EXTRACTION OF TEETH 



necessary, in order to assure recovery, by the removal of 

 the effects of the disease of the tooth. 



The removal of molars may therefore involve extraction 

 with forceps, trephining the dental alveolus with repulsion 

 of the tooth and trephining of the sinuses because of em- 

 pyema or other pathologic conditions referable to the dental 

 affection; consequently all of tljiese should,, be studied as 

 related topics. 



1. EXTRACTION OF TEETH 

 Figs. 1 and 2 



Instruments. Extracting forceps, fulcra of various sizes, 

 mouth speculum with abundant lateraljworking room, tooth- 

 pick, splinter forceps, reflecting lamp. 



Technic. In simple cases with a quiet animal the patient 

 may be sufSciently confined by being backed into a corner 

 or very much better by being secured in stocks. In compli- 

 cated cases or very resistant animals, it is best to place the 

 patient upon the operating table or in default of this, to cast 

 and secure in lateral recumbence on the sound side. 



Apply the speculum and identify the diseased tooth by 

 manual exploration ; determine if the tooth be of unnatural 

 size or form, if it be loose, if the gums be separated from 

 its neck at any point, if it be out of line with the other teeth 

 in the row, if it be painful to the touch, if it be split, etc. 

 An external tooth fistula or a tumefaction over the affected 

 member may aid in distinguishing it. Aid may also be 

 had by illuminating the mouth with a reflecting electric or 

 other lamp. 



It is highly essential, both for the examination of the 

 teeth and for operating upon them, that the halter be very 

 loose about the cheeks. When closely fitted to the animal 



