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3G2

not only become regular by this means, but the dentes sapi-
entia and other molar teeth, which succeed, are apt to be
much more perfect and large. In some cases, the canine
teeth, or some of the other teeth, protrude either outwards
or inwards; and in this case, the deformity or inconve-
nience is such, as that we are obliged, in some cases, though
not in all, to extract the irregular teeth. Supernumerary
teeth generally occasion deformity or inconvenience, and
ought, if they do so, to be extracted.
Secondly, Those molar teeth which have no opposing teeth
on the opposite jaw, and are in a considerable state of decay,
or are loose, may with propriety be extracted ; and if so far
decayed as to be unable to support a plug in the decayed
part, they should always be extracted.
Thirdly, When the nerve of an adult molar or bicuspid
tooth, which otherwise ought to be preserved, is in a state of
inflammation, and all our efforts have failed to relieve the
pain, it should be extracted.
Fourthly, Teeth which are the cause of gum-boils whether
externally decayed or not, should be extracted.
Fifthly, Teeth which are decayed, and yet could be pre-
served so as to be useful, but are the suspected causes of gen-
eral nervous affections, &c. as mentioned when speaking
upon that subject, should be extracted.
The front teeth, namely, the canine and incisor teeth, if
regular, and are not the cause of gum-boils and nervous af-
fections, &c. &c. should never be extracted ; if painful, or to
a considerable extent carious, they should be cut off, and the
stump treated as I shall direct in the chapter on that subject.
This is, and ought to be, a general rule in dental surgery.
The reasons why it should be so, and the manner of perform-
ing the operation, together with the treatment of the nerve,