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teeth, inflammation of the lining membrane or nerve follows,
we should direct an aperient, as some of the saline cathar-
tics, &c. with fomentation or poultice to the face, or perhaps
a blister, and, at the same time, perhaps, remove the plug
from the inflamed tooth, and direct the application of the
gall retained with wax, that subject. With proper prudence, on the part of the pa-
tient, and a faithful performance of the foregoing directions,
inflammation of any of the teeth, or their membranes and
nerves, or of the lining membranes of the sockets will very
rarely take place. If a disordered state of the general sys-
tem is present whilst these operations are going on, it should
be remedied, as far as possible. By observing the foregoing
order of performing the dental operations, and if performed
judiciously, the surgeon-dentist will have the pleasure, at the
expiration of from twelve days to four or six months, as the
case may be, of seeing his patient's teeth, the sockets and
gums, restored to perfect and permanent health, which, with
proper attention to cleanliness, may be preserved so, in most
instances, during the life of the patient. Suitable dentifrices
and brushes, and mode of use, &c. should be directed, and
the patients dismissed. Every person can easily conceive
that in the great variety of cases with which we meet, that
great variety, as to the different operations, will be noticed.
A great many circumstances may occur to prevent our
adopting this practice to its full extent. We should, how-
ever, do it as far as is practicable. If but two of these op-
erations are to be performed, let them be done in the order
and manner I have directed, and they will very rarely fail of
perfect success. As, first, extraction, if required ; then clean-
ing the teeth ; next, plugging ; and, lastly, filing or cutting
away the carious portions, if required, &c. I consider it is
of great importance that the filing, &c. should be done last.