Page 253 - My FlipBook

PREPARATORY TO FILLING 237
failures to do so. Bearing in mind that the re-
moval of root-filling is occasionally necessary, no
matter how carefully and well the case has been
treated, and also bearing in mind that so many of
these cases show absolutely sweet canals when
only cotton-wool and an antiseptic have been used,
one is forced to the conclusion that the inser-
tion of root-fillings that are troublesome to remove,
or, it may be, impossible to remove, is, generally
speaking, an unwise practice. Some of the ablest
dentists hold that a root should always be solidly
filled ; that such a thing as ever having to remove
the root-filling must not be considered. If trouble
occurs it must be treated from the outside, either
by forcing an abscess to form and discharge through
the gum, or by drilling or cutting through th%
alveolar process. The former method is uncertain,
and subjects the patient to days of Suffering.
The latter brings dentistry within the region of
oral surgery, and no matter how desirable this
may be from a dentist's point of view, it is
neither desired nor appreciated by the public.
The true compromise between the unfilled and the
sohdly filled canal consists in the use of cotton-wool
and an antiseptic paste. It has been pointed out
by Dr. Flagg, that raw cotton (not the absorbent
kind) is practically impervious to moisture if care-