Page 240 - My FlipBook

CHAPTER IX.
OF DRAWING THE TEETH.
The extraction of Teeth, is, in some cases, an operation of
considerable delicacy, and, in others, no operation is less
difficult.
As this is often not thought of till an inflammation has
come on, it becomes an object of consideration whether it
be proper to remove the Tooth while that inflammation con-
tinues, or to wait till it has subsided. I am apt to believe it
is better to wait even till the parts have perfectly recovered
themselves, because the state of irritation renders them more
susceptible of pain. The contrary practice might also
appear reasonable, for by removing the Tooth it might be
imagined that we should remove the cause ; but when the
inflammation has once begun, the effect will go on indepen-
dently of the cause ; and to draw the Tooth, in such a situa-
tion, is rather to produce a fresh cause, than to remove the
present. Of this I think an instance has occurred to me.
However, most teeth are drawn in the height of inflammation :
and, as we do not find any mischief from the operation, it is
perhaps better to do it when the resolution of the patient is
the greatest. The sensibility of the mind may even be less
at this time.
Teeth are easy or difficult of extraction, according as they
are fast or loose in their sockets ; in some degree according
to the kind of Tooth, and also, in some degree, with reference
to their situation.*

For farther directions, vide Natural History, page 154.