Page 596 - My FlipBook

594 EXTRA CTIOX OF TKETII.
Manag-ement of Patients,—The first important step toward a suc-
cessful operation in dentistrv is to ^ain the confidence of the patient,
who must be hrouoht to rely entirely on the iud

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AbiKirmal jaw showing impacled canines.

operator. If the operator feels entire confidence in his own ability to
successfully carry out an operation he can, by his manner of approaching
the patient, impart a feeling of almost absolute trust in his skill. This
feeling of confidence in himself should be cultivated, as it is evident
that a slight nervousness on his part, even though he be most skillful,
will tend to alarm the patient to such an extent as may cause great
interference with the operation.
Position of the Patient.—The principal object to secure in
placing the patient is to obtain a good view of the affected tooth and
contiguous parts ; after which the position should be made as comfort-
able as possible both for the patient and operator, taking care that the
territory of operation can be reached with but little strain or efibrt.
The position both of ])atient and operator varies slightly for the
extraction of each tooth. The main points to be observed are to have
the particular tooth to be ojjerated u])on in view, and the head of the pa-
tient in such a position that it can be controlled by the left arm and hand.
The chair should be steady, strong, and comfortable, with arms and
a good head-rest of rather a concave shape. It should also have a suit-
able foot-rest. When the regular dental chair is not obtainable, an
ordinary strong wooden chair can be used. If two of these chairs are
placed back to back the extra one gives a good place for the left foot
of the operator, and a head-rest may thus be made of his thigh. The
patient should be directed to grasp the seat at both sides with his