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INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR EXTRACTING. 575

required for lancing; in extracting or for relief of retarded eruption of
deciduous or other teeth. Tiiey are also useful in general surgery of the
mouth. The handles should be made of metal instead
Fig. 502. q^- ^yood, in order that they may be thoroughly sterilized.
Fig. 503.

Lancets with ebony handles and with solid steel handles.
Scissors.—A good pair of curved scissors, as shown
in Fig. 504, should be at hand in case a portion of
gum tissue is found to be attached to the root. If the
scissors were slightly more curved they would be even
better adapted for this purpose.
In connection with the instruments already men-
tioned, there should be a mouth mirror (Fig. 505)
and a few excavators and probes for general exami-
nation of the teeth, especially for examining the position
and character of a root or impacted tooth which it is
purposed to extract.
Mouth Props.—When an anesthetic is to be given
it is advisable to use some kind of a mouth prop, in
order to keep the mouth well open. Some operators do
not use them, as they may interfere with the giving of
the anesthetic by impeding respiration upon beginning
the administration. The majority of patients, if asked
to hold the mouth open while taking the anesthetic,
especially nitrous oxid and oxygen, will keep it open
during the anesthetic stage.
Fig. 506 illustrates excellent props devised by Dr. Frederic Hewitt,
of London, England.