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258 EXPOSED PULPS.
izing agents should be applied first, and afterwards
such as will counteract and reduce inflammation,
especially if this is in an active state. But if the
pulp is in a morbid condition, with retarded circula-
tion, and a tendency to enlargement, very active and
stimulating applications will be indicated, and in
some cases escharotics, such as nitrate of silver,
chlorid of zinc, and chromic acid, the latter especially
where there is a tendency to prurient enlargement of
the pulp. The therapeutic principles embraced in
astringents, tonics, stimulants, and escharotics, are
mainly to be relied upon in the topical treatment of
exposed pulp; but a detailed account of the nature,
influence and effects of all the individual agents em-
bodying these principles, and of the respective meth-
ods of applying them, belongs rather to dental
therapeutics.
The length of time requisite for the treatment of
exposed pulp, will vary with different cases. In the
case of a recent acute inflammation, the process of
restoration may be completed in two or three days
while, in other cases, where the difficulty is of long
standing and of a more complex character, it will re-
quire from a week to two months. The systemic con-
dition of the patient also exercises a great modifying
influence upon the treatment. Leeching and counter-
irritation of the gums are sometimes resorted to in this
258 EXPOSED PULPS.
izing agents should be applied first, and afterwards
such as will counteract and reduce inflammation,
especially if this is in an active state. But if the
pulp is in a morbid condition, with retarded circula-
tion, and a tendency to enlargement, very active and
stimulating applications will be indicated, and in
some cases escharotics, such as nitrate of silver,
chlorid of zinc, and chromic acid, the latter especially
where there is a tendency to prurient enlargement of
the pulp. The therapeutic principles embraced in
astringents, tonics, stimulants, and escharotics, are
mainly to be relied upon in the topical treatment of
exposed pulp; but a detailed account of the nature,
influence and effects of all the individual agents em-
bodying these principles, and of the respective meth-
ods of applying them, belongs rather to dental
therapeutics.
The length of time requisite for the treatment of
exposed pulp, will vary with different cases. In the
case of a recent acute inflammation, the process of
restoration may be completed in two or three days
while, in other cases, where the difficulty is of long
standing and of a more complex character, it will re-
quire from a week to two months. The systemic con-
dition of the patient also exercises a great modifying
influence upon the treatment. Leeching and counter-
irritation of the gums are sometimes resorted to in this
