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ALVEOLAR ABSCESS. 301

access ; and it is very seldom that an operation of
this kind can be performed tnrough the root of a
tooth ; but, fortunately, in almost all those cases
where the discharge is through the root, therapeutic

treatment alone will answer the purpose. When the
point of discharge is on the gum opposite the secret-
ing sac, a sharp-pointed bistoury should be used, and
the canal of discharge sufficiently opened to admit
the free use of the instrument at the seat of the
disease. Then the secreting sac should be dissected
from the point of the root, and its connection with the
circulation severed as completely as possible, thus
cutting off its supply. After this, if the case is a
favorable one, nature may be left to accomplish the
work ; in which case, the broken up sac will be thrown

off, healthy granulations developed, and the parts
restored to complete health. In other cases, how-
ever, after an operation, nature unaided will not
complete the cure; but such therapeutic treatment
must be resorted to, as the circumstances seem to
require. In some cases, the opening through the
alveolus will require to be enlarged ; and this part of

the operation requires great care. All detached
particles of bone should be removed from the opening,
since, if permitted to remain, they would produce
irritation and tend to increase the difficulty.
When the therapeutic treatment is applied through