Page 36 - My FlipBook

82 INTRODUCTION.

interrupting in any special manner the process of
assimilation. These things are referred to here for
the purpose of showing under what circumstances
atrophy of the teeth may occur.
Effects.—In the best formed teeth, there are no

unpleasant results from atrophy, other than its de-
traction from their beauty. The spots are unsightly,
and when the pits are present, they become dark,
and sometimes black, from deposit; which, by ordi-
nary means, is difficult of removal. In teeth of infe-
rior structure, decay often supervenes in these pits,
and, extending thence, involves the other parts ; and
anything that will affect the tooth-substance, will
affect the spots in a greater degree.

EXOSTOSIS.

This term, critically defined, implies outgrowth from
a hone; but, as applied to the bones generally, and
particularly to the teeth, it probably conveys the idea
of growth upon the lone. The affection thus denomi-
nated is common to all the bones; some, however,
being more frequently attacked by it than others.
It occurs upon the roots of the teeth, but is never
developed where there is no periosteum. The man-
ner of its deposit is not uniform ; but it is commonly

in an enlargement on the point of the root, or from