Page 248 - My FlipBook

244 PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

and the chloroform al solutions are, in their action,
least painful of all the forms in which this chlorid is
applied. The union of this agent with the gelatinous
constituent of the tooth is also more prompt in solution
than in solid. The ether and the chloroform may
lessen the pain by their anaesthetic influence. In the
use of the chlorid or any other active caustic, it is
important to hear in mind the exalted vitality which

follows its application ; and the operation should be
immediately performed. In the teeth of young
persons, or those in which the animal constituent
greatly predominates, the vitality will be more
promptly aroused than in those of an opposite texture,
and the change, too, will be greater. If the inflamma-
tion is confined to a thin lamina, it will be almost
instantly allayed by the application of the chlorid,
and the cavity may be excavated, as though there
had never been exalted sensibility ; but if the opera-

tion be delayed any considerable time, the tooth will
often be found in a worse condition for excavating
than before the application. The remarks on absorp-
tion under the head of nitrate of silver, apply with
equal force here : there is not the least danger from
this source ; indeed, there can be none ; even when
the chlorid is applied to the soft parts.
Terchlorid of Gold.—Of this preparation the ethe-
rial solution only has been employed. This acts with