Page 123 - My FlipBook

Preventive Treatment of Caries. — 103
molares. If these teeth are extracted at any period before the
age of twelve years, all the anterior teeth will grow more or
less backwards, and the second and third grinders so much
towards the anterior part of the mouth as to fill up almost com-
pletely, the space caused by the removal of the first molares.
" In almost every instance all irregularity will be obviated
by this treatment; but besides this advantage, another impor-
tant benefit will invariably follow ; namely, all the teeth will
be improved in health and strength, especially the wisdom
teeth. I have seen many instances, where by this treatment,
these teeth have penetrated the jaw much sooner, proved of a
larger size and possessed a better organization than usual, on
account of their having more room for developement, and
more plentiful nutriment, from the healthy action induced in
the parts.
"I must here particularly observe, that to obtain these desi-
rable effects, it will be absolutely necessary that all the four
molares should be extracted. The partial removal of these
teeth will not only be entirely useless in most cases, but will
sometimes even prove the cause of irremediable irregularities:
for instance, the molar teeth being extracted on one side, and
not on the other, the remaining teeth, during youth, will take
an inclination to the side from which it has been removed ; and
if one or both of these teeth be extracted from the upper, and
riot from the under jaw, or vice versa, considerable dispropor»
don between the two jaws will be produced." Koecker.
" The first permanent molares often become carious soon
after they appear: the removal of these teeth when decayed
aught always to be recommended, although they may not oc-
casion pain, or there be no irregularity of the front teeth ; (but
especially, if these teeth be irregular or crowded together,)
diseased teeth always affect the others, therefore ought never
to be permitted to remain in the mouths of children.
"If they be extracted before the second permanent molares
appear, in a short time they will not be missed, because the