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tioned, as often being attended with so much tenderness and
sensibility, a kind of fungus appears to be on it, or a slight
The
pullulation of the blood-vessels of the part affected.
operator may have a set of instruments for this purpose ex-
clusively, or he may use some one or more of his scaling
instruments, kept sharp for the purpose. In dividing the
front incisores, especially the upper ones, it is often de-
sirable to remove more from the posterior side than the
front, which may be done with a sharp knife made strong
and like a gum lancet. The next instrument we require,
is a pair or pairs of forceps, with which we may take hold of
the tooth, Upon which we intend to operate and hold it firmly.
This is especially necessary if any of the teeth upon which
we operate are loose, or of a delicate structure.

Indications for the Performance of this Operation.

I do not wish to enlarge upon this operation any more than
is absolutely necessary, in order that the student may have
the most definite views of the subject, and a correct know-
ledge of it. A crowded state of the teeth is considered by
some practitioners as sufficient indication for their being di-
vided with the file. It is observed by Mr. Fox,* that the
incisores of the upper jaw are very liable to become carious,
in consequence of being crowded, or pressed much against
each other ; and to prevent this taking place, it is advisable
to make a separation of them with a very thin file, and the
space ought not to be wider than to allow a piece of paper,
or fine linen, to be passed between the teeth. If they have
begun to be carious, a wider space should be made. The for-
mer direction of Mr. Fox to divide the teeth, when crowd-

"Fox, Part II. page 146.