Page 132 - My FlipBook

134 SECOND PERIOD—THE MIDDLE AGES
to one of the following instruments, choosing that which in every par-
ticular case seems to be the most suitable.
Besides these, says the author, use may be also made of some of the
instruments w^hich serve for the removal of tartar.
It is precisely in this chapter that Abulcasis speaks of the great variety
and multiplicity of dental instruments; which, he says, cannot, like other
kinds of instruments, be all enumerated and described. He then adds
that a skilful surgeon will be able to devise new instruments, according
as the peculiarities of each single case require them.

Fig. 44

Figs. 45, 46, 47

Fig. 48
ffC^
vy^
Elevators (Abulcasis.)

For the extraction of a splinter or necrosed fragment of the maxillary
bone, the same instruments must be used which serve for the extraction of
dental roots; but also a pair of forceps may be used (Figs. 50 and 51).
It will be necessary to grip with them the osseous fragment firmly,
so that it cannot escape whilst it is being extracted. The part shall then
be medicated with fitting remedies.
Whenever it is thought proper, the bone must be scraped and all the
diseased part of it removed.
When a tooth is irregularly placed, or projects above the level of the
others,' a deformity ensues which is particularly displeasing in women.
The way of correcting this varies according to the nature of the case.

Lib. 11, cap. xxxii, p. H)i,.