Page 536 - My FlipBook

534 DENTAL MEDICINE.
solution causes less pain, and may answer better when the
mucous membrane is very irritable. To bleach a discolored
tooth, or to rapidly cleanse a surface, or where the disease is diffi-
cult to reach on account of its depth, the 25 per cent, solution
answers better than the 5 per cent, solution, on account of its
prompt action. The antiseptic and caustic solutions of pyrozone
attack the hydrogen in the color compound in the tubuli, and
when this is given off only water remains. For bleaching teeth
the rubber dam is first adjusted, and the apical foramen of the
root sealed ; then by means of a glass atomizer, the pyrozone is
sprayed into the pulp-chamber and canal, and also into the crown
cavity. The effect is prompt and satisfactory. The solution
may also be applied on cotton or bibulous paper, but no metallic
instruments should be used in connection with the agent ; and to
renew the application it is better to drop the pyrozone on the
cotton or paper, and not dip again into the bottle.
Pyrozone atomizers are constructed with three tubes, one each
for the upper and lower teeth, and one straight tube for spraying
other parts. For treating putrescent pulps and alveolar abscesses,
the dam is adjusted, and the solution of pyrozone carried into the
root and apical space in the form of spray, or on cotton at the
end of a wooden probe ; the pyrozone being applied until the pus
ceases to flow, when the root canal is filled with cotton, which is
allowed to remain until the following day, when the filling may
be inserted, or, if necessary, a second application of pyrozone
made, which, however, is seldom, if ever, required. The con-
tact of the antiseptic, and especially of the caustic solution of
pyrozone, with the gum or skin, causes a severe burning or
pricking sensation, causing a white stain, more of the nature of a
bleached spot than a true eschar, which may be prevented by
previously painting the exposed parts with glycerin. The pain
may be relieved by the application of glycerin, or glycerite of
tannin, or a solution of bicarbonate of soda (5ss to Sj). For the
deep pockets of alveolar pyorrhoea, a small tent of cotton may be
saturated with the 25 per cent, solution, and its application will
in most cases terminate the suppuration. (See Suppurative
Gingivitis.)