Page 270 - My FlipBook

266 EXPOSED PULPS.

wire is not at the white heat at time of its insertion,
the pain of the operation is most intense; it is liable
to leave the parts in such a condition as often to in-
duce inflammation and suppuration, which may involve
the investing membrane and the surrounding parts.
Besides, by this method, the object is, at best, no
more successfully attained than by others.
Potential Cautery.—This term is applied to those
therapeutic agents which destroy vital tissue by estab-
lishing a condition incompatible with vitality. Many
preparations have been employed as topical applica-

tions to devitalize the pulps of teeth, but only two or
three to any considerable extent. A consideration
of the nature, and something of the specific action
of these agents may not here be out of place : and,
first, of
Arsenious Acid.—This has been more used, topi-
cally, for the destruction of tooth- pulp, than all other
applications. The first account we have of its use for
this purpose, dates back to 1836, when it was applied
by Dr. Spooner, though others claim to have employ-

ed it at about the same time. The specific action of
arsenious acid on vital tissue is not well understood.
It is supposed by some that it forms a compound
with some element of the tissue, and in this way
destroys the vitality.
Any such combination, however, has hitherto es-