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104 PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL PROCEDURES

patient to use the tooth vigorously. Leave in position for
several days or weeks and renew if necessary.
2. Cotton.— (a) Twist the dry cotton into a small rope and
force in between the contact points, cutting off protruding

ends.
(b) Or in case of a large cavity, pack as full as possible.
(c) Or pass a ligature into the inter-proximal space,
allowing it to rest on the gums, when, after the adaptation of
the cotton, tie it in place, making the knot over the contact

points.
(d) Or tie a pledget of cotton in the center of a ligature,
draw it into place in the inter-proximal space and tie into
position as before.

3. Wood.— (a) Trim an orange wood stick into a wedge of
suitable size and shape, force carefully into position and cut off
the excess with wedge-cutting forceps.
(b) Or cut a deep notch in the wood where it is desired to
remove the excess, and after insertion of the wedge break it
off at the location of the notch.

4. Linen Tape.—Force the tape into position and cut off
the excess with scissors. Remove it in a day or two and insert
a thicker piece, or double it upon itself, continuing in this
manner until the desired space is secured.

5. Rubber.—Its use is undesirable in the majority of cases,
on accpunt of the soreness produced. If used for special
reasons, stretch and force into position just beyond the
contact points, avoiding pressure on the gums. Remove the
excess with a pair of scissors and allow it to remain in position
from 1 2 to 24 hours. If extreme soreness isproduced, maintain,

by means of gutta-percha, the separation gained, until all
soreness subsides. Rubber separating strips should usually
be avoided for this purpose, using preferably a small strip
of rubber dam or orthodontia band.