Page 280 - My FlipBook

EXPOSED PULPS.

2d. Those predisposed to disease.
3d. Those already diseased, either discharging
acrid matter through the root, or exhibiting inflam-
mation of the periosteum.
4th. Those having alveolar abscess.
Sound or slightly decayed teeth are sometimes
found with dead pulps. This condition may be pro-
duced in various ways : by blows, or by any force

that will partially loosen the tooth; by undue press-
ure in rilling; by excessive sensitiveness of the den-
tine, even where the decay is not extensive; and,
sometimes, by a filling of the tooth when it is in an
unfit state for the operation. Ordinarily, in cases in
which the pulp is dead before its exposure, and there
is no abscess from the root or periosteum, the pulp-
chamber may be opened, and the remains of the pulp
removed. The canal should then be cleansed out,
and floss silk moistened with creosote, introduced and

permitted to remain from one to six hours; when it
should be withdrawn, the pulp-cavity and the canal
again thoroughly cleansed, when, if there is no dis-
charge of pus through the root, it may be filled.
The fact that the dead pulp is inclosed in its chamber
without producing irritation is evidence that there is
no secretion of pus. Occasionally, where the pulp
has died from exposure, the living part immediately
adjacent will present a healthy condition, and there