Page 174 - My FlipBook

160 METHODS OF FILLING TEETH.

fectly smooth surfaces. But most commonly we will find the typical
festoon in the anterior teeth, and buccal cavities in molars.
cavity
In Fig. 184 is shown the usual festoon cavity as it will be found in
the central incisor. The retentive formation has been de-
sufficiently
scribed in Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16. This is a cavity which out of the
mouth would be most readily filled, but because of the fact that the
upper border is often at, or under, the gum-margin, will be found
most trying. Where the gum-border so covers the cavity that it
would be impossible to apply the dam successfully, the procedure is to
pack a roll of cotton under the free margin as tightly as possible, and
then fill the cavity with gutta-percha, so that the cotton will be kept
in place. In twenty-four hours the gum will have yielded sufficiently
to allow the placing of the dam. Or where the tooth is of favorable
shape, fill the cavity with gutta-percha, and slip a ring, cut from rub-
ber tubing, over the tooth and force it under the gum.* This will pro-
duce the same result, but should never be attempted without warning
that in case she should be
the patient prevented from returning at the
next appointment, this rubber ligature must be removed, else there
would be danger of serious injury to, if not loss of, the tooth. Festoon
cavities in the incisors and cuspids ofboth jaws should be filled with gold
wherever possible, and it will be possible in more cases as the dentist
forms the habit of making the endeavor to place gold instead of the
more Where the
less reliable, though manageable, plastics. cavity is
excessively sensitive, it may be well at times to fill with gutta-percha,
probationally ; but within six months, at most, the gold should replace
I have no faith in or
the temporary filling. oxyphosphate oxychloride
in this situation, except for the most temporary purpose, as, for
example, supposing that the regulation of a set of teeth be desirable
and the fixtures would interfere with
without delay, gold filling. It
may be well to fill with oxyphosphate until the regulation has been
completed and the opportunity occurs to place gold.
1-1
A handsome gold filling is less frequently seen at
KiG. Io4> , r TII
the festoon than in other positions. I he cavity
itself being easy to fill, this proves how much the
proximity of the gum interferes with success.
Taking such a cavity as is shown at Fig. 184,
the dam must be placed, and a so
clamp arranged
that the upper margin is freely exposed to view.
the distal retaining pit at a, and
Begin by filling
then fill the opposite one at b. Next select a pellet
long enough to reach from the gold at one side to that at the other.
Fasten at both ends, and then the wall c, which
pack it against upper
*
See page 30.