also of
the filling in Iniccal cavities. In this position the left hand
exposes the field of operation very conveniently. Positions of
this kind should be very carefully cultivated. To persons who
have operated only from the right side behind, as some do, such
positions are at first very awkward.
In Figure 57 is shown a method of reaching the distal sur-
faces of the upper bicuspids of the left side, and occasionally the
distal surface of the first molars may be reached in a similar way.
The reaching of these from this position is important in both
excavating and the introduction of the filling in many of the very
large cavities in the distal surfaces of these teeth, in which the
enamel of the buccal surface has been so undermined by caries
that it must be cut away ; but only for a part of the operation,
however. The bulk of the operation is done from the right side
behind. It is only those portions of the operation where it is
required to cut from the buccal portion of the cavity, or to con-
dense gold from that position.
Left side in front. Lower teeth. Figure 58 represents a
position somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 57, for oper-
ations upon the buccal surfaces of the lower molars and bicus-
pids. Frequently most of the operations upon these may be done
from this position more conveniently than any other. When the
position has been assumed often enough for the operator to
become familiar with it, it is found to be excellent, and a great
relief from continuous standing at the right side behind.
Ceoss-moxjth positions. Occasionally it is necessary in
doing some things that take up little time and require no great
force, to work across the mouth in wliat may properly be termed
"cross-mouth positions." Generally it is impossible to use the
full force that may be used with the instrument in other posi-
tions, because it must be grasped so far from its point. This is
illustrated in Figure 59. The finishing of fillings and various
points in the cutting of cavities is occasionally facilitated by
assuming this cross-mouth position. It may be used anywhere on
tlie lingual of the l)icus]iids and molars of the upper jaw. Occa-
sionally, when it is used upon the right side, the operator will
stand to the right side in front, or upon occasion on the left side
in front, but for positions on the left side, the operator need not