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176 DENTAL MEDICINE.

teeth will often prevent natural front teeth from being abraded
by unnatural use.
Hypertrophy of the Alveolar Processes is indicated by an osseous
deposit, either at the apex of the alveolar cavity, in which case
the affected tooth is protruded from its cavity, or by a deposit of
osseous matter on the wall of the alveolar cavity, in which case
the tooth is forced to one side.
Treatment.—When the osseous deposit is in the bottom of the
alveolar cavity, the length of the tooth may be reduced from
time to time until a certain degree is reached, when the loss of
the tooth is inevitable. When the deposit is upon the side of
the cavity, the effect is irregularity or malposition, for which
there is often no remedy but the removal of the deviating
tooth.
Hypercementosis or Dental Exostosis is indicated by an uneasy
sensation in the affected tooth, followed by a gnawing pain,
which in some cases, assumes a severe neuralgic character,
especially when the deposit of cementum on the root is of con-
siderable size, in which case there is a prominence apparent on
the side of the alveolar ridge.
Treatment.—During the early stages of this affection, the
administration of large doses of iodide of potassium, and the
application of counter-irritants, such as a saturated tincture of
iodine or cantharidal collodion, have been suggested, to arrest
the deposit and cause absorption. When the deposit is large
and productive of pain and inconvenience, the removal of the
affected tooth is inevitable.
Edentulous Neuralgia.—Caused by hypertrophy of the inferior
dental nerve in aged persons in the absence of all the teeth, after
the nerve makes its exit through the dental foramen. The
remedy is a saddle-shaped plate for the artificial denture worn, so
that the pressure is distributed to surrounding parts and not
exerted upon the nerve as it passes out of the foramen.
Organic Defects of Structure^ indicated by defects in the enamel,
in the form of opaque spots, grooves or pits, congenital in origin,
and due to altered functions from impaired nutrition.
Treatment.—Preventive by mitigating severity of diseases pro-