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ALVEOLAR ABSCESS. 305

moval of the tooth. In the lower teeth, a very
serious difficulty occasionally occurs from abscess,
namely, an external opening and discharge ; and in all
cases where this condition has already been reached,
the offending tooth should be removed. But, when
such a result is only anticipated, and is yet contin-

gent, treatment may be employed to avert it; and,
in order to do this, a deep and free incision should be
made in the gum, opposite the affected tooth, and
poultices applied within ; and, where there is ex-
ternal swelling, pressure is recommended, as follows :
adjust a piece of thick sheet-lead to the part, and
make the pressure on this by means of a bandage
comprising it and passing round the head. It is
supposed that this application counteracts the gravi-

tation of the secretion, pressing it upwards, and thus
inducing it to seek an outlet at some more desirable
point. If it is a worthless tooth that is producing a
difficulty of this kind, it should be removed at once.
In regard to the treatment of alveolar abscess,
much yet remains to be learned. With the attain-
ments thus far made in this direction, no aspiring

dentist will rest satisfied ; though in the hands of a
few it has made great progress within a very recent
period.
In a treatise of this character it is impracticable to