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CHAPTER V,

SEPARATION OF THE TEETH.

In most cases of proximal decay, the teeth, before
the operation of filling can be performed, must be
separated ; though cases are not unfrequent, where
the space between them is sufficient to admit of free
manipulation without this preliminary.. An imper-

fect accomplishment of this first step in the process
of filling, is a prolific source of the many failures, in
proximal cavities, to attain to efficient and durable
results ; for, unless this step be thoroughly performed,
so as to make room for the free introduction and
use of the various instruments requisite, no part of
the work can be complete. Though the most com-
mon object for which teeth are separated, is, to
obtain space for free manipulation with the instru-
ments in filling, yet there are various other objects

for which they have been separated, but many of
which are now better accomplished by other means.
It is sometimes necessary to cut away more than
would otherwise be requisite, in order to remove thin.
friable edges of the cavity, so as to obtain sufficiently