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ABBASION OF THE TEETH. 223

made its appearance under bridge and proceeded to make
trouble. Its removal proved an ugly operation, for, while the
root was being absorbed about its middle and gingival third, the
apical third had added cementum and was greatly enlarged.
When this was done, no other trouble appeared and, after twenty
years, all is in excellent condition. Not a single pulp was
removed from any tooth in the preparation for crowns or abut-
ments of bridges, except from the one root that was absorbed.
The only gold visible is that protecting the cutting edges of the
porcelain in the teeth in the front of the mouth. As the force of
the bite in this case was over two hundred pounds, that protec-
tion was a necessity.
In this case the mishap did not mean ruin. But mishaps
have meant ruin in too many cases for me to strongly recommend
extensive building. Difficulties are particularly apt to multiply
when many pulps are removed. Removal of pulps and filling
roots becomes especially dangerous when much calcification lias
occurred in the pulp chambers and root canals. Wlien excessive
wear has occurred, it must be let alone or the heavy series of
operations undertaken, if anything like a complete restoration
is to be made. The case shovild present very favorable condi-
tions to justify the undertaking; such is the teaching of experi-
ence. Dentists will do well to prevent such cases rather than
attempt to cure them.