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traction of the last of the two molar teeth, came a piece of
the jaw more than two inches long.
From the time the first
tooth was extracted, to coming away of the large piece of
the jaw bone, and healing of the gum was six months, all of
which time there was constant pain and discharge of pus.*
The key should be provided with several hooks of different
sizes, so as to be adapted to the size of different teeth with
exactness, and the operator will seldom fail of success.

Of Extraction with the Forceps.

This operation performed with the forceps, when practica-
ble, is much the most preferable mode, as by using the for-
ceps, we very seldom break the tooth or shatter the alveolus.
The operator should be provided with forceps of different
sizes, that he may be able to select one which will readily
fit the tooth intended to be extracted, so as to grasp it firmly
in every case. In all, or nearly all cases, when we wish to
extract irregular front teeth, as the canine or incisores, the
forceps are the only instruments we can with propriety use.
The key should never be applied to a canine or incisor tooth,
for such is the great mechanical disadvantage with which
the key acts upon these teeth, that in almost every case we
shall either fail in the outset, break the tooth, shatter the alve-
olus, or contuse and lacerate the gums, so as to induce in-
flammation, swelling, and even suppuration. If we adopt
the rule never to extract the regular front teeth, and we at-
tempt the key upon irregular ones, we shall be very apt to
loosen the regular teeth. The forceps are certainly the most
proper instruments for extracting the front teeth, and such is
the mechanical advantage with which we can apply and use

See Fox, Part II. pages 167, 168.