Page 248 - My FlipBook

246 EXCLUSION OF MOISTURE.

napkin by dressing pins. Tlic suspended part of the riil)ber is kept
taut by ])endent weights.
The ap])]icati()u and arrangement of the; daiu becomes Fk;. 218.
by practice a very simple matter, and should not be the
occasion of discomfort or pain to the patient. f

Fig. 217.

D<.'sif,ni of Dr. Cogswell.

The Use of Napkins.—There are many instances of simple cases in
accessible positions not of approximal surfaces, when the general flow
of saliva can be kept under control by the saliva ejector, when it is not
necessary to use a rubber dam. Also for children, when the teeth are
too short to permit the correct application of the dam, it is necessary to
find other means to control the moisture. Here the reliance is upon
napkins, and with them mneh skill may be displayed by deft operators.
For this purpose the napkin should not be over eight inches square.
The manner of folding is to carry two adjacent edges to the diagonal
of the napkin, and then fold again in like manner ; by this plan the
folds are held in place.
Strips of " bird's-eye " linen of various lengths and widths are also
serviceable for simple cases and for children.
To apply a napkin to the upper right side, the point is taken between
the left index-fiuger and the thumb, the broad end being held at the
same time by the right hand. The lip near the right commissure is
everted, the point is inserted here, and by the taut action of the left
hand the napkin is next laid between the gum and the lip. It is then
carried backward until it reaches the duct of Steno, when the left index
finger is applied to maintain the compression at this latter point. The
free end of the napkin lies upon the lower lip. For the left side the
action is the same by the reversal of the hands.
For the lorver teeth the application differs by commencing for each
side at the upper canine of that side. When the duct of Steno is
reached a fold is made to eifect the compression of the orifice of the
duct, then the napkin is laid between the cheek and the lower teeth