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THE TREATMENT OF TEETH
4
that probably severe pain will ensue for some hours
or whether the tooth shall be extracted. The posi-
tion of the cavity, the value of the tooth, and the
temperament of the patient, are all factors in deter-
mining the line of treatment. If, on removing the
loose debris from the cavity, a portion of the pulp is
seen to be exposed, it is well to remove as much of
the softened dentine in the neighbourhood of the
exposure as can be done without causing pain. An
application of one or more of the above-mentioned
remedies will usually stop the pain. Whatever
application or dressing is used must always be care-
fully sealed in the cavity before the patient is dis-
missed ; and it is important to do this with as little
pressure as possible. Pressure not only causes pain
in these cases, but may also force out the greater
part of the medicament on which so much depends.
Temporary gutta - percha, thinly mixed phosphate
cement, Fletcher's artificial dentine, and cotton-wool
saturated with fairly thick mastic or sandarach var-
nish, are all efficient temporary fillings or dressing
seals. Whichever is selected in any particular case
will depend on the judgment of the operator. If
there is an opening into the pulp chamber, and any
doubt exists as to whether the pulp is alive, or par-
tially or wholly dead, a very fine Donaldson bristle
with a sharp point should be delicately inserted.
THE TREATMENT OF TEETH
4
that probably severe pain will ensue for some hours
or whether the tooth shall be extracted. The posi-
tion of the cavity, the value of the tooth, and the
temperament of the patient, are all factors in deter-
mining the line of treatment. If, on removing the
loose debris from the cavity, a portion of the pulp is
seen to be exposed, it is well to remove as much of
the softened dentine in the neighbourhood of the
exposure as can be done without causing pain. An
application of one or more of the above-mentioned
remedies will usually stop the pain. Whatever
application or dressing is used must always be care-
fully sealed in the cavity before the patient is dis-
missed ; and it is important to do this with as little
pressure as possible. Pressure not only causes pain
in these cases, but may also force out the greater
part of the medicament on which so much depends.
Temporary gutta - percha, thinly mixed phosphate
cement, Fletcher's artificial dentine, and cotton-wool
saturated with fairly thick mastic or sandarach var-
nish, are all efficient temporary fillings or dressing
seals. Whichever is selected in any particular case
will depend on the judgment of the operator. If
there is an opening into the pulp chamber, and any
doubt exists as to whether the pulp is alive, or par-
tially or wholly dead, a very fine Donaldson bristle
with a sharp point should be delicately inserted.
