Page 122 - My FlipBook

120

SECTION IX.

SENSIBILITY OF THE OSSEOUS SUBSTANCE OF THE TEETH.

We now proceed to the notice of an interesting and much
controverted point in a physiological consideration of the
Teeth.
Is their osseous structure* organized, and does it possess
The limits of this work will not allow of my
sensibility ?
entering into a lengthy discussion of this subject, but as it is
one that involves some of the most important principles of
Dental Surgery, I feel myself bound to lay before the reader
some of the principal authorities and arguments in the nega-
tive and affirmative of these questions, reminding him that it
is only in the general that we can examine the opposing
answers. From the fact, that without pain, the Cortex Stri-
ates or Enamel could be operated on with cutting and rasp-
ing instruments, it was inferred by some that the whole osse-
ous structure of the teeth was likewise insensible.
This has
led to the practice, in many instances, of destroying the
nerves of the teeth, on the supposition that they were of lit-
tle or no use after the teeth were fully formed. A differ-
ence of opinion upon
this subject appears to have been en-
tertained at an early period.
Benjamin Martin, in speaking
of it, says :| " I am bold yet in saying, that the osseous sub-
stance of the teeth, has sensibility by the animal spirit, which
the nerve distributes and carries to it, or, physically speaking,

* By which is meant the bony substance, with the exception of the
tex striatus.
t B. Martin, pages 6 to 8,