Page 432 - My FlipBook

430 DENTAL MEDICINE.
Although it will not destroy micro-organisms, yet it will destroy
the toxic substances formed by micro-organisms. In large doses,
it causes a form of intoxication, followed by convulsions and fatal
effects. In the form of vapor, it possesses anaesthetic properties,
but not equal to those of the general anaesthetics in common use.
It has also been used as a local anaesthetic, and also as an anti-
septic. Its odor can be detected in the blood, the brain and the
muscles.
Therapeutic Uses.—Iodoform produces the constitutional effects
of iodine, but is chiefly used externally for painful cancerous and
phagedenic ulcerations, irritable ulcers, ill-conditioned wounds,
obstinate skin diseases, scrofulous glandular enlargements, to allay
the pain of gout and neuralgia, and for phthisis, mixed with
starch and spread on paper, so that the vapor may be inhaled.
Dusted over a diseased surface, it allays pain and changes the
morbid action. A saturated solution of iodoform in chloroform
is recommended for neuralgia ; also a saturated solution in any of
the essential oils is used for the same affection. In the form of
an ointment, it is used as an application to irritable ulcers. For
ulcerated surfaces, it may be sprinkled over the part, and lint,
coated with glycerine, applied as a dressing.
Dose.—Of iodoform, gr. j to gr. iij, three times a day, in the
form of a pill.
Dental Uses.—Iodoform is highly recommended in dental prac-
tice not only as an antiseptic but as an anaesthetic, either alone,
or what is better, combined with eucalyptus oil. It possesses no
escharotic property sufficient to cause irritation or the destruction
of parts. In the treatment of alveolar abscess, iodoform, in com-
bination with oil of eucalyptus, has given great satisfaction ; also
in cases of putrescent pulps applied as an injection. It is recom-
mended to be used as follows : First, an injection of eucalyptus
oil, followed by the introduction of the mixture of iodoform and
eucalyptus into the root canal, on cotton, or on a strand of floss-
silk, which is charged by first dipping it into the oil, and then
into the iodoform ; or the two may be combined in a solution
(see Eucalyptus), and in this form introduced into the sac or root
canal. Dr. C. N. Peirce recommends iodoform ground up with