Page 45 - Craventreatiseonpyorrh00crav

PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARI8. 35 ration should be forced to all the parts of the " pocket," no account being taken of overflow, except reasonable precaution should be taken as to quantity used. In some deep cases, the quill device should follow the syringe, to insure the diffusion of the acid to all parts of the " pocket." The application of sulfuric acid completes the surgical sitting; after this application, the parts should be guarded for a moment against encroaching saliva, until the surface of blood-clot at the entrance to the socket becomes well glazed. This clot blackens under the influence of the sulfuric acid, and for a time acts as a hermetical dressing, preventing the — ingress of extraneous matter possibly even of saliva. After completion of the first sitting, the patient should be required to return in five days, when possible, for secondary treatment. OPERATIVE NOTES. The chloroform solution of cocaine is a subtle fluid, and in spite of one's best efforts will escape to some extent and flow about the mouth ; under such circumstance, there may be pro- duced some sensations to the patient that are unpleasant, possibly alarming; this effect, however, is merely local, and is readily dissipated by laving the mucous surface well with some form of diluted alcohol. The matter of use of alcohol should be rather a choice, according to the taste or prejudice of the patient—a simple inquiry will settle that point. Alcohol maybe diluted by adding one tablespoonful, to a half-glass of water; or the same amount of ordinary drug- gists' bay rum (perfumed afcoho}?', 5iJ jddr teefitlj, in a fourth