Page 45 - My FlipBook

NECROSIS OF THE TEETH. 41

living teeth are not present. Total necrosis destroys
the entire organic connection of the teeth with the
surrounding parts; in which case they are immedi-
ately expelled from their sockets as useless.
Causes.—Caries is a very common cause of ne-
crosis, especially the partial form of it to which
reference is made above. Protracted fever, or dis-
eases of any kind that diminish the vitality of the
constitution, will in a corresponding degree diminish

that of the teeth, and sometimes destroy it entirely.
Excessive medication, especially with mercurials, will
sometimes produce partial, and occasionally total ne-
crosis, as will also sometimes blows or violent shocks,
when these are not sufficient to displace the teeth.
Great and sudden changes of temperature have been
reckoned causes of this affection ; but it may well be

doubted whether they are adequate, without the con-
currence of other influences.