Page 180 - My FlipBook

178 DENTAL MEDICINE.

due to an acid condition of the fluids of the mouth, lactic acid
being a prominent factor in promoting fermentative action.
Treatment.—The continued use of alkaline applications and
alkaline mouth-washes. Phillips' milk of magnesia is an excellent
application. In advanced stages, its progress may be arrested by
fillings of durable material.
Absorption of Process and Recession of Gum is indicated by a
slight increase of redness, some congestion and a shrinkage of the
margins of the gums, and may be accompanied with a slight
purulent discharge about the neck of the affected tooth. The
symptoms resemble those of chronic inflammation of the gums.
The progress of the affection is generally slow, and it is often
first observed about the necks of the canine teeth. Teeth so
affected become more susceptible to impressions of heat, colds,
acids, etc., and eventually loose.
Treatment,—To arrest the progress of this affection, first
remove all irritants, and cleanse thoroughly, polishing the exposed
surfaces. Correct the nature of the fluids of the mouth, if at
fault, by constitutional treatment, the use of alkaline lotions, such
as lime water, and detergent dentifrices. Such agents as a weak
solution of chloride of zinc, to produce healthy granulation,
carbolic acid, nitrate of silver, and judicious pressure, may be
employed with advantage. A moderately stiff brush and floss
silk are useful adjuncts to the treatment.
Necrosed Teeth.—T^he term " necrosed " is applied to a tooth
when the vitality of its pulp and lining membrane is destroyed,
the peridental membrane, however, maintaining a degree of vitality
which prevents the tooth from becoming an irritant, so as to
insure its loss as an effete organ.
Treatment.—When a necrosed tooth is not productive of injury
to the adjacent structures, and there is a probability of rendering
it a useful organ, the pulp canal should be thoroughly exposed,
cleansed, and irrigated with disinfectants, antiseptics, etc.,
and then filled, together with the crown cavity, with a suit-
able material. As necrosed teeth are frequently considerably
discolored, on account of the tubuli of the dentine absorbing
coloring matter from the dead pulp, such bleaching agents as