Page 406 - My FlipBook

402 ACCIDENTS IN THE EXTRACTION OF TEETH.

LACERATION OF THE GTJMS.

The gums are often bruised and lacerated with the
key in the extraction of teeth. But this accident
seldom happens with the forceps; indeed, never, un-
less the gum is very firmly attached to the neck of
the tooth, and has not been separated with the lan-
cet. The gum will sometimes be lacerated by adher-
ing to a piece of the process, while the tooth is drawn
from its socket, with the process and gum attached.

With the various hooks and punches, the gums^ lips,
and cheeks are sometimes wounded. Accidents of
this kind are to be prevented by placing a ringer of
the left hand, or a guard made of a roll of linen, in
front of the instrument. When any considerable
portion of the gum is lacerated, the detached portion
should be cut off. The worst consequences from
laceration of the soft parts occur where there is a
hemorrhagic diathesis. The most effectual means

«of preventing accidents of this kind is to separate the
gum perfectly, and guard well the points of the

instrument.

BREAKING THE TEETH.

This is an accident of no small consequence, and is
liable frequently to occur in the use of imperfect, ill