*CHAPTER XXI. 

 FILLING HORSES' TEETH. 



It is only of late years that the filling of the teeth 

 of our domesticated animals has been in practice. 



When I first commenced the practice of veterinary 

 dentistry I think it was almost unheard of. I began 

 to see the need of it more and more every year as 

 my practice increased and experience grew larger. 



I have repeatedly watched teeth with small cav- 

 ities and seen them grow larger until the caries ex- 

 tended to the pulp cavity, when extraction was the 

 only alternative. 



The thought often came to me that these teeth 

 might be saved if properly filled, yet I did not at- 

 tempt the operation until after attending lectures on 

 human dental surgery. 



I have met with varying success, but think now 

 that in cases where caries has not gone too far, that 

 many teeth may be reclaimed and do the animal 

 years of good service. Filling the teeth of animals 

 is only practical when caries first commences, as the 

 nerve is so large that I think it impossible to destroy 

 it and remove it successfully and if it is not well 

 done it is better not done at all. 



*This chapter was prepared by Dr. Sayre, D. V. S, 



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