368 OPERATION OF RISODONTRYPY. 



had not had any pain since the last operation. 

 The tooth was perfect in colour and usefulness, 

 and a period of six months having elapsed since 

 all treatment ceased, I think I may fairly conclude 

 the operation has been successful. 



I do not think the profession attach sufficient 

 importance to this operation ; and I am sure if 

 members, when cases adapted for it present them- 

 selves, would try it, they would be gratified with 

 the result. 



I do not mean to state that I have not failed 

 occasionally; but I attribute my failures, in a 

 great measure, in my early practice of it, to a 

 want of caution in manipulating and in severing 

 the pulp, instead of slightly wounding or touching 

 it ; also inattention to the state of health of the 

 patient at the time. 



So valuable do I consider this operation, from 

 extended experience of it, that in all cases of 

 deep-seated caries, if cases will admit, or where 

 there is a probability of the pulp taking on an 

 irritable action, after filling the tooth, I perform 

 the operation at the time, subsequently filling the 

 cavity thus made, and I seldom have had cause 

 to regret it. I think, from reference to my note- 

 book, the average of failures are two out of four- 

 teen cases. 



It is also useful in general inflammation of the 

 pulp of a sound tooth; and, if performed suffi- 

 ciently early, is usually successful. 



