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122 INSTRUMENTS FOR FILLING.

These carriers are made with a variety of curves, to
accommodate different positions. There is also a
great variety of small file-point instruments for dress-
ing down fillings, the more important of which are
represented in Fig. 40.

Fig. 40.

The Use of the File.—When a separation of the
teeth is requisite, preparatory to filling, it is accom-

plished, either in whole or in part, with the file.
Principally, in such a case, its use is restricted to
finishing and smoothing, after the greater portion of
the work has been done with the heavy cutting
instrument. The file is valuable for removing super-
ficial decay, being called into frequent requisition in
caries of this kind. It is employed to dress off fangs
preparatory to the insertion of pivot teeth ; for which
purpose it is required to be of a round or half-round
form. It is used for dressing off sharp portions or
edges of the teeth, that may be injurious to the soft
parts, and in some cases for dressing down a tooth
that is elongated. In finishing fillings it is indispens-

able. It was formerly used to some extent in the