Page 159 - My FlipBook

INTRODUCING THE FILLING. 155

rope, as it was sometimes called. By this method,
the foil is cut into strips from one-third of an inch to
two inches wide, the w idth being governed somewhat
7
by the size of the cavity to be filled. This strip is
then rolled lengthwise, forming a loose roll. The
compactness of the roll should depend upon the thick-
ness of the foil, and the size of the points with which
it is to be condensed; the smaller the points, the
more compact the roll may be.
It may be introduced either with the condensing
instrument or with the plugging pliers (improperly

sometimes called plugging forceps).
If with the former, it is taken up at one end on
the point of the instrument, and passed to the bottom
of the cavity; and that portion within the cavity is
pressed firmly against the wall where it is desirable
to begin the filling. There is no definite uniform
point in cavities, at which to begin the introduction
of the gold ; usually, however, in crown cavities of
the molars, at the posterior wall. At whatever point
the filling is commenced, the cavity should be so

formed that it will retain the first portion of gold
introduced; and this may be done by forming a little
pit or groove for the reception of the portion first
introduced. This is a particular that can not with
impunity be neglected. The gold should never change
its position after it is pressed to the wall of the cavity;