Page 220 - My FlipBook

92 THE TECHNICAL PROCEDTJKES IN FILLING TEETH.

with a matrix, or the matrix may be placed first and securely tied
and the rubber applied over it. Sometimes a similar device will
accomplish the same purpose upon buccal surfaces. A plan I
have often used in buccal cavities extending much beyond the
gingival line, is to fill the cavity with an overplus of gutta-percha
(after suitable preparation) and let it stand several days to push
away the gums a little from the cavity mai-gin. Then trim the
gutta-percha to form with the gold finishing knives, Figures
380, 381, 382. Shape a piece of stitf German silver plate so that
it will lay snugly on the filling and overlap the margins of the
cavity. Warm this and stick it to the filling and adjust it to
position. When cold, set the special clamp on this matrix and
throw the rubber dam over it. This matrix should be only broad
enough to easily accommodate the clamp. The gutta-percha can
then be removed and one has command of the cavity.
Removal of ligattjbes and rubber dam. When the operation
is completed, great care should be had to remove all ligatures
before removing the rubber, for if the rubber is pulled away with
a ligature on, a ring of rubber will sometimes be torn away and
remain around the neck of the tooth unobserved and do great
damage before the cause is discovered. Cut the ligature and pull
it away first. In removing the rubber dam, always stretch it well
to the labial or buccal and cut each septum going between the
teeth with a small j^air of blunt-end scissors. After the rubber
is removed, examine it carefully to see if any part has been torn
away and possil)ly left between the teeth or about their necks.
The best way to do this, is to hold it up to the light to see that it
is all there. This will avoid the danger of leaving bits of rubber
dam hanging between the teeth. Finally, when the rubber has
been removed, the gums should be well luieaded with the fingers,
while being flooded with warm water from the syringe. The
gums have been compressed and the circulation interfered with,
and this will clean the i^arts and start the blood into full activity
and prevent the severe soreness that will sometimes follow if
this is neglected.