Page 287 - My FlipBook
P. 287
;
285
These cases require the utmost attention, for a large ab-
scess is usually formed, which if left to itself, generally
points externally ; the ulceration extends through the sub-
stance of the cheek, there producing a most troublesome
sore, which when healed leaves a deforming scar. To pre-
vent these sad consequences, when the matter is formed, a
free opening should be made on the inside of the cheek, into
the softest part of the tumour.
A common notion exists, that it is dangerous to extract a
tooth at the time the gum is inflamed ; but this is erroneous.
Certainly, at this time, the operation is attended with rather
more pain than at another ; but as the carious tooth is the
cause of all the disease, the removal of it is the most cer-
tain, and always the most speedy mode of cure. In those
cases where the mouth is closed, as this practice cannot be
adopted, we must wait until the inflammation be sufficiently
subsided for the mouth to be opened.
When inflammation and swelling of the gums and face
arise from a carious tooth, they seldom subside without go-
ing into the suppurative stage. I have frequently attempted
-
by leeches, cold applications, &c. to prevent suppuration,
but have rarely succeeded ; the progress of inflammation
having been by these means only retarded, not prevented
for, after a certain time, it has come on with redoubled vio-
lence, and has gone through its progress ; on this account
whenever there is any considerable swelling, and the patient
too timid to submit to the extraction of the tooth, or if the
mouth be so much contracted that the instrument cannot be
conveyed into it, I think it advisable to hasten the suppura-
tive process by fomentations, &c. and as soon as a soft place
can be felt on the inside of the cheek, to introduce a lancet,
and discharge the matter. People very often continue poul-
ticing as welling of this kind, in order, as they term it, to bring
285
These cases require the utmost attention, for a large ab-
scess is usually formed, which if left to itself, generally
points externally ; the ulceration extends through the sub-
stance of the cheek, there producing a most troublesome
sore, which when healed leaves a deforming scar. To pre-
vent these sad consequences, when the matter is formed, a
free opening should be made on the inside of the cheek, into
the softest part of the tumour.
A common notion exists, that it is dangerous to extract a
tooth at the time the gum is inflamed ; but this is erroneous.
Certainly, at this time, the operation is attended with rather
more pain than at another ; but as the carious tooth is the
cause of all the disease, the removal of it is the most cer-
tain, and always the most speedy mode of cure. In those
cases where the mouth is closed, as this practice cannot be
adopted, we must wait until the inflammation be sufficiently
subsided for the mouth to be opened.
When inflammation and swelling of the gums and face
arise from a carious tooth, they seldom subside without go-
ing into the suppurative stage. I have frequently attempted
-
by leeches, cold applications, &c. to prevent suppuration,
but have rarely succeeded ; the progress of inflammation
having been by these means only retarded, not prevented
for, after a certain time, it has come on with redoubled vio-
lence, and has gone through its progress ; on this account
whenever there is any considerable swelling, and the patient
too timid to submit to the extraction of the tooth, or if the
mouth be so much contracted that the instrument cannot be
conveyed into it, I think it advisable to hasten the suppura-
tive process by fomentations, &c. and as soon as a soft place
can be felt on the inside of the cheek, to introduce a lancet,
and discharge the matter. People very often continue poul-
ticing as welling of this kind, in order, as they term it, to bring
