Page 25 - My FlipBook

SECOND LECTURE.

November 21, 1900.
I was speaking to you of the examination of the mouth
when I stopped talking last week, and I wish to continue that
this morning. I had spoken of the necessity that you first
examine the gums and mucous membranes. Indeed, the sur-
roundings of the teeth are as important as decay of the teeth,
and you should always get a good idea of the surroundings
of the teeth, of the soft tissues, of the peridental membranes,
the gums, the alveolar processes, the condition of the pa-
tient—all of these things should pass your scrutiny before
beginning the examination of the teeth for caries. (I would
like for someone to take the chair.) In infirmary practice it is
difficult to do everything just as we should in private practice.
It is almost impossible to have all the conveniences. We
should always wash the hands in a position in which the
patient may know that we do wash the hands. It is not neces-
sary to have the wash bowl in front of the patient or imme-
diately about the chair, but it should be in such position
that the patient will know when you go ta wash your hands
and know that you do it. It is a satisfaction to the patient
to know that that is done, and it is an advantage to the
operator, for the patient has more confidence in his cleanli-
ness. And if during an operation it has been necessary for

3^ou to leave your patient for a moment, no matter how little
you have done, if you have had your fingers in the patient's
mouth, wash your hands before you put them back in the
patient's mouth, always. In proceeding with the operation
you should wash your hands often.

Examination of the Teeth for Caries.

In making this examination four instruments are neces-
sary—three explorers and the mouth mirror—and often it
will be necessary to have other accessories, such as silk liga-
tures, pliers, absorbent cotton, and I like to have small nap-
kins as wqW. I usually kept some small napkins that I called

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