Page 133 - My FlipBook

SEPARATION OF THE TEETH. 129

in good condition, are very efficient for the purpose,
performing the work far more rapidly than the file,
and far less unpleasantly to the patient. They effect
the removal of sensitive dentine with but little or no

pain, and without liability to increase the inflamma-
tion, or to produce irritation or disease of the perios-
teum. The force of these instruments is sustained
by the entire attachment of the tooth, their pressure
being applied almost in a line with its axis. Besides,
by their use, the contiguous teeth are not liable to

injury, as by the use of the file they often are.
The manipulation with these instruments is very
simple. For separating front teeth, the instrument
is firmly grasped in the hand, the thumb placed on
the points of the teeth, and the edge applied at the
point or crown surface of the tooth from which the
portion is to be removed, and pressed gradually
toward the gums, but not thrust into tli€ interval as
a wedge before it has freely cut its way. In this
manner, as much of the dentine as it is desirable to
remove, is cut off in a few moments. This class of

instruments is invaluable for forming the V-shaped
spaces between the bicuspids and the molars that
have been popular with many operators, but are
pointedly condemned by others. It requires a pro-
longed use of the file to make these separations pro-
perly; and hence the practice of attempting to fill