Page 272 - My FlipBook

268 EXPOSED PULPS.

absorbed more readily in solution than in solid. It is
soluble in creosote and most of the essential oils, and
to some extent in alcohol and water. In many
cases, when it is applied to the pulp of a tooth, more
or less disturbance of the periosteum is exhibited a
short time after—in some instances in a few hours,
and in others after several days; thus giving evidence
that it has, by some means, come in contact with the
periosteum. Its influence on this, will often be
manifested under percussion, in advance of any other
symptom.
Application.—There are two or three methods of

applying arsenious acid for the destruction of the
pulps of teeth. The ordinary arsenic of commerce is
used. It was formerly employed very extensively in
connection with sulphate of morphia, mixed in equal
parts, and applied to the pulp with a small pledget of
cotton, moistened with creosote or some essential oil,
the former being most frequently used. Alcohol,

ether, or water may be employed in stead of creosote,
and in some respects and in some cases would be
preferable. The pledget of cotton, thus prepared, is
introduced into the decayed cavity, with the prepara-
tion in contact with the exposed pulp. Another
pledget of cotton, saturated with a thick solution of
gum sandarac and alcohol, or gutta-percha and chloro-
form, is placed over this in the cavity, to prevent the