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FILLING TEETH 71

and hatchet excavators of various sizes and curves.
Now, with the exception of the hibial Avails of front
teeth, break down all frail overhanging enamel at
all parts, and be particularly thorough in this
respect at cervical walls. (Cavities that are to be
filled with gold are alluded to, not frail shells that
can only be filled with soft plastics.) This can
usually be easily done by placing a suitable spoon
excavator at the edge just outside the cavity, and
breaking it down by inward pressure (pressure in
the direction of the cavity). The plug-trimming files
(Smith's discs and Rhein's trimmers) are also useful
for supplementing the spoon excavators, and for trim-
ming margins generally. Chisels and sharp engine-
burs should be used for removing overhanging enamel
in occlusal cavities, and for freeing and trimming the
lateral walls of approximal cavities. In approximo-
occlusal cavities in bicuspids and molars a good deal
of overhanging enamel can often be removed in a
rapid manner by means of a chisel and hand mallet.
In suitable cases a very light tap, which causes the
patient no pain or even inconvenience, is all that
is necessary, providing, of course, the chisel is held
at the proper angle, viz. in the line of cleavage of
the enamel rods. Margins of cavities should usually
be bevelled if gold is to be used. The extent of the
bevelling will depend on the case, and the manner in