Page 56 - My FlipBook

METHODS OF FILLING TEETH.
42
the posterior border of the molar. The clamp is placed, and all seems
well, but in a wet mouth moisture will inevitably creep in. Indeed,
there are many instances where leakage will occur about a clamp
which will cease if the clamp be removed and a ligature tied about the
tooth before replacing it. Again, it may happen that there is a space
along a palatal or labial surface of a niblar similar to that shown in
Fig. 57, as occurring at the approximal side. This is seldom found
in normal conditions, but often occurs where there has been recession
which reaches the bifurcation. In these cases the roll of cotton
dipped in sandarac should be laid over the part, and held in position by
the of the which are it.
jaws clamp, pressed against
A slight tear in the dam, occurring at a time when the filling is so
far advanced that the dam cannot be renewed, may some-
times be remedied by dipping a piece of sponge in sandarac,
and then forcing it into the hole. The same thing may be
accomplished by making a button of wood, as shown in
Fig. 58, which may be whittled in a moment from a piece of orange-
wood.
The best course is not to tear the dam, and much trouble may be
avoided in this direction by doing all the preparation of the cavity
before placing the dam, except in cases of sensitive teeth, or those
in which the pulp is suspected to be nearly exposed ; then the cavities
should be prepared dry. In using a sand-paper disk, if the edge is
allowed to run over a piece of soap it will not cut the dam, and is less
to become in the folds of rubber. The dam is fre-
likely entangled
cut with the of so that care should be
quently sharp points clamps,
exercised in that direction.
The Napkin. The napkin I believe I use more than many, and
from some. The small made into a roll I find much
differently napkin
use for in the lower jaw, but seldom upon the upper. It should be
about three inches square and without fringe. In all ordinary cases
may applied
it be folded into a roll and about the teeth in the form of
a horseshoe the ends forward. It is readily held in position with
the mouth-mirror. Occasionally it is of advantage to secure it more
in which instance be
firmly, it may caught against the labial and lin-
gual sides of the tooth with a clamp. A special clamp has been
devised for this, but any good molar clamp will serve well enough.
In cases where a lower sixth- or is
twelfth-year molar, recently erupted,
too short to permit the use of a clamp, and yet the condition is such
that the operator deems it advisable to fill with gold, the napkin may
be best held in place with the napkin-holder, which is a metal horse-
shoe with an arm which slides in a ratchet having a piece to fit under
the chin. This may be arranged to hold a napkin securely for half
an hour or longer, at the same time forcing the tongue out of the way.