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EXPOSED PULPS. 279

by leeching, cupping, or scarifying the gums; or
counter-irritation, either by scarifying, or by the ap-
plication of highly stimulating lotions. Counter-
irritation may be produced, also, by making a deep
incision in the gum opposite the tooth affected, and

introducing a little flock of floss or cotton, saturated
with creosote, which is to be kept in place till the
inflammation of the periosteum is allayed; which will
be effected in from one to five days. The silk or
cotton should be changed every day, till the restora-
tion of the tooth to health is affected, when it is to be

removed, and the wound permitted to heal. Mild
stimulating applications to the gums in the immediate

vicinity, to increase the circulation, will, in some
cases, be all that is required. A vapor bath, or warm
water applied to the part, is often beneficial; and, in
some cases, a continued application of cold, by means
of ice-water, will subdue inflammation of the perios-
teum. Indeed, any antiphlogistic treatment that can
be adopted advantageously, may be employed in
periostitis.
The periostitis of teeth whose pulps are dead,

commonly has its origin at the point of the root, from
irritation induced in the beginning by the dead and
decomposing pulp and other matter at that point. In
many instances, the inflammation is not confined to
the root of the tooth on which it began; but it will