Page 335 - My FlipBook

GENERAL REMARKS. 331

firm and closely embrace the root, the tooth is very
securely retained. Exostosis of the same extent in
the inferior as in the superior teeth, will reader the
latter the more difficult to remove, because of the
greater density of the inferior maxilla; and it has
been maintained that this cause would produce a
like difference even in the normal condition of the

organs ; but experience does not warrant the opinion.
The superior molars have more numerous and more
divergent roots than the inferior ; and the roots of the
anterior superior teeth are much larger, and conse-
quently have a greater amount of attachment, than
the anterior inferior ones. In a healthy condition,
the periosteum of the root has comparatively little

sensibility ; but in proportion as it is subjected to
acute disease, is the sensibility, and thus the pain
consequent on the removal of the tooth, augmented.
Instruments adapted to all the different forms and
locations of the teeth, are requisite in the various
operations of extraction. It is impossible to remove
all teeth in a proper manner with but three or four
instruments, as recommended by some.
For any kind of successful manipulation in the

mouth, and especially that involved in the extraction
of teeth, the patient should be placed in such a posi-
tion as to make him the most comfortable, and to
secure to the operator the greatest facility of execu-