Page 82 - My FlipBook

68 METHODS OF FILLING TEETH.

which we would not count as possessing the property of adhesive-
ness, will develop the property if two smooth pieces be wet and laid
one upon the other. There is nothing sticky about the water, and
its action is simply in completing the contact. Therefore smooth
should be more cohesive than I have been told that
gold rough.
is more That is ad-
this frosted gold easily worked, that it is softer.
that it is less cohesive, since the words "soft" and " non-co-
mitting
hesive" have become synonymous when applied to gold. Moreover,
this very softness is a disadvantage, since it renders the material
crumbly, another property of non-cohesive gold fillings. If cohesive
gold is to be used, it should be as cohesive as it can be obtained, and
while it should be pliable, we need toughness in preference to softness.
Secondly, as to the form in which to use cohesive gold. Of course
the of a continuous rope into a is not to be thought of.
packing cavity
An advantage with non-cohesive gold, it becomes a mistake with co-
hesive foil. The whole idea of such a procedure is to produce a filling
made of as few pieces as possible. This is no longer needed when we
can obtain a cohesion between the particles. It is therefore probable
' '
that the axiom should be reversed, so as to read, Use as many pieces
as possible" rather than "as few," as formerly. This, however,
would be an extreme teaching, since it would mean the expenditure
of too much time over an operation. It is, nevertheless, a sign-board
pointing in the right direction.
We may obtain square blocks, and rolls cut into short lengths. To
me, both of these are the lazy man's adoptions. He asks the manu-
facturer to do for him that which he should do for himself. As I do
not like patent medicines, of which a stated dose will cure an unsoeci-
fied individual, so neither do I fancy gold prepared to fit unseen cavities.
How does it work? If we obtain an assortment, as we probably
would, we begin instinctively by using up the smaller pieces. As we
find the stock decreasing we are compelled to use larger and larger
pieces, till at length we reach a condition where having a small cavity
before us, and only large blocks in the gold drawer, we either im-
properly fill with too large pieces or else we stop to cut up the blocks,
causing more or less compression, and generally poorly-shaped pellets.
I prefer, therefore, to procure gold foil in books, and roll and cut
it for each case immediately before inserting it into the cavity. I have
never found any way of keeping gold in the office, superior to leaving
it between the paper leaves of the books. Foil in books may be ob-
" "
tained trimmed" or untrimmed." The latter sells at a lower rate,
and is not only as good, but really is the same thing as the trimmed.
This is a is a rare
legitimate economy therefore, though it thing to
find a strictly economical dentist who is at the same time a capable one.
Dentistry is not a good field for economy. The patient should _be