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COMPLICATIONS OF ALVEOLAR ABSCESS. 503
Avlien the bistoiirv, held a?? a pen, i.s pat^sed quickly into the swell-
ing.
The can'als of temporary teeth are to be sterilized first with pyrozone,
next with oil of cassia, and should be filled with " balsamo del deserto."
Dr. W. H. White, to whom we are indebted for the introduction of this
materia], states that in roots of temporary teeth in which it has been
placed the resorptive process is not interfered with.
Abscess occurring upon temporary teeth should receive prompt at-
tention and treatment to avoid possible injury to the permanent tooth
this, however, does not appear to be as frequent as might be
beneath ;
sujiposed. There is a tendency in strumous children toward marked
lymphatic involvement attending alveolar abscess ; and secondary
abscess of the lymphatic glands is not uncommon.
Chronic abscess in the cachectic individual which may not respond
to the usual local measures of treatment may be materially benefited
by constitutional treatment. This comprises regulation of the functions
of the alimentary canal ; the use of such foods as beef peptonoids, mal-
tose, etc. Iron and arsenic are administered when the patient is, as is
usually the case, anemic. More important than any medicinal thera-
peutics is systematic exercise in the open air. Raising the bodily tone
raises the recuperative power of the tissues, and hitherto resisting dis-
ease may be conquered.
Perforated Roots.—Perforation of the walls of a root canal expos-
ing the pericementum occurs, as a rule, in consequence of two causes :
first, the invasion of dental caries ; second, the injudicious or unskilful
use of the reamer employed in enlarging canals, or, it may be, burring
through the walls in the forming of a socket for the reception of the
post of an artificial crown.
The direct consequence of the perforation is inflammation of the
pericementum, and the usual result is ulceration of that structure. The
symptoms and their severity are, as a rule, governed by the situation of
the perforation. If this be at the lower half (toward the crown) of the
root, there is usually a proliferation of tissue which intrudes upon the
pulp chamber. This hypertrophied tissue may increase in amount, a
resorption of the edge portion of the process occur, and a fungous mass
bearing a close resemblance to fungous pulp bulge into the pulp cham-
ber. In fact, in many cases it is impossible to distinguish between
the naked-eye appearance of fungous pulp and the condition under
discussion. The growth fills the pulp chamber and obscures the per-
foration ; it is in addition, in many cases, exquisitely tender. In either
event, whether pul]> or hypertrojihied gum, it is necessary to remove
the growth.
A spray of ethyl chlorid directed against the mass is perhaps the