Page 234 - My FlipBook

2i8 THE TREATMENT OF TEETH
contents of the canals, being very careful to avoid
forcing anything through the apices ; in treating the
canals with some powerful germicide, and either
at once, or at some subsequent sitting, tilling the
roots, first having, if necessary, sufficiently reduced
any active inflammation which might interfere with
the operation. Irritation and inflammation of the
peridental membrane are caused and kept up by a
septic condition of the root-canals, and by removing
the cause nature is often enabled to effect a cure,
but when there is much degeneration of the mem-
brane, and when pus has formed, producing alveolar
abscess, the removal of the cause is not always effica-
cious, and it becomes necessary to cauterise or stimu-
late the parts to healthy action. This can usually be
accomplished by pumping the remedy through the
apex, using an old " nerve extractor " (perfectly clean)
wrapped round with a few fibres of cotton-wool. Some
operators use a syringe for this purpose, but unless
great care is taken the liquid may be forced through
the apex with too great pressure, and (unless there is
a fistulous opening) considerable pain may be caused.
It is, of course, necessary for the canal to be perfectly
freed from all debris before an attempt is made to
force anything through the apex. Carbolic acid
(full strength) is generally efficient for this purpose.
Creosote is equally useful, and is preferred by some.