Page 224 - My FlipBook

CHAPTER IV.
OF NERVOUS PAINS IN THE JAWS.

There is one disease of the Jaws which seems in reality
to have no connection with the Teeth, but of which the
Teeth are generally suspected to be the cause. This deserves
to be taken notice of in this place, because operators have
frequently been deceived by it, and even sound Teeth have
sometimes been extracted through an unfortunate mistake.
This pain is seated in some one part of the Jaws. As
simple pain demonstrates nothing, a Tooth is often suspected,
and is perhaps drawn out ; but still the pain continues,
with this difference however, that it now seems to be in
the root of the next Tooth : it is then supposed either by
the patient or the operator, that the wrong Tooth was
extracted ; wherefore, that in which the pain now seems to
be, is drawn, but with as little benefit. I have known
cases of this kind, where all the Teeth of the affected
side of the Jaw, have been drawn out, and the pain has
continued in the Jaw in others, it has had a different
;
effect, the sensation of pain has become more diffused, and
has at last, attacked the corresponding side of the tongue.
In the first case, I have known it recommended to cut
down upon the Jaw, and even to perforate and cauterise it,
but all without effect.
Hence it should appear, that the pain, in question, does