e;xtraction op teeth 



while the jaws are closed, the wide opening of the mouth 

 by means of the speculum causes the nose-chin band of the 

 halter to become very tight and presses the cheeks against 

 the labial surfaces of the grinders so forcibly as to prevent 

 easy access to that surface. The halter pressure also causes 

 pain and abrasions oif the buccal mucosa owing to the 

 forcible pressure of the cheek against the corners of the 

 superior grinders. 



Remove any accumulations of partially masticated food 

 by means of the toothpick or fingers. 



In applying the forceps, have an assistant draw the 

 tongue out at the commissure of the lips on the sound side 

 and introducing one hand into the mouth, place the index 

 finger on the posterior border of the diseased tooth and 

 with the other hand, push the opened 'forceps backward 

 upon the dental row until they reach the diseased member, 

 then firmly grasp it with the instrument, pressing the 

 jaws down as deeply as possible against the alveolus. 



In many cases the diseased tooth can be clearly seen, 

 especially with the aid of the reflecting lamp, and the 

 forceps may be readily applied by the sense of sight, which is 

 fi-equently preferable to that of touch. 



Withdraw the free hand from the mouth, grasp the 

 forceps handles firmly and loosen the tooth in its alveolus by 

 establishing and maintaining as long as necessary a gentle 

 to and fro lateral movement. The tooth is thus loosened 

 in its alveolus by causing it to revolve very slightly back 

 and forth on its long axis, thereby spreading the alveolar 

 cavity. Care is to be taken not to apply too great force to 

 the tooth in attempting to loosen it by rotation. If the 

 force applied is excessive, the tooth fractures transversely 

 at or below the gums and thereafter extraction with forceps 

 becomes impossible. When the tooth has become well 

 loosened, the fact is indicated by its revolving with the 

 forceps and by an audible crepitant sound caused by the 



