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FILLING ROOTS. 287

not sufficient data to warrant the adoption of plaster
or any* similar substance in practice.
In cases in which there is liability to irritation,
the operation of filling a root is quite enough' for one

sitting; and in any case, not more than three roots
should be filled at one time. The filling of a large
pulp-cavity will occupy one sitting, and that of the
decayed cavity, another. When a respite is thus
had between the filling of the pulp-cavity, and that
of the decayed cavity, the former should be dressed
down perfectly solid and smooth, so that no moisture
may penetrate it; and then, when the latter is to be

introduced, the surface of the former should be rough-
ened by being cut up with a sharp instrument, or by
being indented with small retaining pits, so as to lay
hold of and fasten the last filling. From one to four
days should intervene between the different divisions
of the operation. The filling of the decayed cavity
is to be performed according to the directions already
given. When inflammation ensues on an operation
of this kind, recourse is had to the treatment already

described for preventing, counteracting, or reducing
inflammation.
Some experiments have been made to test the
effect of restoring the parts to health, forming a cica-
trice at the point of the root, cleansing this out, fill-
ing the pulp-cavity and the cavity of decay, and