Page 153 - My FlipBook

FILLING TEETH 137
regards plasticity and setting qualities:— Fill the
cavity, and build up against the approximal surface
of the adjacent tooth. Roughly trim the sides and
occlusal surface, and wafer until sufficiently hard.
Trim the occlusal surface to the bite, and make it
fairly smooth. Trim the sides and cervical margin,
and shape or smooth the filling nearly up to the
knuckle by passing thin, spatula-like trimmers into
the interproximal space. Clear away any loose bits
of amalgam from the interproximal space with a
stream of water from a syringe. Pass a fine ribbon
saw between the teeth from the occlusal surface.
Then pass a strip of thin silk ribbon between
the teeth, and draw it backwards and for-
wards, making pressure on the filling until the
amalgam is brought to a smooth and properly
shaped contour. If necessary, perfect the cervical
margin with a thin spatula. When the filling is
completely set, it may be polished if thought good.
The space made by the ribbon saw is not increased
by the silk ribbon, and is no greater than if a
matrix had been used. In a very short time this
space closes up, and the teeth are in contact at the
knuckle.
Eichentopfs Separating and Finishing instruments
(Fig. 10) are very convenient spatulas for trimming