Page 422 - My FlipBook

418 ANESTHETICS.

after, the instrument should be applied. When the
pulp of the tooth is exposed, the application would
cause great pain. In such cases, it has been recom-
mended first to apply arsenic for twenty-four hours
to the exposed pulp.
Under the full influence of the freezing mixture,
the circulation in the part is wholly arrested, and the

sensibility entirely obtunded, so that the operation,
properly performed, produces no pain. In the ex-
traction, the gum, so far as congealed, may, if neces-
sary, be embraced by the forceps and broken away
without pain. After the operation, cold water or ice
should be applied to the part, to prevent a too rapid
re-action, which would be very painful, but which,
thus graduated, occasions but slight pain, and in some

cases none at all.
The aim in all cases should be to produce congela-

tion to the point of the root; for, without this,
the extraction will cause pain. And it is far more
difficult to effect this object where only the root is
remaining ; for the crown when present, serves as a
conductor. In the former case, however, a screw or
iron wire may be introduced into the root, and left
projecting, to serve as a conductor. But in some
cases, especially in those of roots, it is improper to
attempt the employment of congelation at all. The
practicability of a desirable result will depend much