Page 284 - My FlipBook

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2S0 EXPOSED PULPS.

extend to the alveolus, the gums, and the periosteum
of the neighboring teeth. Whenever the existence
of this disease is suspected, and yet not very appa-
rent, as is often the case, the examination should be
very thorough. In some instances, percussion of the

tooth at one particular point and at a certain angle,
will produce pain; whereas, striking on any other
part of the tooth, or at any other angle, will cause
none at all. By an exercise of care and discrimina-
tion, the exact point of disease, even if confined to
a small space, may be ascertained. For instance, if
striking on the labial surface of a central incisor
near the point, produces pain in the socket, while on

any other point it does not, the place of the inflam-
mation is the anterior portion of the root, at or near
its point. By such means, the skillful and discern-
ing will be enabled to form a tolerably accurate
opinion as to the extent and location of periostitis
in all cases ; and this is an important consideration
for, if inflammation is found confined to a small por-
tion of a root, the treatment, if local, should be as
near that point as possible.
Inflammation of the periosteum may sometimes be
induced by the presence of foreign substances forced
down between the free margin of the gum and the
neck of the tooth, which have remained there till

they have become vitiated,- so as injuriously to affect