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FILLING BY CLASSES AND MODIFICATIONS. 221

substance makes the operation of filling a little more

complicated; but the horn being softened, is easily
pressed to the side of the cavity and conformed to it;
and it may be made to retain its place, when first in-
troduced, by touching it at one or two points with
some adhesive material; or it may be made very soft,
adjusted in the cavity, and then conformed completely
to the wall by a temporary filling of gutta percha,
which, after having chilled and stiffened, may be re-
moved, leaving the horn thoroughly adapted and ready

for the gold.
Another method, which in many cases is preferable
to either of the above is, after the cavity is formed
and thoroughly cleansed, to fill it with os artificial,
and after it has become hard, cut it out, leaving enough
to constitute a good lining and support to the thin
walls. The natural color of the tooth may be in this

way so well restored and maintained as to elude de-
tection; at the border of the orifice the gold should
come in contact with the dentine or enamel. In
almost all cases of thin weak borders, the gold should
be built on and over them, so as to form a shield or
protection against fracture or undue wear. All such
overlapping portions should be made so thick and firm
as not to be displaced or moved.

The loss of a portion of the cutting edge of the in-
cisors by extensive decay is often met with. In all