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376 EXTRACTION OF TEETH.

nations to the axis of the tooth, being in some cases
divergent from, and in others parallel with it, and in
others convergent, or curved together so that their

points almost meet. The forms of the crowns will
give some indication of the inclinations of the roots :
if the former are short, the latter are so, and vice versa;
if the diameter of the crown is about the same at the
masticatory surface and the neck, the roots do not
if the crown
diverge ; is long and of uniform diam-
eter, the roots will be either parallel or convergent;
and if the angles on the crown are not sharp and well
defined, the roots most probably curve together at

the points. If, however, the angles formed by the
masticatory and lateral surfaces of the teeth are sharp
and well defined, the roots generally diverge.
Forceps adapted to each side are required for the
removal of these teeth. These forceps have a promi-
nence, or point, in the center of the beaks, to pass
into the bifurcation; and, in separating the gum, it is
important to dissect it away, and, if need be, even
cut away the margin of the process, so that the bifur-
cation may be well exposed, to admit the forceps to
a proper position on the tooth, without obstruction.
The tooth being firmly grasped in the proper manner
by the forceps, is moved gradually, but steadily,

inward and outward, to break up the attachment,
and then drawn from its socket. In the removal of