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154 HUNTER ON THE TEETH.
an opening is made into the cavity of the Tooth, the inside
begins to decay, the cavity becomes larger, the breath at the
same time often acquires a putrid Fcetor, the bone continues to
decay till it is no longer able to support the pressure of the
opposite Tooth, it breaks and lays the cavity open. We have
not as yet found any means of preventing this disease, or of
curing it ; all that can be done, is to fill the hole with lead,
which prevents the pain, and retards the decay ; but after the
Tooth is broken, this is not practicable ; and for that reason it
is then best to extract it.
(q)
It would be best of all to attempt the extraction of a Tooth
by drawing it in the direction of its axis : but that not being
practicable by the instruments at present in use, which pull
laterally, it is the next best to draw a Tooth to that side where
which
the Alveolar Process is weakest ; is the inside, in the
two last grinders on each side of the Lower-Jaw, and the out-
side in all the others.
It generally happens in drawing a Tooth, that the Alveolar
Process is broken, particularly when the Grinders are extracted
but this is attended with no bad consequences, as that part of
the Alveolar Process from which the Tooth was extracted always
decays.
In drawing a Tooth, the patient complains of a disagreeable
jarring noise, which always happens when any thing grates
against the bones of the head.
OF CLEANING THE TEETH.
From what was said of the nature and use of the Enamel, it is
evident, that whatever is capable of destroying it, must be hurtful
(q) [We do not propose here to give a resume of the modern views as
to the pathology and treatment of caries. With regard to the latter it is
needless to say that the resources of dental surgery have been widelv
extended since Hunter's time. In extracting, the use of the forceps has
superseded that of the key.]
154 HUNTER ON THE TEETH.
an opening is made into the cavity of the Tooth, the inside
begins to decay, the cavity becomes larger, the breath at the
same time often acquires a putrid Fcetor, the bone continues to
decay till it is no longer able to support the pressure of the
opposite Tooth, it breaks and lays the cavity open. We have
not as yet found any means of preventing this disease, or of
curing it ; all that can be done, is to fill the hole with lead,
which prevents the pain, and retards the decay ; but after the
Tooth is broken, this is not practicable ; and for that reason it
is then best to extract it.
(q)
It would be best of all to attempt the extraction of a Tooth
by drawing it in the direction of its axis : but that not being
practicable by the instruments at present in use, which pull
laterally, it is the next best to draw a Tooth to that side where
which
the Alveolar Process is weakest ; is the inside, in the
two last grinders on each side of the Lower-Jaw, and the out-
side in all the others.
It generally happens in drawing a Tooth, that the Alveolar
Process is broken, particularly when the Grinders are extracted
but this is attended with no bad consequences, as that part of
the Alveolar Process from which the Tooth was extracted always
decays.
In drawing a Tooth, the patient complains of a disagreeable
jarring noise, which always happens when any thing grates
against the bones of the head.
OF CLEANING THE TEETH.
From what was said of the nature and use of the Enamel, it is
evident, that whatever is capable of destroying it, must be hurtful
(q) [We do not propose here to give a resume of the modern views as
to the pathology and treatment of caries. With regard to the latter it is
needless to say that the resources of dental surgery have been widelv
extended since Hunter's time. In extracting, the use of the forceps has
superseded that of the key.]
