Page 336 - My FlipBook

332 EXTRACTION OF TEETH.

tion. But different positions, of course, will be re-
quired for the removal of different teeth. Finally,
there should be as little show of preparation, and as
little display of instruments as possible—thus to
avoid exciting the nervous apprehensions of the
patient ; and the operator should at all times exhibit
a gentle and encouraging deportment, yet work
promptly and surely.

INDICATIONS FOR EXTRACTION.

The most common and imperative indication is,
continued and violent toothache. In all cases where

the teeth are diseased and painful, and can not be re-
stored to health, the}^ should be removed. There
are, however, few cases of diseased teeth, that cannot
be relieved by the present methods of treatment, so
as to remain in the mouth with some degree of com-
fort and usefulness. Alveolar abscess terminating on
the outside of the face, or tending to it, always indi-
cates the removal of the offending tooth. Chronic
inflammation of the investing membrane used to be
considered an indication for extraction; but it is

found that many cases thus affected, may, by judi-
cious treatment, be restored to comparative health.
Ulceration of the investing membrane clearly points
to extraction as the remedy. Teeth that have no