Page 293 - My FlipBook

FILLING ROOTS. 289

ter, however, in all cases, to make an opening of this
kind through the neck of the tooth, just under the
free margin of the gum, since here foreign substances
are not so liable to be crowded into it, as where it is

through the masticatory surface. In cases in which
it is obvious at the time of filling the tooth, that such
an opening will be required, it is better to make it
before the filling is introduced, as follows : first, pre-
pare the decayed and pulp-cavities for filling; then
drill through the neck of the tooth, into the canal, to
the extreme part of the pulp-chamber; and finally,
introduce into this' hole, its entire depth, a piece of
smooth steel wire, such as will closely fit, leaving it
exposed through the decayed cavity—and if it is not
enough exposed when introduced, the tooth-bone may

be cut away about it, till it is fully exposed; when
the decayed and pulp-cavities are filled in the usual
manner, and condensed solidly against the wire.
After the filling is finished, the wire is withdrawn,
leaving a smooth, continuous opening for the escape
of any secretion that may collect within. When the
opening into the canal is not made till after the tooth

is filled, there is liable to be a space between it and
the filling that will receive and retain fetid matter,
which may become very offensive. This method of
treatment is, however, always to be deprecated, and
should never be employed except as a last resort, or
T