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PART II

CHAPTER XIX.

THE MAKING AND SETTING OF A GOLD INLAY.

In discussing the methods of making any filling, particularly
the gold inlay, one must bear in mind that the best practice today
may be obsolete tomorrow. In this chapter an attempt is made
to bring out only the most popular methods at this time, as we
are fully aware that new methods are continually being devised,
which may prove of better service. In fact, since placing the first
edition of this book on the market, there have been material
changes in methods, which have resulted in much improvement
in this class of fillings. IIoAvever, it is a question in the minds of
most of our prominent teachers, as to the comparative value of
this method Avhen considering the cohesive gold filling. If the
excellent results obtained in the use of cohesive gold are to be
approached in the use of the inlay, great care and pains must
be taken Avith every little detail.
The Object of the Inlay. The object of the inlay is to protect
the cement which covers the cavity Avails and restore lost contour.
If cement were permanent in the mouth Avhen exposed to wear
and dissolving agents, there Avould be no call for inlays, Avhich
are really only made to protect the cement. It is therefore of the
utmost importance that the inlay completely cover the cement by
a perfect adaptation at the cavity margins and that it be so con-
structed that it Avill maintain this close adaptation.
In choosing the method of construction in each case the mar-
ginal adaptation should be considered and the one selected which
promises the greatest perfection.
History. The gold inlay is one of the oldest forms of filling.
In fact, it is the oldest, as proved by excavations in the Orient.
Teeth in the skulls of m.ummies have been found wherein cavities
have been croAvded full of leaid, with the probable intent to cheek
decay. Even in modern times the inlay has ahvays been prac-
ticed more or less, and has become more popular as time goes on.
As compared Avith the making of a cohesive gold filling, it is in-
finitely easier, and the history of our college clinics shoAA^s that
the beginner attains a passing degree of success AA'ith the gold in-
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