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CHAPTER XI.

EXTRACTION OF TEETH,

GENERAL REMARKS.

The extraction of teeth is an important operation,
requiring, for its proper performance, skill, judgment,
and experience, as well as an accurate knowledge of
the parts involved. Success in the operation formerly
was very uncertain; but now, from an increase of
knowledge in the art of dental surgery, and from
great improvements in the instruments employed, the
operation is generally attended with success. The
ancients were not strangers to this operation, as is
evidenced by relics found in ancient tombs, with

teeth absent, under such circumstances as to warrant
the conclusion that they were removed by the sur-
geon. Extracting instruments of very ancient date
have also been found ; and ancient writers, too, refer
to the operation as one not much more pleasant then
than now. The demand for this operation rises not
from fancy, fashion, or caprice, but from dire necess-

ity—a necessit}^, too, of great frequency. Very few
individuals in this country arrive at mature ago with-