Page 407 - My FlipBook

BREAKING THE TEETH. 403

adapted instruments, or in the unskillful use of good

ones. It is of very common occurrence when the key
is employed for extracting, even in the hands of those
who claim to be skilled in its use. And with forceps,
too, of the primitive form, the teeth were so fre-
quently broken, as almost to preclude their use as
extracting instruments. This accident usually occa-
sions great pain to the patient, as well as protracts
the operation, and diminishes his confidence in the

ability of the operator. One s*uch accident will
create more prejudice than fifty skillful operations
can obliterate.
In all cases where a tooth is broken, the root, if
possible should be removed; for, if it be not, con-
tinuous or periodical pain, inflammation, alveolar
abscess, and like affections, are liable to ensue.
The remark is often made, when teeth are broken,
that the gums will close over the roots and thus
effectually protect them, and no disagreeable conse-
quences will follow. In no ordinary case will the

gums unite over even the smallest portion of root
that may have been left in the socket.

REMOVAL OF A WRONG TOOTH.

There is very rarely any excuse for the removal of

a sound, healthy tooth in the immediate vicinity of a