Page 141 - My FlipBook

FILLING TEETH 125

' tapping ' is not to he clone with mallets, either
hand, automatic, or electric, as a different kind
of blow from any so given is far preferable.
The ' tap ' from the filling instrument—the same
used for crushing—is a mingled push and blow,
which is soon acquired, and is as promptly re-
cognised as very efficient in producing admirable
results."
Dr. Black advises the use of a few large pieces
of amalgam, in preference to a larger number of
smaller ones, and considers that as broad-faced a
plugger as can be conveniently used should be
selected. The plugger should have a flat, finely
serrated face, and the force used in packing amal-
gam should be as great (if not greater) as the force
used in condensing gold with hand pressure. The
late Dr. Bonwill packed amalgam Avith great force,
placing a pellet of Japanese bibulous paper on the
amalgam, and forcing some of the mercury up to
the surface, and out of the cavity.
No matter what method of packing is resorted
to, it will be found that a properly mixed amalgam
that is inserted with the promptness that its setting
—
qualities may demand, will particularly in large
cavities—become somewhat sloppy on the surface.
This is counteracted, and prompt trimming and
smoothing readily effected, by " wafering " the