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2 54 INFECTIONS OF THE PERI-APICAL TISSUES

generators and transformers, to be used in connection with
direct or alternating street currents, and other accessories.
The chemical agents recommended for ionic medication
by the previously mentioned authorities are zinc chlorid or

sulphid, per cent solution; copper sulphate, 2 per cent
3
solution; silver nitrate, 3 per cent solution; and tincture of
iodin and water, equal parts. The canal to be treated is
saturated with one or the other of these solutions, the small
tooth electrode needle is placed as deeply as possible in the
canal, the face electrode is applied to the cheek of the patient,
and the current is turned on and slowly increased in amount,

thus dissociating the ions of the solution and driving them
into the tissues to be sterilized. The strength of the current
is increased to about three milliamperes for anterior teeth,
and about five milliamperes for molars. The treatment is

applied from one-half minute to 3 or 4 minutes duration,
depending on the conditions present and the size of the teeth
treated. Treatments are made every other day until pus
flow ceases, and then at intervals of 3 or 4 days for several
additional visits of the patient, at the end of which time, if all
evidences of septic infection have disappeared, and healing

has occurred, the canals are ready for filling.