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2 METHODS OF FILLING TEETH.

better than did the Creator." This sentiment was loudly applauded
at a national meeting, leaving the impression upon the mind of him
who analyzed the situation that there were many present anxious to
adopt this specious excuse for the failures which had attended their
efforts. The fallacy lies in this : While it is perhaps true that no
material exerts any therapeutic influence beyond the mere mechanical
stopping of a hole and restoration of contour, it is also true that,
given a tooth, and certain conditions under which it is attacked by
caries, the caries will occur invariably at a specified situation. There-
fore, when the cavity is filled scientifically the tooth is safer than ever,
because the vulnerable is now occupied by a material which
point
will resist destruction by caries. If decay occurs along margins, it is
because those were made either as to or
margins improperly shape
position, or else because the filling was unskillfully inserted or
An as a
finished. ideally completed filling is one which is given high
polish as the material used will permit. Those who argue for ' ' dull
finish," because less conspicuous, forget that "high polish" means
smoothness, which quality is a prerequisite.
The student watching his preceptor is almost invariably impressed
with the idea that a few are involved, and that the
only principles
operation of filling a tooth is purely mechanical. As soon as he
acquires the knack of packing gold and producing a polished surface
afterward, he considers that "he knows it all." It is only after
several years of bitter experience at refilling teeth for his own
patients, that he begins to suspect that perhaps there is more in this
branch of dentistry than his mind had grasped. Let us now con-
sider the subject in detail, from the point of view that there is more
involved in it than mere mechanics?
GENERAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION OF
CAVITIES.
Removal of Decay. When a cavity has been properly prepared,
the tooth is half filled. The most beautifully polished, solid, well-
formed will fail if the has not been
filling cavity skillfully shaped.
To the mind of the layman it would seem idle to discuss the pro-
priety of leaving any decay in a cavity. It is not uncommon to have
"
a mother say, Doctor, please be sure to take all the decay out, as I
don't want Willie's tooth to trouble him again." To her mind, safety
lies in thorough cleansing. It seems a rational proposition, yet it has
been argued by high authorities that there are frequently occurring
cases where it is best not to remove all the decayed dentine.
This is a grave error. With rare exceptions it is imperative that
every trace of caries should be obliterated. The tooth about to
receive a filling should be as wholly healthy as it can be made.