Page 343 - My FlipBook

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THE KEY. 339

This instrument is so seldom employed for the
extraction of teeth, that any very special directions
as to its use will scarcely be required yet a few gen-
;
eral suggestions may not be out of place. Whether
a tooth should be drawn inward or outward depends
on its position and inclination. As a general rule for
the removal of the molars, the bolster should be

placed on the inside of the inferior teeth, and on the
outside of the superior. For removing the lower teeth
of the left side, the operator should stand at the right
of the patient ; and for the teeth of the right side, in
front or at the right. For the inferior teeth of the
right side, he should stand at the right of the patient
and for the left superior, in front of him. There have
been a great many different opinions as to the manner
of applying and using the instrument. One recom-
mends that " the teeth should be always turned

towards the tongue." Another, "that the fulcrum
T
should be so placed that it w ould not come in contact
with the tooth." Another directs : " Place the ful-
crum on the margin of the gum." Another : " Place
the fulcrum on the gum below its margin." Another
suggests, " that the fulcrum be placed on the side of
the tooth opposite the point of the hook." Again.
we are directed "that the tooth should be drawn

from the higher alveolus." This great diversity of
opinion as to the manner of using the key, as well as