Page 104 - My FlipBook

METHODS OF FILLING TEETH.
90
allow contact along as much surface as possible. Fig. 79 shows teeth
so filled, and a comparison with Fig. 77, while showing that we have
materially departed from the original structure, indicates that we have
nevertheless retained the relation between the point of contact and the
whereas with a of contour we should
gingiva, perfect reproduction
have left a dangerous space, in which food would accumulate despite
the knuckling. Here again is another contention against the use of
the matrix. Where that instrument is used, especially where the teeth
FIG. 77. FIG. 78. FIG. 79.

how can we control the form of the
are not first separated, possibly
filling so as to assure contact along the greatest possible surface ? To
me it seems simply impossible. If the matrix is not useful in these,
the most difficult cases, why should we need it in those which are less
perplexing ?
To the minds of many dentists, the word contour seems to convey
an idea only of the restoration of shape so far as concerns that part of
the tooth which is exposed to view. I have seen approximal fillings
looked at the labial view, but
beautiful in form and finish, if from
which at the palatal, incisive, or approximal aspects by no means re-
stored even an approach to contour. Fig. 80 shows
FIG. 80. of which
such a piece of work, all the imperfections
are easily seen if we examine from the palatal side.
We note that the palatal concaved surface has not been
reproduced, that the approximal surface is not round-
ing and full, and that the incisive edge is not square,
but rather to a thin When I see this
sharpened edge.
sort of work, I judge that the dentist is aiming chiefly
to the eye of his rather than to produce
please patient,
a perfect contour, if indeed he has the skill to fashion what he evi-
dently has not conceived. To restore by contouring means to restore
formfrom all points of view . It is as essential at one part as at any
other, for the cosmetic effects are of the least importance, though to be
highly considered. In other words, we do not restore contour for
beauty, but for utility.
Thus we come to the grinding-surfaces of bicuspids and molars.
Shall we feel bound to the sulci when we form almost the
reproduce
entire surface with our In it is both
filling-material? bicuspids usually
advisable and necessary to do this, at least to a considerable extent.