Page 18 - My FlipBook

16 INTRODUCTORY.

and (Icatli in the coui-sc of" his work, his responsibilities as related to
the issues with which he does deal demand of him the same care and
thoroughness in order to attain the eharaeter of result which the pos-
sibilities of modern dentistry reipiire of him. In the following pages
the importance of asepsis and antisej)sis in dental operations is con-
stantly impressed upon the mind of the student.
By the term asej)sis is specifically meant the condition under which
are excluded those influences or causes which induce infection by patho-
genic micro-organisms ; when a tissue or surface has been rendered
germ-free it is said to be in an aseptic condition. By antmepsis is
meant the means by which the septic state is combated or the aseptic
state is attained.
Under the aseptic condition repair of tissues takes place normally
without interference, wounds and injuries heal w^ith a minimum of dis-
turbance, and the inflammatory concomitant is of the simple traumatic
type, without suppuration or tendency to diffusion.
The aseptic state, in many operations in the mouth, is not readily
attainable and cannot be maintained for any length of time ; but in all
operations which involve the pulp and pulp chamber, as well as the
periapical region through the pulp canals of teeth, strict aseptic con-
ditions, as regards external infection, are perfectly attainable through
exclusion of the oral secretions by means of rubber dam, the use of
suitable disinfectants, and sterilized instruments. It is the class of
operations here alluded to which are most prolific of disturbance from
infective inflammations caused by ignorant or careless mani))ulation.
The time is at hand, if indeed it has not already arrived, when puru-
lent inflammations following dental treatment wnll be regarded with
the, same condemnation of the dentist as of the general surgeon. The
operative section of this w^ork is written in full recognition of the prin-
ciples here indicated.