Page 370 - My FlipBook

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366 EXTRACTION OF TEETH.

they can not pass out of the socket without either
fracturing the alveolus or breaking off one or more
of the roots. On the contrary, there is sometimes
such a convergence of the buccal roots, that the inter-
vening portion of bone is necessarily brought away
with the tooth. Indeed, the three roots are some-
times found all in contact, forming an irregular conical
root; but this is a condition of unnatural develop-
ment.

The appropriate forceps being firmly fixed on the
tooth, an outward and inward movement is applied,
and traction at the same time. In the examination
of these teeth, to ascertain the force necessary for
their removal, two particulars have to be considered
the firmness of the attachment, and the position and
inclination of the roots. When these teeth, as they
occasionally do, stand somewhat outside of the cor-
rect position, great care must be exercised in their
removal, especially if the contiguous teeth impinge.
In small mouths, the contiguous impinging tooth is
liable to be injured by the pressure in extraction ; but

this injury may be avoided by directing the pressure
backward. Commonly, the first effort made to break
up the attachment, should be outward ; except where
the tooth stands inside of the circle, or where it is
decayed very much on its inner side, while its outer
remains firm. In those cases in which the roots