m^jmfm?¥^wfcK%2. 'JH/^AfCWQ N&R&& M#ta ^r\^nr r ^^^.^":^^^^^:^ <**%*#, ^W .- V^<^«5$>"*.>' LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ,113(1. 7£ "5" sW STATES OF AMERICA. ^%»S^ b - ft mssssssms^s: ■>a'AT "W^' •aAaaA/ HwA ijfOjfW THE DENTAL ADVISEE: A TREATISE ON THE NATURE, DISEASES AND MANAGEMENT OF THE TEETH, MOUTH, GUMS, &C, BY THOMAS PALMER, i \ DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY; FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF DENTAL SURGEONS, E1C. FITCHBXTRG: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 1853. £ 4>\ 45 Filling Teeth, 47 Materials for Filling Teeth, . . 52 Artificial Teeth, 55 Artificial Palates and Obturators, 60 Chloroform and Ether, 61 Quackery, 63 Qualifications Requisite for a Dentist, 70 Dental Education, 72 DENTAL ADVISER. DESCRIPTION OF TIIE TEETH. The Teeth are organs of prehension and mastication. They are the most dense portions of the whole system, located at the entrance of the alimentary canal, oc- cupying the alveolar cavities of the upper and lower jaws, and forming two curves or dental arches. The different portions of a tooth are called the crown, the neck, and the fang, or root. The teeth, in structure, are com- posed of four different parts, viz : the en- amel, the bone, the pulp, and the cement- um. The enamel covers the crown and extends to the neck of the tooth. It is the hardest of all animal substances ; it is generally of a pearly white, and is much harder on some teeth than on others. If) THE DENTAL ADVISER. 3 bone or ivory forms all the hard por- i of the tooth except the enamel and cementum. It is composed of earthy and mal substances, and is more or less sen* e. The pulp is the soft vascular sub- ice within the tooth, srivins: to it vi- tality ; it contains the nerve of the tooth, and is extremely sensitive. The cemen- turn is a thin covering of the root, and is Liar to the bone, excepting it is more cular. The teeth are of two divisions ; the porary or infantile, and the perma- nent or adult teeth. The temporary teeth twenty in number, ten in each jaw, and are of three classes : — Incisors, Cus- pids, and Molars. tie permanent teeth are thirty-two in ber, sixteen in each jaw. and of four jes : — Incisors, Cuspids, Bicuspids and irs. The four front teeth in each are called Incisors, fron incido, to « it, their office being to cut the food. THE DENTAL ADVISER. 11 The two central ones are called central incisors, the outer ones, lateral incisors. The incisors of the upper jaw are larger than those of the lower. The central in- cisors of the upper jaw arc much wider than the laterals of the same, but re- semble them in shape. The lateral in- cisors of the lower jaw are generally a little wider than the centrals, though the difference is not very perceptible. Next to the incisors are situated the teeth with conical crowns, one on each side in both jaws, called cuspids, from pis, a point. They are commonly known as canine or eye-teeth. Their of- fice is to arrest and tear the food : hence we find that carnivorous animals are abundantly supplied with teeth of this cla s The next, four in each jaw, two on both sides, are called Bicuspids, from bi$\ twice, and cuspis, a point ; being so called 1 their having two distinct points on 12 THE DEXTAL ADVISER. their grinding surfaces, one outer and one inner. The bicuspids belong only to the second or permanent teeth, and supply the place of the temporary molars. The next, four in each jaw, two on either side, are called molars, from mola, a mill-stone, or that w T hich grinds. They are distinguished by their greater size, and the number of protuberances and de- pressions on their grinding surfaces. The use of the molars as their name signifies, is to triturate or grind the food. This is the full complement of teeth in the mouth of a person at the age of fifteen. There are four others, two in each jaw, one on each side, that generally appear between the eighteenth and the twenty- third year. They are sometimes called molars, but more commonly denies sapien- ticc, or wisdom teeth, from the fact that the individual has arrived to years of dis- cretion before they appear. In many in- THE DENTAL ADVISER. 13 stances they are attended with, much trouble and pain, and their extraction sometimes becomes necessary as soon as they present themselves above the gum. In some cases they never appear. Thus it will be seen that the entire number of teeth in the mouth of an adult is thirty- two. F0R3IS OF THE TEETH OF FIRST DENTITION. EXPLANATION. Figure Is, Central Incisors; 2s, Lateral Incisors; 3s, Cuspids; 4s, First Molars; 5s, Second Molars. 1-4 THE DENTAL ADVISER. FIRST DENTITION OR INFANTILE TEETHING. The period of the eruption of the de- ciduous or temporary teeth is variable, depending probably upon the constitu- tional health of the child. The time and order in which they usually appear are as follows : The central incisor from 5 to 8 a S n ^, u lateral incisor " 7 to 10 " " first molars " 12 to 16 " " cuspids " 14 to 20 " " second molars " 20 to 36 " No certain rules can be given that are not subject to deviations. Cases do some- times occur in which dentition does not commence until the fifteenth or twentieth month ; while on the other hand, such is the precocity of action, that a number of fully developed teeth have been found in the mouth at birth, and in some cases the THE DENTAL ADVISEE. molar teeth are the first to make their pearance. In the mouth of a child at the age of three years, there are twenty teeth, ten in each jaw. Between the fourth i sixth year, four large molar teeth are erupted immediately back of those which we have been speaking. These are the first of the permanent class, and na- ture supplies them but once. Hence the necessity for keeping the mouth and teeth clean and healthy in early childhood. EFFECTS AND TREATMENT OF FIRST DENTITION. The symptoms which accompany first dentition are often of the most alarming character. The whole process, however. is sometimes completed without inconvr- nience. but at other times, is attended with 16 THE DENTAL ADVISEH. so much pain and irritation that the most complicated forms of disease result from it, and it is regarded as a critical period of life. When the irritation is merely local, it subsides as soon as the teeth appear through the gums ; but when the irrita- tion is severe it is frequently attended with various cutaneous erruptions on diff- erent parts of the body, also with cough, diarrhoea, convulsions, and sometimes death. The gums of the infant during the whole period of teething, should be often rubbed with the finger, in order to render the scarf skin firm, and to cause a natural absorption for the advancing teeth, without soreness, pain, or inflammation. "Where the gums are irritable or swollen, the most important and sure remedy is the use of the gum lancet, freely cutting them down to the teeth, which will relieve the disease and remedy the febrile symptoms. This practice is thought by many to be cruel and unnecessary. We would invite THE DENTAL ADVISER. 17 the attention of such to the following lines from Brown's Dentologia : " The first dentition asks our earliest care, For oft, obstructed nature, laboring there, Demands assistance of experienced art, And seeks from science her appointed part. Perhaps ere yet the infant tongue can tell The seat of anguish that it knows too well, Some struggling tooth, just bursting into day, Obtuse and vigorous, urges on its way, While inflammation, pain, and bitter cries, And flooding tears in sad succession rise. The lancet, then, alone can give relief, And mitigate the helpless sufferer's grief; But no unpracticed hand should guide the steel Whose polished point must carry woe or weal : — With nicest skill the dentist's hand can touch, And neither wound too little nor too much. Be prompt to act : — 'tis dangerous to delay, Since life awaits the issue of a day : — Reject the gentler means : — employ the best : — Let unobstructed nature do the rest. This rule neglected, many a smiling form, With beauty bright, and life blood glowing warm, Its parent's pride, a flowret in its bloom, Descends lamented to an early tomb." As soon as the infant's teeth make their appearance through the gums, it should 18 THE DENTAL ADVISER, be the duty of the nurse to clean them frequently with a soft brush and water, to preserve them from the influence of vitia- ted saliva, and other deleterious fluids. This practice should be faithfully contin- ued through infancy and childhood, until the individual is capable of performing it properly ; and afterwards it must be a habit of life to keep the mouth clean, re- membering that " Obedience is better than sacrifice." Some suppose that the preservation of the temporary teeth is unimportant, but this is an error, and has led to their almost entire neglect. Disease of the temporary teeth and their sockets interferes with the healthy formative process of the perma- nent teeth. THE DENTAL ADVISER. 19 SHEDDING OF THE TEMPORARY TEETH. The temporary teeth are shed by pairs in the order in which they first appeared After one pair has been shed, a sufficient time usually elapses before the shedding of another, for those of the permanent set to come forward and take their place. Thus the mouth is by nature, never de- prived of more than two teeth in each jaw at any one time. Many think the temporary teeth never have roots, inasmuch as they are found to be wanting when the teeth drop out. This is not so. They have roots proportion- ately as large and numerous as the corres- ponding ones of the second set, until the permanent teeth in their growth begin to press upon them ; then by a most won- derful operation of the economy of nature, the roots of the temporary teeth are ab- sorbed as fast as the permanent advance, 20 THE DENTAL ADYISEH. until nothing remains but the crown above the gums. The temporary teeth may be extracted too soon or left too long. If they loosen by the absorption of their fangs and allow the permanent teeth to take their proper place, all will be well ; but if the first teeth remain firm, and the second on their ap* pearance require room, do not delay to give them place by removing the corres- ponding ones of the first dentition. In all cases where a temporary tooth remains after the permanent makes its appearance through the gum, it should be extracted, as the permanent teeth must have suffi- cient room, or irregularity and decay will ensue. EXPLANATION TO CUT. Figure Is, Central Incisors; 2s, Lateral Incisors; 3s, Cuspids; 4s, First Bicuspids; 5s, Second Bicuspids ; 6s, First Molars ; 7s, Second Molars ; 8s, Wisdom Teeth. THE DENTAL ADVISER. 21 FORMS OF THE TEETII OF SECOND DENTITION. CO, 22 THE DENTAL ADVISER, SECOND DENTITION, The times of appearing of the perma- nent or adult teeth are as follows : First molars from the 5th to the 6th year. (Central incisors, cc 6th CC 8th " Lateral incisors, cc 7th cc 9th " First bicuspids. cc 9th cc 10th « Second " cc 10th cc lUth « Cuspids, cc 11th cc 12th " Second molars, a 12th CC 14th " Wisdom teeth, cc 18th CC 23d " The irritation consequent upon the eruption of the permanent teeth, is usually very slight, with the exception of the wis- dom teeth, which often cause much trouble by their being prevented from coming out for want of sufficient room. The proper treatment in this case is the extraction of the offending tooth. The first adult molar teeth are often THE DENTAL ADVISER. 23 supposed to belong to the temporary set, and no attention is given to them. But as ery subject to decay, no pains should be spared to preserve thorn, for they hold an important office through life. During the whole period of second den- tition, the teeth should be often examined by a skillful practitioner, and if he give to them the necessary care and attention, the mouth will in most instances, be furnish- ed with a healthy, well arranged, and beautiful set of teeth. Supernumerary Teeth. — There sometimes appear more than the usual number of teeth. They are generally imperfect in their formation, and often occasion irregu- larity in the arrangement of the others, and give a disagreeable appearance to the mouth. Therefore in all cases they should be extracted as soon as they are fully de- veloped. 2-1 THE DENTAL ADVISER. IRREGULARITY OP THE TEETH. "Now mark the contrast in some hideous face, Robbed by neglect, of symmetry and grace : Behold those organs, formed on nature's plan, To serve important purposes to man; To form the sounds in which his thoughts are dres'uV His wishes uttered and his love confest ; To fit his solid food of every name, For healthy action on the general frame j Behold these organs, wasted by abuse, From wisest purpose, and from noblest U3e, Deranged, displaced, distorted, set awry, Disgusting objects of deformity ! Such mal-formations hardier man perplex, But, with more grief, afflict the softer sex ; — But learn the remedy — the dentist's skill, Subjects disordered nature to his will ; So he — the master of the dental art, Can order, grace, and symmetry impart. Such benefits this useful science lends, To earliest youth ; — and yet its aid extends To following years, assuaging mortal pain, And oft restoring beauty's flowery reign." [Dentologia. The temporary teeth are usually quite regular in their arrangement, but the per- manent are notunfrequently very irregular, LL ADVISER. 25 protruding from almost any part of the jaw and in almost any direction, causing great inconvenience in mastication and in speaking, also injuring the form and beau- ty of the mouth and face. They are much more liable to decay than other teeth. This irregularity is most commonly occa- sioned by their coming in contact with the 'adjoining temporary teeth, by being too large for the space left for them, or by narrowness of the jaws. When a temporary tooth gives a wrong direction to the permanent, it should be extracted, and the deviating tooth should be pressed several times a day with the finger, hi the proper direction. This will generally be all that is requisite. But when irregularity is the result of a narrow- ness of the jaw, or want of room, it is us- ually necessary to extract one or more of the permanent teeth on each side of the jaw in order to make room for those that are improperly situated, and by applying 2 26 THE DENTAL ADVISER. pressure in a proper direction with a vari- ety of fixtures for the purpose, a skillful practitioner can adjust the most irregular set of teeth, if attended to before the indi- vidual arrives to years of maturity, and can bring them into a complete arch. CARIES OR DECAY OF TEETH. " Destructive caries comes with secret stealth T' avenge the violated laws of health. Dilapidates the teeth by slow decay, And bears them all successively away. 5 ' Caries is the most common disease to which the teeth are subject. It was for- merly supposed to arise from some inter- nal cause, but more modern investigations have proved that it is the decomposition of the earthy part of the hard portion of the teeth, usually occasioned by acetic and vitiated matter retained in contact with Tin; DENTAL ADVISER. 27 them, arising' from particles of food, from the fluids of the mouth, and from a de- ranged state of the system. Decay of the teeth usually commences in their intersti- ces, and in the parts which come in con- tact with each other, or in cracks of the enamel caused by sudden transitions from heat to cold, or external violence, and also at any other part of the teeth where for- eign matter is most liable to lodge. — There are also indirect causes of caries, such as tartar upon the teeth, effects of mercury hi the general system, artificial teeth improperly inserted or of bad mate- rials, and roots of teeth remaining in the gums. 28 THE DENTAL ADVISER. TARTAR OR SALIYARY CALCULUS. " If sloth or negligence the task forbear Of making cleanliness a daily care ; In dark disguise insidious tartar comes, Incrusts the teeth and irritates the gums, Till vile deformity usurps the seat Where smiles should play and winning graces meet, And foul disease pollutes the fair domain, Where health, and purity should ever reign." Tartar is the earthy substance deposited on the teeth by the saliva. It is found hi greatest abundance on the outer surfaces of the upper molars, and on the inner surfaces of the lower incisors ; these teeth being situated opposite the mouths of the salivary ducts. The presence of tartar upon the teeth is always productive of injury. At first, it is so soft that it may easily be removed with a brush ; but when permitted to ac- cumulate for any great length of time, it becomes nearly as hard as the teeth. The saliva is vitiated, and the gums become so THE DENTAL AT/, [SEE, 29 sensitive that a tooth-brush cannot he used without causing- great pain, and con- sequently no attempt is made to cleanse the mouth. As it continues to increase, it attaches itself to the crown and neck of the tooth, sometimes in quantities equal in bulk to the tooth itself, eating dow r n the gums, loosening the tooth and causing it to decay, until one by one the teeth fall victims to its desolating ravages. Whole sets of the best constituted teeth are in this way frequently destroyed. Not only are the teeth injured by tartar, but the breath is oftentimes so affected by it as to emit an almost insufferably offensive odor. Tartar adheres very firmly to the teeth, and can not be safely removed by chemi- cal agents, but can only with difficulty be removed with instruments nicely adapted for the purpose. Much skill and tact are requisite to re- move it properly, especially from between the teeth. 30 THE DENTAL ADVISER. IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY MOUTH. Most people in civilized communities give much attention to their health, and to general cleanliness of person, but at the same time seem almost wholly to for- get the mouth, until attention is called to it by disease and pain. More trouble and suffering often arise from an unhealthy state of the mouth and teeth, than from any other part of the system. All ages and conditions suffer more or less from this cause alone. It injuriously affects both the nervous system and the general health. The salivary fluid, bath- ing and remaining in contact with ulcera- ted gums, decaying teeth and fangs, being loaded with vitiated matter, is rendered totally unfit for mixing with the food, and for reception into the stomach. The breath also is corrupted. As one writer observes, " The air which is drawn in up- THE DEE i'AL Am tSEB. 31 on the lungs, is rendered poisonous by its passage tlirongli this depository of filth/ 1 There are few blessings of a physical nature, greater than sound, healthy teeth. " They are an ornament to youth, and a comfort to old age," but like most other blessings are seldom appreciated, until by neglect we are deprived of the use of them. But their loss is to a great extent unnecessary. To such perfection is the science of Dental Surgery now brought, that it is in the power of the skillful den- tist to insure to almost every person a good set of teeth through life, if he will but take care of them and avail himself of his skill and science before it is too late. 32 THE DEXTAL ADVISEE. BEAUTIFUL TEETH. " Let azure eyes with coral lips unite, And health's vermilion blend with snowy white ; Let auburn tresses float upon the gale, And flowery garlands all their sweets exhale; If once the lips in parting, should display The teeth discolored or in disarray, The spell dissolves, and beauty in despair Beholds her fond pretentions melt in air." The Creator seems to have designed not only that comfort and utility should charac- terize his works, but he has also set upon them marks of grace and beauty. These are qualities as manifest in the teeth, as in the eyes or any part of the " human face divine." Those on whom nature has generously bestowed a sound beautiful set of teeth, may justly feel themselves highly favored. " The expression and general appearance of the face depend much upon the con- dition of the teeth. If they are perfect, regular, pure, and clean, they contribute THE DENTAL ADVISER. 33 more to beauty than any of the other fea- tures ; but if i 1 bed, diseased, or in- crusted with an offensive accumulation, they excite in the beholder both pity and disgust." We would refer our fair readers to the following lines : " What pity, blooming girl, That lips so ready for a lover Should not beneath their ruby casket cover One tooth of pearl ! But, like a rose beside the church-yard stone, Be doomed to blush o'er many a mouldering bone! " The dark black eye may be ever so piercing, the soft blue eye may melt with tenderness, the rose may blossom brightly upon a downy cheek, and the graceful form, even of the Venus cle Medicis, may be found among the softer sex ; yet if the teeth are defective, all these charms lose their power, " As one contrasted fault alone, Disarms all conquering beauty of a thousand charms." 34 THE DENTAL ADVISER. TOOTHACHE, OR ODONTALGIA. " When caries the solid tooth destroys, That sullen enemy to mortal joys, The toothache supervenes: — detested name, Most justly damned to everlasting fame! Thou haggard fiend! of hellish imps the worst, To mercy deaf, by sorrowing man accurst; Though cheerless days made desolate by thee, And long, long nights of sleepless agony, Have marked thy fearful reign in days of yore, Thy power is crushed, — thy scorpion sting no more Affrights the helpless, for the dental art Commands thy gloomy terrors to depart, Then wipes from beauty's cheek the tears that burn, And bids her roses and her smiles return." Odontalgia is pain more or less severe in the teeth resulting mostly from two causes; viz. inflammation of the lining membrane and the pulp's being exposed by caries, or from inflammation of the al- veolar or investing membrane which cov- ers the fangs of the teeth. Toothache arising from exposed pulp or nerve, is very acute, and temporary re- THE DENTAL ADVISER. 35 lief can often be afforded by palliatives, such as oil of cloves, or any of the essen- tial oils, or opiates. The entire destruction of the nerve will sometimes, though not always, afford per- manent relief, but usually extraction is the only sure remedy, which should be done, unless the tooth is situated in the front part of. the mouth, in which case the nerve can often bs destroyed with good success. Toothache arising from inflammation of the investing membrarne, is generally of a dull, heavy character, sometimes extending to the jaws, face and temples, and producing facial neuralgia. The inflammation of the investing mem- brarne often arises from inflammation of the lining membrarne, also from colds, dis- eases of the gums, mercurial medicines, blows, and jarring of the teeth. This in- flammation produces soreness of the teeth, causes them to rise up slightly in their sockets, sometimes causes the face and 36 THE DENTAL ADVISER. jaws to swell to a great extent, and finally results in ulceration and loss of the teeth. By proper treatment of tooth vis- ing from inflammation of the investing membrame of the fangs of the teeth, in the early stages of the di oft- en be afforded by applying mild poulti- ces, or hot salt moistened with vinegar and laudanum to the face, by bleeding the gums, or in some cases even by holding cold water in the month an i g it to the face. But in many instances their extraction is the only remed Toothache also from mor- bid syi: between the t: : h and ether parts of the body, and from a nervous apathy with other aching on the le side of t . Tic douloureux is usual" jeeies of sy * tooth- ache, and in m ipally the res, : of nervous irritation, from diseased teeth and gums, to the jaws, face and head. 3PHE ; ENTAL ADVISER. 37 u My curse upon your venomed Stan"-, That shoots my tortured gums alang, And through my lugs gi'es money a twang, Wi' gnawing vengeance ! Tearing my nerves wi' bitter pang, Like racking engines ! Where'er the place be priests ca' hell, Whence a' the tons: o 5 misery yell, And ranked plagues their numbers tell, In dreadful raw ; Thou — toothache, surely bear'st the bell, Amangst them aV — [Burns, EFFECTS OF TOBACCO UPON THE TEETH. The use of tobacco lias no direct chem- ical action upon the teeth, either to pre- serve them or cause them to decay. But it indirectly injures them as it deranges the general health and produces diseases of the gums, causing them to recede and expose the necks of the teeth. It is true that tobacco will sometimes deaden the sensibility of exposed nerves of the teeth. 38 THE DENTAL ADVISER. and relieve the pain, but -this alone is not a sufficient reason for sucli an uncleanly, disagreeable, and injurious habit, when there are so many other and better agents that will produce equally as good effects. The use of tobacco, particularly in smok- ing, is liable to blacken the teeth and give them a very disagreeable appearance. Chewing tobacco which is gritty, when long continued, wears away the teeth. — Also the use of the pipe wears away the teeth with which it comes in contact. EXTRACTION OF TEETH. This is an operation which the dentist is often called upon to perform, and one to which most persons submit with great reluctance. The teeth are subject to various ir- regularities and numerous diseases, cau- THE DENTAL ADVISER. 39 sing much inconvenience and suffering, which in many instances can be relieved only by their extraction. A few of the indications which call for the operation are as follows : most cases of severe tooth- ache, — the temporary teeth when they ob- struct the eruption of the permanent teeth, — in treatment of irregularities of teeth, — many cases of ulcers and gum boils, — • teeth which discharge fetid matter ^through carious openings in their crowns from the nerve cavity, — and loose and dead teeth and roots. It is of vast importance that the practitioner should be perfectly fa- miliar with the general construction of the teeth and all the various irregularities and diseases to which they are subject, so as to enable him readily to ascertain on examination any indications for their ex- traction, as he will often be called upon to extract teeth which the patient sup- poses to be the cause of pain, but on ex- amination will be found to be perfectly 40 THE DENTAL ADVISER. sound and healthy, the pain at the same time arising from teeth in some other lo- cation. "When the operation of extracting teeth is performed by a skillful practitioner and with suitable instruments, it is both safe and easy, but if attempted by one who is ignorant and inexperienced, it may be at- tended with serious and even dangerous consequences. In unskillful hands it oft- en happens that teeth are broken off and the roots left in the gums with their nerves exposed. In some instances portions of the jaw have been broken out, carrying with it several sound teeth ; and the front teeth have sometimes been badly cracked by blows of the instruments against them. But with one who is experienced such accidents seldom if ever occur. Formerly the key instrument was the only one used for extracting teeth, and its use is still continued by some, but is 1NTAL ADVISER. 41 mostly dispensed with by the most experi- enced dentists. More recently, however, there has been invented a variety of in- struments, greatly improved and nicely adapted to every class of teeth, and dent- ists who well understand how to apply and use them, can remove teeth with great ease and facility. HEMORRHAGE AFTER EXTRACTION OF TEETH. Sometimes, though rarely, excessive bleeding is occasioned by the extraction of teeth. In some instances it becomes alarming, and it has been known to termi- nate fatally. It is through want of prop- er knowledge and management that such cases ever happen. Excessive hemorr- hage after extraction of teeth can in all cases be so far checked, even by the pa- tient, as to be beyond danger until other 3 42 THE DENTAL ADVISER. aid can be obtained, and in most cases en- tirely stopped by putting wads of lint or cotton into the orifice and pressing hard upon it with the finger. CLEANSING THE TEETH. The most important rule to be observed for the preservation of the teeth is to keep them perfectly clean. Any foreign sub- stance remaining upon or about them night and day, is the principal cause of inflammation of the gums, an offensive breath, loosening of the teeth, and by- soon becoming acetic, occasions a pre- mature decay. Cleansing the teeth and mouth should with every individual be a daily habit. " Let each successive day unfailing bring" The brush, the dentifrice, and, from the spring The cleansing flood : — the labor will be small, And blooming health will soon reward it all." THE DENTAL ADVISER. 43 It should bo faithfully done after every meal, or at least once a day, and that at night in preference to morning*. When cleansed only in the morning they remain so but a short time, and whatever collects upon them during the day will remain upon them all night ; but if cleansed aft- er supper they will be free from food un- til breakfast. " In sickness the rules for cleanliness of the teeth should be more rigidly en- forced than at any other time, as then they are more exposed to destructive agents, and are very liable to participate in the general debility and disease of the system." "When artificial teeth on plates, are worn, they should in all cases be taken out daily, and by the use of a brush be thoroughly cleansed with fine soap and water. 44 THE DENTAL ADVISER. TOOTH-BRUSHES AND TOOTH-PICKS. The tooth-brush and the tooth-pick are the most suitable instruments for clean- ing the teeth. Tooth-brushes should not be so hard and stiff as to lacerate and wound the gums, but should be moder- ately soft, and as elastic as possible, yet not too soft to effect the object which is necessary. The best materials for tooth-picks are ivory and the goose quill. Metallic sub- stances should never be used. Some persons make use of a sponge, or a cloth, or the finger, for cleaning the teeth, but instead of removing foreign substances from those parts of the teeth most liable to decay, they only remove them from the most prominent portions of the teeth where there is no danger, and leave untouched their depressions and contiguous parts. TIIK DENTAL ADVISER. 45 Floss silk is often used to remove sub- stances from between the teeth, and is one of the best means when properly ap- plied. DENTIFRICES. Tooth powders and washes may some- times be advantageously employed in cleansing the teeth, and treating diseases of the gums. In a healthy condition of the teeth, usually no substances need be used with the brush, except pure water. Many of the dentifrices vended at the present day for whitening and beautifying the teeth, contain properties which exert upon them a deleterious effect. Char- coal has been largely used for cleaning the teeth, as it has been supposed to con- tain properties which would prevent their decay. But it is found not only that it does not produce the effect ascribed to it, 46 THE DENTAL ADVISER. but that its use is productive of injury, inasmuch as it gets between the gums and necks of the teeth, causing inflamma- tion and a black appearance. Many dentifrices contain acids and sharp gritty substances which should never en- ter into their composition, as acids decom- pose, and gritty substances wear away the enamel of the teeth. When dentifrices are used, they should be composed of such materials as will tend to purify the breath, neutralize any acids that may be about the teeth, and remedy sponginess or any disease of the gums. A small quantity of fine soap pleasant- ly flavored, may often be advantageously employed in cleansing teeth. THE DENTAL ADVISER. 47 FILLING TEETH. • " With skill The practiced dental surgeon learns to fill Each morbid cavity, by caries made, With pliant gold : — when thus the parts decayed Are well supplied, corrosion, forced to yield To conquering art the long contested field, Resigns its victim to the smiles of peace, And all decay and irritation cease." This is an operation for arresting the progress of caries of the teeth, by remov- ing the diseased parts, and by filling the cavity with gold or some other substance. This is the most important and at the same time the most difficult operation in Dental Surgery. Says Dr. C. A. Harris, " It oftentimes baffles the skill of opera- tors who have been in practice from ten to twenty years. It is, also, when well performed, the most certain and only remedy that can be applied for the cure of deep-seated caries. But to be effect- ive, it must be executed in the most 48 THE DENTAL ADVISER. thorough and perfect manner. The pres- ervation of a tooth, when well filled, and with a suitable material, if it be after- wards kept constantly clean, may be re- garded as certain. At any rate, it will never be attacked again in the same place by caries." On this highly important operation, Dr. E. Family thus remarks : " If preser- vation be as good as cure, this is as good as both, for the operation of stopping, when thoroughly performed, is both pres- ervation and cure. And yet, it must never be forgotten, that this assertion is true only in those instances in which the operation is well and properly done ; and, perhaps, it is imperfectly and improperly performed more frequently than any other operation on the teeth." Much labor, mechanical skill, and ex- perience, are requisite to excavate carious teeth and fill them so as to secure their preservation, although many imagine that THE DENTAL ADVISER. 40 almost any person with very little knowl- edge and experience in the business can '* fill teeth. " And indeed almost any one can poke out some of the decay and foreign matter from carious teeth, and stuff in a little filling, as many itinerating quacks do at the present day who pro- cure a few instruments, and go about among strangers, calling themselves Den- tists ! They not only deceive those who employ them, and take their money, but leave them to suppose their teeth are in a state of preservation, unaware that de- cay is still going on, until it has effected their irreparable ruin. Xow such practitioners must be dis- honest or ignorant of the maimer of per- forming the operation, and in either case ought not to be entrusted with the treat- ment of the diseases of organs so valua- ble as the human teeth. It is a very common fault with those who have de- caying teeth, that they neglect them too 50 THE DENTAL ADVISER. long. As tliey experience no inconven- ience or pain from them, they apprehend no danger, whereas they can not be at- tended to too soon. Carious teeth should in all cases be filled before their nerves are exposed. Then they will be service- able and no more subject to decay than sound ones ; but if they are neglected un- til decay has progressed so far as to ex- pose the nerve, their preservation by fill- ing is uncertain. If the filling press up- on an exposed nerve, the tooth is liable to ache, and if filled after the nerve is destroyed, it is sooner or later liable to ulcerate and discharge matter through the gum. In performing the operation of filling teeth it is necessary to remove very carefully all carious and foreign matter lodged in the cavity, to wipe it perfectly dry, and press the filling in so as to be completely air and water tight, leaving its surface as smooth as the tooth itself. Teeth filled in this manner may THE DENTAL ADVISER. 51 be preserved for many years, and in most cases during life. It is important that persons should have their teeth frequent- ly examined by a skillful dentist, that the first appearance of caries may be detected and a remedy be applied. When filling is neglected too long, teeth can not be made so serviceable by the operation, and consequently blame is sometimes attached to the dentist. The operation of filling is usually per- formed only upon the second set of teeth ; but as their health and regularity depend much upon the healthy condition of the first set, these also, in many cases, should be filled whenever they begin to decay. 52 THE DENTAL ADVISER. MATERIALS FOR FILLING TEETH. Various materials have been used for filling teeth, and all of them are more or less objectionable, except gold, which, in the opinion of the author, is the only one that should ever be employed for this purpose ; and teeth which are worth fill- ing with any substance can be filled with gold. The gold, however, should be per- fectly pure, and pressed so firmly and solid into the cavity as to be impermeable to the fluids of the mouth. Thus in almost every case the perma- nent preservation of a tooth may be ef- fectually secured. Tin foil is less objectionable than most other articles used for filling teeth. When properly prepared and well inserted into the cavity, it will sometimes effectually preserve the tooth. It is considerably used, particularly for filling large cavities THE DENTAL ADVISER. 53 in the back teeth, in cases where patients do not wish to pay for a more costly ma- terial. Tin is less durable than gold, and when the fluids of the month are very much vitiated, its exposed surface will fhtly corrode, but it does not blacken the teeth, and is not attended with bad consequences. There is used for filling teeth an amal- gam. a compound of mercury and other metals, which is highly objectionable. There have been ^iven to amalgam fill- ings various names, such as Enamel Ce- ment, Bone Paste, Diamond Cement, Roy- al Succedaneum, Mineral Paste, Adaman- tine Cement, Lithodeon, &c. With some slight variations it has always been the same base article under whatever name it lias been presented. By its use for filling teeth, the public have for many years been imposed upon, and it is still in use more or less — I will not say by dentists, but by quacks and imposters, " operators 54 THE DENTAL ADVISER. on teeth" some of whom are even igno- rant of its injurious effects, but many of whom know well its qualities, and use it only for want of knowing how to fill a tooth properly with gold. It is an article which can be applied by any one who can stop a hollow tooth with wax or putty ; and being introduced in a soft state, it shrinks from the walls of the cavity in hardening, so as to admit the secretions of the mouth ; consequently the progress of decay is not arrested. Teeth filled with this compound which soon oxydizes, become dark colored and are often ren- dered so black even into their fangs, that it is difficult if not impossible to restore them. The author has a collection of teeth which he has extracted, filled with these amalgams, that will fully illustrate the above statement. In the mouth of individuals highly susceptible to the in- fluence of mercury, if much of this filling is used, it is liable to produce salivation, TIIE DENTAL ADVISER. 55 and in most cases it is apt to produce dis- eases of the gums, mucous membrane of mouth, &c, therefore it should never be used. ARTIFICIAL TEETH. On account of the great liability of the human teeth to decay, and the means of their preservation being so much neglect- ed, but few persons arrive at even years of maturity without loosing more or less of these valuable organs. To such perfection has the art of den- tistry reached, that their loss can be sup- plied by artificial ones, not only so com- pletely resembling the natural organs as not to be detected by the most critical ob- server, but are also very useful in masti- cation and speaking, and restore to the face its natural appearance. Mineral teeth 56 THE DEXTAL ADVISER. are the only kind now used as artificial substitutes. They are composed princi- pally of feldspar and sllex. Artificial gums are made of similar materials, only colored. These teeth are incorruptible, not being affected at all by any action of the fluids of the mouth, and "they al- ways retain their color. Artificial teeth can be inserted in any number from a single tooth to an entire set; and when properly adapted to the mouth, can be worn without suffering or inconvenience. ^ The methods of inserting teeth are, with pivots on the roots of the natural teeth, on plates kept in their place by clasps and springs, and by atmospheric pressure. — The six upper front teeth are the only ones that can be advantageously inserted with pivots on the natural roots. If the operation be properly performed while the roots are in a healthy condition, the teeth will in most cases be very serviceable for THE DENTAL ADVISER. 57 many years. But if the roots arc much diseased it is better to extract them and insert teeth on plate. A single tooth mounted on plate may be retained in place upon the upper jaw by atmospheric pressure, but when only parts of sets are needed, it is generally better to secure them by means of clasps, when it can be done without injury to the natural teeth, Whole sets are sometimes retained in place by springs, but can be held very much firmer on the principle of atmos- pheric pressure, and are much more con- venient to the wearer, as springs are more or less troublesome. The utility of artificial teeth depends upon their being properly made and nice- ly adapted to the mouth. As no two ca- ses are precisely alike, much ingenuity and accuracy of execution are requisite- in constructing and applying them so that they will remain firm in their place and not be productive of injur v to the 4 58 THE DENTAL ADVISER, parts with which they are connected, and at the same time be easily removed and replaced by the wearer. But when arti- ficial teeth are improperly inserted, they are a source of great trouble and incon- venience to the patient, and are often- times productive of irreparable injuries. Hence the importance of employing those only who are well known to be re- liable and skillful operators. Many who pretend to insert teeth on atmospheric pressure, do not seem to un- derstand the principle at all, as the teeth they insert barely stay in place from the form of the jaw, without being retained in the least by atmospheric pressure, and are a source of trouble and inconvenience to those who wear them, as they so easily get out of place. The firmness with which teeth applied upon this principle, adhere to the gums, depends upon the proper form of the plate. When teeth inserted in this way are THE DENTAL ADVISER, 59 properly constructed and fitted, they will hold iii their place very firmly, and can not he easily pulled down with the thumb and finger. The author has inserted many sets that will hold a weight of twenty or thirty pounds, and in all cases has been able to make them adhere with great tenacity. But unless great judg- ment and skill be used in their construct- ion, an entire failure may be expected, or at least they never can be worn with com- fort and satisfaction. When artificial teeth are inserted where the alveolar ridge is much absorbed and the gums are shrunk away, the deficiency of the natural gums should be supplied by artificial gums, which can be made perfectly, resembling the natural. Gold is the best metal for plates em- ployed in inserting artificial teeth, and is m-ue extensively used than any other. Silver is sometimes used for temporary purposes. 60 THE DENTAL ADVISEH. Platinum has long been used for den- tal purposes, and withstands the action of the fluids of the mouth as well as gold. There has recently been introduced a method of inserting teeth, in which case platinum only can be used. This plan consists principally in cementing single teeth to platinum plates, which are used instead of gold, as they will withstand the great heat necessary to fuse this cement to the plates, which gold will not. ARTIFICIAL PALATES AND OBTURATORS, There are persons who have defects of the palate or roof of the mouth, which are either congenital or are produced by disease. When these defects can not be remedied by surgical operations they may be in most cases, by means of artificial palates made of gold, so as to render such defects scarcely perceptible. THE DENTAL ADVISER. 61 CIIL9KOF0M AND ETHER. Chloroform and ether are colorless liq- uids, the vapor of which has been exten- sively used by inhalation, for the last few years, for producing insensibility to pain during surgical operations. A preference has been given to the use of ether in the New England states, either from its being regarded as less dangerous than chloro- form, or from the fact that its use was here discovered. But generally both in Europe and hi the United States, chloro- form has the preference, and is considered no more dangerous than ether. A much less quantity of chloroform than of ether is requisite to produce the anaesthetic ef- fect. Its action is much more rapid and complete, it is more agreeable to inhale, is not so apt as ether to produce cough- ing, and its effects pass off sooner after inhalation is suspended. 62 THE DENTAL ADYISER. A pure concentrated article only, should be used, and should be administered with great caution. Most of the bad effects resulting from the use of chloroform and ether, are to be attributed to the use of an impure article, or from its being inju- diciously administered. The author has given chloroform or ether in several hundred cases in extract- ing teeth, and in other severe operations ; giving it in all cases when the patient has desired it, unless where he considered it hazardous on account of disease or infir- mity, and has not witnessed any unfavor- able results. His method of administer* ing them is to diffuse a little of the liquid upon a handkerchief or napkin, and hold it over the mouth and nostrils so as to be fully inhaled, and generally in about a minute or two the desired effect will be produced. THE DENTAL ADVISER. 63 QUACKERY. " Be watchful, ye — whose fond maternal arm, Would shield defenceless infancy from harm, Mark well the hour when nature's rights demand The skillful practice of the dentist's hand. But use discretion :— oft imposture wears The same external guise that merit bears ; And bold pretenders show consummate wit, By duping others to abandon it. Beware of those whom science never taught The hard but useful drudgery of thought, For while in indolence their years have run, They ask the wealth that industry has won : — Can charity for such desire success ? No, let them eat the bread of idleness. On just desert let all success attend, And patient merit never want a friend." There are ignorant pretenders to know- ledge and skill in the dental, as well as in all other professions. Most persons, how- ever, seem not to be aware how much im- posture, bold, daring, unblushing quack- ery, there is in many of those who oper- ate on teeth, particularly among the itin- 64 THE DENTAL ADVISER. erating class, who stalk abroad with clam- orous pretensions to surpassing skill and success, whose assurance is often a substi- tute for merit. These quacks have no hesitation in assuming the title of Doctor ; and stealing the mantle of science and wearing it without license, trusting to luck for such qualifications as they deem necessary, going on for years without troubling themselves to obtain a scientific knowledge of the profession which they attempt to practice, but which they only disgrace. What little knowledge they do possess is usually merely mechanical, without any acquaintance with the anato- my and pathology of the mouth and teeth, which must go hand in hand with me- chanical skill, or the operator will meet with insurmountable obstacles. These Vandals are to be found in every city and almost every town and village in the land, and their ruthless depredations are almost daily to be met with in the THE DENTAL ADVISER. f G5 mouths of those who have fallen a prey to them. Thousands of teeth are annu- ally destroyed by their hands, and the amount of injury and pain they inflict by various means, it is impossible to estimate. Quack dentists arc mostly from that class of persons who think but few qualifica- tions are needed to be a dentist, and that these can be obtained in perhaps a few days. With such views they procure some tools, and may be a few books, and in a short time claim to be Dentists from some large City. For illustration, a case or two will be given. A carpenter by trade came into the office of the author, and looking at the instruments and other apparatus, re- marked that he did'nt see why he could'nt operate on teeth as well as any body. Be- ing told that he probably could by devo- ting sufficient time and attention to the study of the business, he inquired the ex- pense and the length of time necessary. 66 THE DENTAL ADVISER. On being informed, he replied that he could not afford to spend so much time and money just to study Dentistry. In less than six weeks he was among strang- ers, assuming the title of Dr. , from Boston, advertising to perform operations on teeth, such as cleansing, filling, extrac- ting, setting on pivot, &c., and could be seen going from door to door, inquiring if any one wished for operations on teeth. Another, who had worked at black- smithing, called and said he was making himself some tools to "fix teeth with" and wanted to borrow some books to " read dentistry." In a very few weeks he was heard of in various places offering his ser- vices as a Dentist, and making great pre- tensions to skill and experience. Although such operators are destitute of the qualifications requisite for a Den- tist, it is not to be supposed that they are wholly ignorant of human nature and of means to obtain business. TTTE DENTAL ADVISER. 61 Knowing that every one loves to save money and avoid suffering, they usually advertise to perform operations at low pri- ces and without causing pain. Also they are ready to warrant their work, and are perfectly safe in doing so, as they seldom stop in one place long enough to have their work fairly tested. As to perform- ing operations without causing pain, per- haps they do in filling teeth, by half exca- vating the cavity and half compressing the filling. But in extracting teeth, can it be supposed that their irons are easy to the teeth, or that they can wield them better than the most scientific and expe- rienced ? Or in treating tooth-ache and diseases of the mouth and teeth, can they understand it better than those who have pursued a thorough course of study and are experienced? But how can they afford to do their work cheap 1 Because they have spent little or nothing in qualifying themselves, 68 THE DENTAL ADVISER. and by using cheap materials. Opera- tions performed by this class of workmen, instead of being cheap, usually prove to be dear ones, as they oftentimes are pro- ductive of serious injuries. The writer would by no means advo- cate exorbitant prices, but only a fair compensation for dental operations. These operators are patronized, and will continue to be as long as many seek for cheap, instead of skillful dentists, and are not willing to pay for such operations as would be serviceable to them. There is a class of dentists to be found, particularly in large cities, who are far from being the most scientific, and who do not receive the patronage of those who best understand how operations upon the teeth should be performed. In order to obtain patronage they load the newspa- pers, particularly those which go into the country, with flaming advertisements of wonderful discoveries and improvements THE DENTAL ADVISES. G9 in dental science. Such advertisements arc usually not worthy of notice, as all inventions and improvements of real value are soon in the hands of all the most learned and scientific dentists. By this means strangers are attracted to their offices for operations, supposing them to be superior to others who disdain to resort to such bombastic pretensions, and who rely only upon their real merit for patronage. And the true character of this boisterous class of dentists is not as- certained by those who employ them, un- til they find bv suffering and inconveni- ence, that they have paid their money for inferior operations, which are of little or no service to them. There is another class of dentists who are patronized and sustained on account of their excellent character and good qual- ities as citizens, and who may be honest in their intentions, yet for wantPof sufficient studv of the science, or of mechanic skill, 70 THE DENTAL ADVISER. or for some other reason, they do not suc- ceed in performing operations so as to give satisfaction, particularly in more difficult cases. And many of those who employ them, after they find their work is inferior to that of other dentists, are unwilling to find fault, because, as they say, " He is such a very fine man I would not wish to injure him." QUALIFICATIONS REQUISITE FOR A DENTIST. A dental practitioner should possess sound judgment, a good degree of mechan- ical ingenuity, steadiness of hand, firmness of nerve, and should exercise complete self-possession, the greatest carefulness, and due regard to the feelings of the pa- tient ; for many persons when about to submit to some dental operation, however simple, ofeen manifest oppressive fears and THE DENTAL ADVISER. 71 nervous excitement, and this is the mo- ment in which the dentist should manifest sympathy and speak a word of encourage- ment. The dentist in performing his op- erations, should not make pecuniary gain his only object, but should regard the real welfare and lasting good of his patients. He should make real excellence his con- stant aim, and render himself worthy of the unlimited confidence of those who fa- vor him with their patronage. Although the dentist may be the most careful and scientific in performing oper- ations, yet if any difficulty occurs, all the blame is liable to be attached to him, from the fact that those who have operations performed are not aware of the insur- mountable difficulties and perplexities which the dentist has to encounter. In filling teeth, those who perform the operation in the most thorough manner, are liable to be accused of being harsh, as it is apt to cause more pain, thoroughly to 72 THE DENTAL ADYISER. excavate the cavity and press the filling so as to preserve the tooth, than it is to perform the operation as slightly and im- perfectly as many do. DENTAL EDUCATION. It is highly important that the dentist who is entrusted with the management of 60 valuable organs as the human teeth, should have a thorough, scientific know- ledge of his profession, even as much so as the medical practitioner, the general surgeon, or men of other professions. A thorough knowledge of this science can not be obtained without devoting con- siderable time and study to it. The den- tal practitioner should possess a minute acquaintance with the anatomy of the head, mouth, teeth, etc., and should be fa- miliar with all the various diseases to THE DENTAL ADVISER. 73 which they are subject, their treatment and remedy. lie should also have a knowledge of general anatomy and path- ology. There are now several Dental Colleges in the United States, where the most thor- ough instructions are given in Dental Sci- ence, on a plan similar to that of Medical Institutions. There are also many scien- tific dentists of whom instruction can be obtained, therefore no one who makes choice of the dental profession as a busi- ness, need be destitute of the requisite qualifications. In Dental Colleges the student is re- quired to attend two full courses of lec- tures, which, in connection with the nec- essary study occupies about two years. Without devoting at least as much time as this to the study, no one should be con- sidered qualified to practice as a dentist. This subject is more fully discussed in the following, from the pen of Professor 5 74 THE DENTAL ADVISER. Handy : " The object of dental education is assuredly the same as that of medical ed- ucation, to wit, the relief of suffering hu- manity by applying all the resources of medicine and surgery to the cure of the diseases of the dental organs — as that of medical education, under the head of gen- eral medicine and surgery, does to all the diseases of the whole body. In other words, dental education is only a link in the great chain of medical knowledge — that it is a part and parcel of the same great science, rests upon the same immu- table laws, and must consequently be stud- ied in all its extent and relations, for the practical and proper application of those general principles which belong to any one part as well as to the whole of the body. It is no objection to urge that because the dental organs are of limited extent, that therefore the object is not the same — or at most, that dental education is not re- THE DENTAL ADVISER. i>) quired to be near so extensive as that of the medical. With equal propriety, it might be urged, that as the eye and the ear form but very small portions of the whole body, that those, therefore, who de- vote their whole time to the cure of the diseases of these organs, have no need of any further knowledge of the rest of the system, and that, as they practice no fur- ther, that consequently their object is not the same as that of the general practition- er. But no such a position has ever for a moment been entertained by anyone; but on the contrary, our ablest physicians and surgeons are always selected to pre- side over those large infirmaries for the cure of the diseases of the eye and the ear ; and from the settled belief and undoubted truth of such convictions, that he that is most familiar with the whole body and all its diseases, would be most likely to re- lieve any particular part of the same body when deranged and requiring treatment. 76 THE DENTAL ADVISER. Now, if such be true of the eye and the ear — the same must be as certainly true of teeth and the whole of the dental appara- tus — for no one pretends to question the fact that the teeth are organized bodies, though this statement was formerly dispu- ted, and even in this day of progressive knowledge and discovery, practically de- nied, by all the host of dental pretenders, who go to work upon the teeth as they would upon so many nails driven into the billet of wood, just as if there was not a spark of vitality present— though the sense of pain thrilling through the sensitive nerves of the patient, declares in the loud- est language of nature, that the teeth are organized, and that the assurances of boas- ted ignorance should stand abashed and ashamed to attempt the repair of such del- icate structures of nature's workmanship. * $ # # # To perpetuate and extend this high honor and usefulness is a sacred trust, be- THE DENTAL ADVISER. 77 queathed to those who are about or shall hereafter enter the ranks of the dental pro- 1( ion. To secure and guard this trust, we desire, therefore, most earnestly, to insist upon, as a fundamental element, the abso- lute necessity of a thorough dental education. Presuming enough has been said in sup- port of the position that the object in both a dental and medical education is the same — we are now prepared to discuss the last point w r e propose to notice, which is to consider the means of attaining this object. The object of both professions being the same, it necessarily follows that the means used in each must also be the same — and these may be summarily ar- ranged under three heads, viz: 1 Physi- cal, 2 Mental, 3 Moral. These threefold means or instrumental- ities refer to the compound being or three- fold nature of man, as being endowed with material instruments, intellectual and moral powers. 78 THE DENTAL ADVISER. The highest possible education of each of these several agencies, forms the surest guarantee of the highest possible skill, success, and eminence, both in dental as well as the medical profession. The hands as representative of the physical means, must be constantly exer- cised, so as to acquire that nice tact so necessary, in all the various surgical and mechanical manipulations upon the mouth and face, and still further of unfolding, by means of the knife, all the various tissues of the body, so as to acquire that anatomical knowledge, which is of such vast importance as to form at once, both the basis and guide in rearing the super- structures of either practical dentistry or general surgery — and this anatomical knowledge, so necessary for practical pur- poses, (we here desire to state,) can no- where be obtained in books — the dissecting room is the only place it is to be found, and can here be secured onlv by the most THE DENTAL ADVISER. 79 assiduous and untiring perseverance in the use of the knife, in dissecting the whole and every part of the body. The mental means refer to the educa- tion of all the faculties of the mind, in the acquisition of all kinds of knowl- edge, both dental and medical, that can, in any way, assist the dental student in reaching the highest possible point of dental intellectual eminence, by which his reasoning powers will become so thor- oughly drilled, that he can readily dis- criminate with the greatest conceivable accuracy the relations of cause and effect, and thus most effectually apply the vast and varied resources of his intellectual storehouse to the best method of restoring to health any of the dental organs that may be deranged. The moral means constitute the master and finishing stroke of the dental educa- tion, which is deemed necessarv to the at- 80 THE DENTAL ADVISER. tainment of the highest possible of pro- fessional dental excellence. Without the education of the heart, in the exercise of all those high moral and elevated feelings of benevolence and char- ity, of obeying the golden rule of duty as well as of professional etiquette, to wit, of doing unto others as we would that oth- ers should do unto us. We say, without this latter species of education, all the brightness of the two former, however so brilliant, will necessarily wear a shadow, which in proportion to its extent and in- tensity, must in like proportion eclipse the usefulness, and detract from the otherwise high eminence which lias been attained." iSs CCTAGON DENTAL ESTABLISHMENT, FI TCHB UR G, Mas*. .«-»«. DENTIST, AND MANUFACTURER OF MINERAL TEETH, ®mmm ibisdilidqbis* MAIN STREET ,FITCHBlKO, Would say to his numerous patrons and the public generally, that he is constantly prepared to perform all the various operations pertaining to his profession, in the most thorough and scientific manner, and that his New Establishment is fitted up in the best style for the accommodation and comfort of patients, and with un- surpassed facilities for business. He would further say that by great experience and exceeding carefulness, he is able to perform operations with comparative freedom from pain. lie intends to make his charges so moderate, that all may avail themselves of the benefits to be derived from the Science of Dentistry. b ADVERTISEMENT. Filling and Cleansing Teeth. He would say, that he gives the most particular atten- tion to the preservation of the Natural Teeth, which is of the first importance, by very carefully and nicely Filling and Cleansing them. ARTIFICIAL TEETH. He is also constantly supplying Artificial Teeth, under every variety of circumstances, from a Single Tooth to an Entire Set, with or without Artificial Gums, upon his highly approved methods, which are giving the highest satisfaction. The Teeth which he inserts are manufactured at his Dental Laboratory, from the most choicely selected materials, which gives him advantages to adapt their form and color to each case, superior to Dentists who do not manufacture Teeth. They are not surpassed for Htility, beauty, durability, and ease and comfort to the \'.\ a£ hundreds who are wearing them can testifv. ADVERTISEMENT, Teeth Inserted upon a New Plan, This consists principally in cementing Single Teeth to Platinum Plates, forming a continuous gum, givil . the work a very natural appearance and rendering it easily kept clean. Platinum is the only metal which can be used for plates for this kind of work, as it will withstand the sireat heat which is necessary to fuse this cement to the plate, which gold will not. This plan is mostly used for half and whole sets of Teeth, on the Atmospheric Pres- sure principle. Extracting Teeth, Dr. P. has extracted over nine thousand Teeth during the last eight years of his practice ; a large number of which, have been extracted while the patient was render- ed insensible to pain through the effects of Chloroform or Ether. With such extensive experience and with the greatest facdities, he feels sure of success in all cases, and will pledge himself to extract Teeth, however difficult, w ith the greatest carefulness and facility, and the least possi- ble pain to the patient. 8 ADVERTISEMENT. Treating Irregularities of the Teeth, This is an operation which but few Dentists under- take, and which, to insure success, requires the greatest perseverance and the most consummate skill. Dr. P. has adjusted the most difficult cases of irregu- larity with the most extraordinary success, and would suggest to those whose Teeth are irregular, the import- ance of the operation. ARTIFICIAL PALATES. He would say to the few who have defects of the nat- ural Palate, causing impediments of speech and other in- conveniences, that he can supply artificial substitutes, so as in a great measure to remedy these difficulties. DENTIFRICES. Dr. P. dispenses in his practice, a highly approved Tooth Powder, for correcting an offensive breath, and cleansing and beautifying the Teeth. Having alkaline properties, it neutralizes the sceptic condition of the fluids of the mouth, resulting from decayed teeth, 30iir stom- ach, &c. — ALSO — Palmer's Aromatic 3?Iouth Wash. A superior preparation for Spongy Gums, Canker, In- ilatnation of the mucus membrane of the Mouth and Throat, and imparts a delightful fragrance to the breath. ADVERTISEMENT ACCOMMODATIONS. Dr. P. would inform those residing at a distance, that he is prepared to furnish entertainment at his Dental Establishment, to those who may wish, while stop- ping to have operations performed. For the greater accommodation of his numerous pat- rons and the citizens generally, of the neighboring towns, he ha3 had constructed a MOVABLE DENTAL OFFICE, AN» HAS CONNECTED WITH HIM IN BUSINESS AN EXPERIENCED DENTIST, who will visit with this Office, the towns in the vicinity of Fitchburg. giving to those who may wish, a favorable opportunity to consult him in regard to their Teeth, and to have operations performed. 10 TESTIMONIALS. DR. PALMER'S TESTIMONIALS. To the many for whom he has performed operations he considers testimonials of his qualifications unnecessa- ry; but to strangers he considers it but justice to say that he has availed himself of the greatest advantages which the country affords, to thoroughly qualify himself for his profession ; and that he has testimonials of quali- fication of no ordinary degree, from gentlemen of the first standing in the profession, to whom he has been sub- jected for examination in each and every branch of the Dental Art. He is a regular graduate of the Baltimore Dental Col- lege, and Fellow of the American Society of Surgeon Dentists. He would also refer th Q m to the following gentlemen in this place and vicinity, a few of the many who have tested his practical skill :— ALFRED HITCHCOCK, M. D., Fitchburg. T. R. BOUTELLE, M. D., P. S. SNOW, M. D., L. PILLSBURY, M. D., O. L. HUNTLEY, M. D., C. W. WILDER, M. D., TESTIMONIALS. 11 T. W. WADSWORTH, M. D., Pitchburo. C. ROBINSON, M. 1)., HON. MOSES WOOD, N. WOOD, Esq., ALVAH CROCKER, Esq., C. H. B. SNOW, Esq., G. F. BAILEY, Esq., A. NORCROSS, Esq., L. DOWNE, Esq., T. K. WARE, Esq., Col. IVERS PHILLIPS, WALTER HEYWOOD, DAVID BOUTELLE, STEPHEN SHEPLEY, HENRY J. LOWE, BEN J. SNOW, Jr. J. B. LANE, Druggist, " WM. B. TOWNE, H. HILL, Deputy Sheriff, " L. H. BRADFORD, C. MARSHALL, " Rev. E. DAVIS, Dea. J. T. FARWELL, Dea. ABEL THURSTON, McINTIRE & JAQUITH, Fitchburg Hotel. PHILLIPS & HAMMOND, American House, Fitcirg. C. HAYWARD, Rollstone House, Fitchburg. REV. E. W. BULLARD, Royalston. REV. QUINCY WHITNEY, Westminster. J. R. GAIJT, Preceptor of Westminster Academy. C. C. FIELD, M. D., Leominster. 12 TESTIMONIALS. C. H. COLBURN, P. M., WM. H. CUTLER, M. D., Ashburnham. A. MILLER, M. D., W. D. PECK, M. D., Sterling. DR. KING, Lunenburg. DR. COCHRAN, New Ipswich, N. H. DR. KITRIDGE, « " THE HIGHEST PREMIUMS Were awarded to Dr. Palmer for superior specimens of Artificial Teeth, at the Fairs held at Fitchburg, in 1850, 1851, and 1852. TESTIMONIALS. 13 :jD 22 E3P Ua C£} S*2 <£^ SE3 a TRANSLATIONS. OF BALTIMORE. £0 all to tot)om tfiese Settees mai> eome, Greeting : THOMAS PALMER, a virtuous, honest, and talented man, has been a student with us, and has devoted him- self so diligently to the Science in which we are particu- larly skilled, that after a sufficient term of time having elapsed in our Halls, and having been referred to an ex- amination by our Curators, he has shown himself suffic- iently accomplished in the studies, and we have created him a Doctor of Dental Surgery, and have conferred up- on him all the honors, rights and privileges belonging to this profession. In testimony of which we have sub- scribed to these letters our names, sanctioned by the Seal of the Academy. Dated Baltimore, February 15th, 1847. [Seal.] C. A. HARRIS, M. D., D. D. S. Prof. Principles and Practice, Dental >Surgerr THOS. E. BOND, A. M., M. D. Prof. Special Pathology and Therapeutioa W. R. HANDY, M. D. Prof. Anatomy and Physiology AMOS WESTCOTT, A. M., M. D. Prof. Operative and Mechanical Dentistrr 14 TESTIMONIALS. THE AMERICAN SOCIETY £0 cacb an* all, to tojom tjfs mag come, Greeting : Be it known, that THOMAS PALMER, D. D. S., is a member of our Society, instituted in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty, for the purpose of promoting the art of Dentistry. He is a man of talents, of spotless character and of superior skill in the above mentioned profession. Therefore, by virtue of this diploma, we permit and direct him, always and everywhere, to claim for himself the privileges of this so- ciety. And, of these things, our common seal affixed to this parchment, and the names of the President and Secretary of the Society subscribed, are a witness. Given in the city of New York, on the eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-seven. [Seal.] E. PARMLY, President. AMOS WESTCOTT, Secretary. ,/^vy '^utfdSbt^iW -U w WVfc' ±^P«Wi wnvy.o ,j, '■^mtm^m^: <»>W*fl vrtwi^ M&^MkJ'&tohd 1W* lAx^yvv v' jv, J VV>y§ \ W v v" WWW ^^^mm^mi LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 000Eb0755H3 *