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CHAPTER XXX.
THE ALLEVIATION OF DENTAL PAINS.

The First Duty of the Dentist is to relieve sufeering, and as in
many instances this is the reason for the first call of the patient it
i's most essential that the relief sought is obtained. Many times the
relieving of a paroxysm of pain by the dentist has made a lifelong
friend and patient.
The Diagnosis is a most vital point and the battle is half won
when this is correctly made.
Pay Strict Attention to What the Patient Has to Say as he is
quite sure to give you his symptoms in the order of their prominence
and it is generally the prominent symptoms that are pathognomonic.
After the Patient Has Given the Most Aggravated Symptoms,
make an examination of the afflicted part of the mouth to verify the
statements made. If all is not clear quiz him more specifically. Do
not jump at conclusions. The patient is generally right as to symp-
toms but frequently wrong as to location and cause. These last are
the points the dentist must decide, as well as upon the treatment for
relief.
There Are Two Divisions of Dental Pains, those arising from
lesions of the tooth pulp, and those arising from degenerative changes
in the sub-dental tissues, which are generally the sequelse of the same
destructive processes in the pulp. They may follow the pulp troubles
or occur simultaneously with them.
Pulp Lesions. Symptoms are sensitiveness to thermal changes.
The tooth is not necessarily sore to percussion. Pain is increased
or induced when assuming a recumbent position. The presence of
foreign substances in the tooth cavity cause pain especially when
pressed against the walls of the cavity. Pain comes in paroxysms
Avith a tendency to intermittence. Patient may complain of "jump-
ing toothache." These symptoms may all be present in the same
case or only one at a time in the series of changes that take place
in a pulp from the initial affection to its death.
The Treatment for Speedy Relief is varied according to the most
prominent symptoms, as these are the indications of the stage of dis-
solution.
If Cold Air or Water Causes Pain of a quick, sharp, shooting na-
ture, comes on suddenly and passes off immediately upon the tooth
regaining the body temperature, the pulp is in the stages of active
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