The Teeth in Health and Disease (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 Excerpt: ... well poulticed by the mother. The child had an unhealthy-looking sore on the left cheek opposite the molar region of the lower jaw. It was small in size, circumscribed, and on its summit there was a small papilla from which pus was oozing. Careful probing showed a direct connexion with the roots of a lower temporary molar which was found deeply carious, but firm in its socket. This was removed and in one week the scar alone remained." This gentleman, commenting on this case, writes: "As in this instance advice is often sought when the mischief is done." It also illustrates a method of treatment frequently adopted by the ignorant, viz., that of poulticing swellings upon the face which, if nothing else happens, may leave a life-long scar. Dr. W. H. Williamson, in his presidential address to the Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society, January, 1901, on "The Eelation of Dentistry to Medical Education," says: ""When an alveolar abscess is developing it is by no means an uncommon error for a doctor Fig. 46.--Showing wound on the cheek caused by poulticing an alveolar abscess (gum-boil). to advise outside poulticing, the consequence being external fistula, leaving more or less of a scar on the face, according to the length of time it has been allowed to remain untreated; that is to say, the offending tooth or root not having been removed. When this however is done, it is astonishing with what rapidity the sinus heals up without any further treatment whatever." In practice cases are often met with where medical men have directed poulticing the face for alveolar abscess and have afterwards lanced the abscess on the exterior of the cheek or under the chin, producing an unsightly scar. Under dental treatment an external wound from...