Page 77 - My FlipBook

CHAPTER III.

GENERAL REMARKS ON FILLING.

The importance and value of the operation of fill-
ing are obvious, from various considerations. It is
one that is in frequent requisition. It is the only
treatment for deep-seated caries : by it, the disease is
arrested and the lost part restored, so far, at least, as
it can be by a foreign substance. There is no mate-
rial similar to that destroyed—no substance possess-

ing the characteristics of the lost portion of the tooth
—with which to effect the restoration. Under favor-
able circumstances the operation of filling is efficient
in arresting caries and restoring the lost portion of
the tooth. In order, however, that it be permanent
in its character, the case needs to be attended with
favorable conditions, and the work to be thoroughly
done. But, two similar operations, both equally well
performed, may result very differently as to ultimate
success in preserving the teeth to which they may

have been applied the one effectually preventing
;
further decay, and the other seeming to interpose to
it but little obstacle. Indeed, the probabilities of