Page 145 - My FlipBook

FILLING TEETH 129

amalgams have a hardening effect on the dentine
with which they are placed in contact, and also
that— all other things being equal—an amalgam
that goes black on its exposed surface seems to
preserve bad cases better than a non-oxidisable
metal filling does, is a common belief based on
observation. Dr. Flagg recommends the use of
two amalgams in many cases, viz. one that oxidises,
or " sulphides," for guarding the cervical parts, and
one that maintains its colour better for the rest of
the filling. It may therefore be said that, just in
proportion as the conditions of the mouth, &c., favour
decay, so is the use of an eminently tooth-saving
amalgam demanded ; and just in proportion as
the surrounding conditions are favourable, so may
a lighter coloured amalgam be used with advantage.
It is found, however, that any good, light-coloured
amalgam will maintain its appearance best on sur-
faces that are exposed to friction, and that it is a
rare experience for any " front tooth alloy " to in
any way maintain its colour in incisors. To the
writer's eye an exposed amalgam filling in an in-
cisor or canine is by no means a thing of beauty,
even if by some chance it should perfectly retain its
original colour.
Some years ago he made several fillings in front
teeth with the No. 3 platinum - gold - foil, which