ANIMAL DENTISTRY. 



207 



to hide the crowns beneath the Hps, when the latter no longer 

 cover them completely, in which case only the operation 

 is excusable. 



The operation is performed only upon the superior ar- 

 cade, as the inferior one is seldom inspected for its senile 

 changes. 



Modus Operandi — First, cut ofif the internal table angle 

 of each corner tooth and file them to the length decided upon, 

 and then use the length as a guide for reducing the remain- 

 der of the arcade. Second, file a deep groove, through the 

 enamel across the laterals and centrals connecting the new 

 table level of the corners. Third, cut off the laterals with 



Fig. 14Sa. Fig. 14Sb. 



Lip Retractor and Mouth Gag, useful in shortening incisor teeth. 



the nippers and file them to the level of the corners. Fourth, 

 cut ofif the centrals and file them to the level of the laterals. 

 Fifth, bevel the tables backwards by patient filing. Sixth, 

 remove the crusta petrosa and tartar and polish with emery 

 paper. 



In cutting the incisors great care is necessary to prevent 

 chipping of the enamel, which accident will leave an un- 

 sightly defect in the arcade. The accident is prevented by 

 cutting the transverse groove completely through the 

 enamel and by not grasping too much substance with the 

 nippers. It is preferable to cut an incisor tooth by small 

 sections, rather than by grasping the entire crown. 



