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96 GENERAL REMARKS ON FILLING.

nearly as large as the orifice of the cavity, should be

placed upon the filling, and retained there with con-
siderable pressure till the mass is cool. After cutting
and dressing the surface of the filling as perfectly as
can be with instruments, then by passing over the
surface a short camel's-hair brush, with chloroform, a
very smooth surface and perfect finish will be made.
In some respects, there is, perhaps, nothing better
for temporary fillings than this preparation of gutta-
percha.
Os Artificial.—This preparation is an oxy-chloride

of zinc, and has been used for several years for filling
teeth ; and when well prepared, and properly manip-
ulated, serves a very valuable purpose. In very many
cases it resists the secretions of the mouth quite effectu-
ally. For proximal fillings it resists the wear of masti-
cation well, but for crown fillings it is not sufficiently
resistant. It is one of the best materials for temporary
filling. A little experience renders its use easy. It
effectually excludes all foreign substances; is a good
non-conductor ; and is only displaced by wear. It is
a good protection to sensitive dentine, and in many
cases for exposed pulp, under gold filling. It more
nearly resembles the natural teeth in color than any

other material that has been used for filling. To Dr.
C. H. Roberts is due the credit of having brought this
material to its present state of perfection.