Page 19 - Craventreatiseonpyorrh00crav

PYORRHOEA ALVKOLARIS. Inferior incisors that are loose and wabbling about in their funnel-shaped sockets, without attachment other than semi- ligamentous at the apices, have usually gotten beyond this specific lesion (into the exfoliative condition), and are hopeless. Pyorrhoea may be stopped in these cases, but substantial attach- ment cannot be induced. When, after treatment, there is no longer accumulation of pus, no congestion of the gum, and a notable shrinkage of gum immediately over or adjacent to the " pocket," the case may be considered fairly cured—certainly not before. Whilst it devolves upon a practitioner to maintain cleanli- ness of a mouth containing teeth that are under treatment, or that have been, and a continuance of sanitary care of all "pockets" treated—for several weeks after—he cannot justly be held responsible for constitutional failure of the patient and consequent inability to recuperate or reproduce bony sup- port for the roots that have become denuded in the progress of this disease. Eradication of the disease is the end of the dentist's function in any case, after which he can do no more than to co-operate with an intelligent physician in guiding as to habits, diet, etc. Junius E. Cravens. • • • . . " • i » * : .