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370 EXTRACTION OF TEETH.

extraction. This is effected either by cutting away
the portion of ]Drocess behind the tooth, so that it
may be forced backward sufficiently to let it pass out
of the socket, or by cutting away enough from the

anterior portion of the tooth ; or, if the posterior
proximal surface of the second molar is decayed, it
may be quite as well, and more convenient, to cut this
down so as to permit the ready removal of the tooth.
Physic's forceps can be used very effectively for
the extraction of these teeth, when they occupy such
a position, provided the root is straight, or has a pos-
terior curvature ; but if there is an anterior curvature,
the tooth is most difficult to extract, and Physic's
forceps would be wholly inefficient—except to break
off the tooth. In such case, the posterior portion of

the process should be cut away as much as possible.
Physic's forceps are frequently employed for the
removal of these teeth, when they occupy a correct
position; but their use is somewhat objectionable,
especially in the following respects : the instrument
acts first on the principle of a wedge, being forced
between the teeth ; and then on that of a lever, the
second molar being the fulcrum ; and hence, when it
is employed, the second molar must always be pre-
sent, and it is liable to injury from the pressure which
may do violence to the periosteum, or fracture and

scale off portions of the enamel. But if the first