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OF THE DISEASES OF THE ALVEOLAR PROCESSES. '201
for the same thing is very common in old age ; * and also, as
this process of tilling- np the bottom, and wasting of the
months of the Alveolar Processes, takes place in all ages,
where a Tooth has been drawn, and the connection between
the two parts is destroyed this might lead ns to suspect, that
the original cause of these diseases may be a want of that
perfect harmony, which is required between the Tooth and
Socket, whereby a stimulus may be given in some degree
similar to the loss of a Tooth ; and by destroying that stimulus
upon which the absorption of the process and the filling up
of the socket depend, the natural disposition may be
restored. This last opinion is strengthened by the follow-
ing case.
One of the first incisors of the upper jaw of a young lady
was gradually falling lower and lower. She was desirous of
having a Tooth transplanted, which might better fit the shallow
socket, as it was now become : she consulted me : I objected
to this, fearing that the same disposition might still continue
;
in which case the new Tooth would be probably pushed
out in about half a year ; that the time since the old one
began to sink, and a relief of so short a continuance, would
be all the advantage gained by the operation ; but 1 observed
at the same time, that the operation might have the effect of
destroying the disposition to filling up, so that the new Tooth
might keep its ground. This idea turned the balance in
favour of the operation ; and it was performed. Time showed
that the reasoning was just : the Tooth fastened and has kept
its situation for some years.
These diseases arise often from visible causes. Any thing
that occasions a considerable and long continued inflammation
in those parts, such particularly as a salivation, will produce
the same effect. The scurvy also, when carried to a great
height, attacks the Gums, and the Alveolar Processes, which

* Vide ' Natural History of the Teeth,' page 8.