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652 PLANTATION OF TEETH.

niciituin ; hut it is ronsonnblc to assuino tluii the nottror to luitural states
the root and the socket are in, tlie more favorable will he the ])n) It is therefore a safe rule to follow, to preserve as much of the perice-
mentum as is possible. The preservation of the pericementum has an
advantage from the fact that after the tooth has been planted, the peri-
cementum under the influences of bodily heat and moisture expands
and thus acts in the nature of a sponge graft, enabling the tissues to
more quickly obliterate spaces which are present and to attach them-
selves to the root.
Subsequent Care of Planted Teeth.—Numerous methods for the
retention of planted teeth have been recommended by \ari(»us authors
at different times. While many of them are original and ingenious, all
are to be condemned except those means which look to the firm, rigid^
immovable retention of the planted tooth for a definite period, that of
surgical repair. Neither the rubber-dam splint, silk ligature, nor gold
or other metal wire comes vmder this heading. Planted teeth must be
retained immovably for a period of two to six weeks, occasionally from
two to eight, ten, or twelve weeks. The shortest time of immobility
consistent with subsequent attachment is preferable. The tooth to be
transplanted or implanted should be fitted after preparation in a model,
made from an impression of the gum where the tooth is to be planted
and of the adjoining teeth, as shown in Fig. 577.
An impression is then taken of it and of the adjoining teeth on each
side. A retention cap is then savaged to cover the grinding surfaces
of three or more teeth, half the length of the crown on the labial surface
and nearly the full length on the lingual or palatal surface, as shown
in Fig. 578.

Fig. 578.

Model showing pix-paied toolh in place: Model ! a, Gold filling at cervical joint. in situ.
The cap may be made of pure gold, platinum, or German silver.
The gauge, according to the metal used, should be from No. 32 to
No. 38. This cap is cemented upon the cro^vns adjoining the planted
tooth in such a manner that it may be removed without disturbing the