COLUMBIA LIBRARIES OFFSITE HEALTH SCIENCES STANDARD Jill III lllll III! . HX64069389 RK301 B892 a text-book of denta RECAP Columbia ©nibem'tp )ct)ool of Bental anb (J^ral burger? iaeference Hihvaxv ^* /# DENTAL Pathology AND imlfii^BU^^ INCLUDING PHARxMACOLOGY. BEING A TREATISE ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF DENTAL MEDICINE. FOR STUDENTS AND PRACTITIONERS. BY HENRY H. BURCHARD, M.D., D.D.S., SPECIAL LECTURER ON DENTAL PATHOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS IN THE PHILADELPHIA DENTAL COLLEGE. ILLUSTRATED WITH 388 ENGRAVINGS AND TWO COLORED PLATES. LEA BROTHERS & CO.. PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK, 1898. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1898, by LEA BROTHERS & CO., in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. All rights reserved. WESTCOTT & THOMSON, ELECTROTYPERS. PHILADA. DEDICATED TO G. V. BLACK, M.D., D.D.S., D.Sc, TO WHOM RATIONAL DENTAL PATHOLOGY OWES SO MUCH, AND TO DR. EDWARD C. KIRK, TO WHOM DENTAL SCIENCE OWES MUCH AND THE AUTHOR OWES MORE THAN HE CAN EVER REPAY. PREFACE. This volume is designed as a text-book of the principles and prac- tice of dental medicine for the use of students, and as a reference work on applied special pathology and therapeutics for the use of dentists. Accepting the dictum of the advanced teachers of the day, the writer believes that an entirely rational system of dental medicine can have but one basis — namely, the same principles which underlie general medical and surgical practice. The book represents, therefore, an attempt at formulating, from data obtained from every available source, a system of dental pathology and therapeutics of which the several parts shall be in harmony with one another and also with the several collateral sciences involved. The impulse prompting the work was no desire to multiply books, but arose from a conviction expressed by many teachers, that such a volume is needed by students, practitioners, and teachers. The extent and scope of references may be only partially seen in the numerous foot-note references, space limitations precluding any ex- haustive bibliography. It would be unjust, however, to omit this opportunity to credit two investigators without whose researches this volume would have been impossible : Professors G. V. Black and W. D, Miller, to whom fre- quent and specific references are made. The immense development of modern dentistry has brought with it a more rational and convenient grouping of its subjects. The American Te.vf-BooJcs of Operative and Prosthetic Dentistry have already won acceptance, each in its own field. They leave untouched a range of subjects which are naturally cognate, and hence are most advantageously taught in conjunction — namely. Dental Pathology, Therapeutics, and Pharmacology. The fitness of this grouping is manifest. Special thanks are due the publishing department of the S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Co. for their liberality in furnishing illustrations ; 6 PREFACE. thanks for cuts are also tendered G. V. Black, J. S. Marshall, J. L. Williams, Wm. Wood & Co., and P. Blakiston, Son & Co. The author tenders to Ijea Brothers & Co. his grateful thanks for the more than liberal spirit exhibited by them in the making of the book ; from beginning to end their course has been one of great courtesy and unbounded generosity. H. H. B. April, 1898. I CONTENTS. SECTION I. GENERAL PATHOLOGY. CHAPTER I. PAGE GENERAL PEINCIPLES 17 CHAPTER II. CAUSES OF DISEASE, GENERAL AND LOCAL 28 CHAPTER III. BACTERIOLOGY, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DENTAL PATH- OLOGY. AND THERAPEUTICS 37 CHAPTER IV. DISTURBANCES OF NUTRITION: ATROPHY, DEGENERATION, NE- CROSIS, HYPERTROPHY, TUMORS 51 CHAPTER V. DISTURBANCES OF THE VASCULAR SYSTEM 69 CHAPTER VI. INFECTIVE INFLAMMATIONS: SUPPURATION, ABSCESS, FEVERS, SEPTICEMIA, AND PY.EMIA 89 8 CONTENTS. SECTION IL ANATOMY AND DEVELOPMENT. CHAPTER VII. PAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND STKUCTURE OF THE JAWS AND TEETH 101 CHAPTER VIII. THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH 141 CHAPTER IX. DENTITION: ITS PROGRESS, VARIATIONS, AND ATTENDANT DIS- ORDERS 180 CHAPTER X. MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH 206 SECTION III. AFFECTIONS OF ENAMEL AND DENTIN. CHAPTER XI. AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL - 243 CHAPTER XII. DISEASES OF THE DENTIN 260 CHAPTER XII (Continued). DENTAL CARIES 264 CHAPTER XIII. DENTAL CARIES : ITS CAUSES AND CLINICAL HISTORY 273 CHAPTER XIV. DENTAL CARIES: PATHOLOGY AND MORBID ANATOMY 290 CHAPTER XV. DENTAL CARIES : DIAGNOSIS, SYMPTOMS, AND PROGNOSIS .... 304 CHAPTER XVI. DENTAL CARIES: THERAPEUTICS AND PROPHYLAXIS 313 CONTENTS. 9 SECTION IV. DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. CHAPTER XVII. PAGE CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES 327 CHAPTER XVIII. DESTEUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP 341 CHAPTER XIX. CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS AND DEVITALIZATION OF THE PULP . 362 CHAPTER XX. GANGRENE OF THE PULP 381 SECTION V. DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. CHAPTER XXI. SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS (ACUTE) 1 393 CHAPTER XXII. SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS (CHRONIC) 407 CHAPTER XXIII. NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS .423 CHAPTER XXIV. PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MARGIN . . 444 CHAPTER XXV. PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARIS 459 CHAPTER XXVI. DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING UPON A LATERAL ASPECT OF THE TEETH 477 10 . CONTENTS. SECTION VI. CHAPTER XXVII. PAGE DISEASES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH AND THEIK TKEATMENT . 491 CHAPTER XXVIII. KEFLEX DISORDERS OF DENTAL ORIGIN 500 CHAPTER XXIX. INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH, AND STERILIZATION . . 511 SECTION VII. DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND DENTAL MATERIA MEDICA. DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY 529 DENTAL PHARMACOPOEIA 545 5^ ^ Mem ^' DENTAL PATHOLOGY, THERAPEUTICS, AND PHARMACOLOGY. SECTION I. GENERAL PATHOLOGY. CHAPTER I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. The study of dental pathology and therapeutics embraces a con- sideration of such principles of general pathology and therapeutics as find application in the practice of dentistry, and in addition implies and requires an exhaustive investigation into the modifications of these general principles growing out of the peculiarities of anatomical struc- ture and the functions of the parts included in the field of operation. There is, perhaps, no aspect of surgery in which these modifications of treatment, due to anatomical peculiarities, are more marked than in dental therapeutics. A consideration of the special practice must, however, be preceded by a study of the general disease-processes which affect the tissues of the body ; so that a special application of the knowledge thus gained may be made to render clear the nature of dental diseases and the rationale of their treatment. The word pathology is derived from the Greek patJws, disease, and logo><, a treatise or discourse. Applied in its general sense, it includes a study of the natural history of diseases, their causes, progress, phe- nomena, and terminations. The word therapeutics is derived from the Greek therapeuein, to take care of, meaning the measures adojited to remedy or remove the changes induced by pathological processes. Pathology, as has often been stated, cannot be pursued as an inde- pendent study, for it is but an expression of other collateral sciences. It is a perversion of the processes found associated with what are termed living bodies ; in its full and philosophical sense it is morbid biology — an altered physiology. It follows, therefore, as a corollary, that an exhaustive flimiliarity with the contemporary state of the science 2 17 18 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. of physiology is necessary to a clear comprehension of the nature of pathological processes. The more minutely an investigator j^roposes to examine into pathological states, the more extensive must be his parallel knowledge of physiology. While many phases and features of path- ology may be grasped by a student of but two courses, there are problems in modern pathology that test and exceed the resources of the veteran of the physiological, chemical, and pathological laboratory. Whatever field of medicine or surgery may be under systematic exposition, its study is made more clear by turning to and determining the nature of its logical basis, and proceeding from that as a fixed point. While it is true that pathology is by no means an exact science, for the reason that its mother science " biology " has not yet achieved that posi- tion, it is indubitable that year by year it increases in the measure of its exactitude. It is relatively a speculative science Avhen compared with such a science as chemistry, which begins with an approximately fixed unit, the atom, and has, therefore, a corresponding stability of superstructure. A true, exact science, as mathematics, begins with a fixed and unchangeable unit, and is therefore absolute. The unit of the physiologist, and consequently of the pathologist, is a complexity in itself; it is a substance called protoplasm, of which our knowledge is imperfect and relative ; it follows, therefore, that sciences based upon such a unit will be susceptible to changes and alterations until the knowledge of the accepted unit is as complete as the knowledge the mathematician has of his unit. A contemporary philosopher has said that the standing disgrace of the science of chemistry is that it has not yet given an analysis of protoplasm. Protoplasm, so far as present knowledge permits a state- ment, is a viscid substance, which under certain conditions exhibits a sequence of phenomena which the physiologist calls life. Its chemical composition is very imperfectly known ; indeed, the only means available for its chemical analysis are such as destroy the identity of the substance. More than this, a subtle change occurs with the cessation of vital activity ; so that in all probability an analysis of dead protoplasm would not represent the composition of vital pro- toplasm. As set forth by O. Hertwig,^ " we must regard protoplasm as a morphological, not a chemical conception;" "it is not a single chemical substance, complex in composition, but is composed of a large number of different chemical substances which we have to pict- ure to ourselves as most minute particles united together to form a wonderfully complex structure." " Protoplasm cannot be placed under different conditions without ceasing to be protoplasm, for its essential properties in which life manifests itself depend upon a fixed organiza- 1 The Cell, 1895. BASIS OF PATHOLOGY. 19 tion." ' Huxley has well termed the substance " the physical Ijasis of life." The nearest approach to a chemical conception of the substance is that it is a collection of proteids ; and of these substances our knowl- edge is very imperfect. They consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, combined with sulphur and phosphorus in enormous mole- cules. It is known certainly, however, that protoplasm does not behave as a fixed chemical substance. As studied by the physiologist and pathologist, observations as to its properties are made in defined masses of protoplasm, which exhibit the sum of phenomena called life. A simple mass of protoplasm is studied to determine, as far as possible, the ultimate phenomena relating to vitality. For this purpose an amoeba, the anatomical equivalent of a white blood- corpuscle, is placed under conditions which permit of close and con- tinued observation and where the condition of its environment may be altered to study the effects of such alterations upon the vital processes of the cell. The study of collections of cells is a secondary pursuit. While, as has been stated, protoplasm, or contemporary knowledge of it, is the basis of the sciences of biology and pathology, the actual unit of the sciences is the cell. All reasoning proceeds from this basis, that the ultimate phenomena of life are expressed in cell-life, so that the properties and functions found associated with cells are the underlying data of pathology. If a drop of water be taken from the sides or bottom of an aquarium, placed on a slide and covered with a cover-glass, and then placed under a microscope with, first, a ^ " objective, there will be noted at some portion of the fluid a small transparent mass having the appearance of a colorless fragment of jelly ; this is an amoeba. The outline of the mass may have almost any form. At some portion there will be a defined and easily distinguished spot, the nucleus ; at another point a vesicle is seen ; the body of the amoeba appears to con- tain numbers of fine granules. The nucleus ap- pears more markedly granular than the body of the amoeba. If kept under observation, the amoeba will be seen to change its outlines ; at one or more, and it may be in several places projections like blunt arms or feet are seen to be extending from the amoeba (see Fig. 1). On account of their a]>])earance they are called bv the phvsiologist pseudopodia, from j^seudo, fiilse, and pons, a foot-false feet. These changes of ''amTbl ■ 'i^rpseu." form are much varied (Fig. 2). The cell has, there- podia; r, vesicle: n, fore, the property of altering its form — /. e., it has contractility. If the temperature of the slide be raised, the movements 1 The Cell, 1895. 20 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. of the cell become more rapid, and if raised to a temperature of 55° C. the cell contracts in a round lump ; it responds to stimuli, and has there- fore the property of irritability. Fig. Amceboid movement of a white blood-corpuscle of man ; various phases of movement. (Klein.) When certain solid substances contained in the water come in con- tact with the amoeba, the latter is seen to flow around and engulf them ; as is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, where the analogue of an amoeba, a Fig. 3. Fig. 4. Leucocyte of a frog from the neighborhood of a piece of the lung of a mouse infected with anthrax, about forty-two hours after the piece of lung had been placed under the skin of the frog's back. The leucocyte is in the act of eating upi an anthrax bacillus. (Brunton, after MetchnikofF.) The same leucocyte a few minutes later, after it has completely enveloped the bacillus. (Brunton, after Metchnikoff.) leucocyte, has taken in bacteria. After a time the ingested body is found to have disappeared ; it has been digested. Evidently the cell must produce a substance capable of dissolving some foreign substances — i. e.^ Fig. 5. Forms assumed by a nucleus in dividing : a, resting nucleus ; ^, skein-form, open stage ; c, wreath- form; d, aster, or star-form; e, equatorial stage of division; /.separation more advanced; ted that some simple cells are attracted and stimulated by light ; others are repelled by it. If a mild induction (interrupted) current be passed through the water in which the amoeba is,^ the movements of the cell are checked ; if a strong current be passed, the cell contracts sharply. If a galvanic (con- stant) current be passed, movement at first ceases, but pseudopodia are extruded toward the cathode and the cell crawls toward that pole. The cell responds to mechanical stimuli, such as violent shaking, by contraction.- If substances such as ether or chloroform are added to the fluid, the irritability of the cell is so lessened that it does not respond to stimuli. If the supply of oxygen be cut off, or if carbon dioxid be admitted to the fluid, movement ceases and the cell remains contracted. These examples serve to illustrate that protoplasm responds to stimuli of physical and chemical nature, and that its functions may be altered by substances which are brought in contact with it. Upon these facts depends the practice of therapeutics. A living organism, it will be seen, has a certain degree of action and function. The general average of its action and function is spoken of as a condition of health. "When, from any cause, the functions are raised or lowered from the general average, a condition of disease exists. Stimulation. — Certain agencies applied to the cell increase its ac- tivity ; this is called stimulation. The movements of the cell become more rapid, food-particles are taken in more rapidly and disappear more quickly ; irritability, contractility, and secretion are increased. The cell subdivides, or reproduces more quickly. Increase the stimulation, and the vital activity becomes fretful ; in some cases cell-division is incomplete — the nucleus divides, but not the cell-body. Increase the stimulation beyond this degree, and the wearied cell ceases its move- ments — refuses to respond ; is paralyzed by overwork. Sedation. — If the conditions be reversed ; if, instead of applying a 1 O. Hertwis, The Cell. '•' Ibkl. 22 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. stimulus to the cell, an opposite influence be introduced, the phenomena are reversed. If the temperature be reduced, the movements of the cell become sluggish ; the body changes its form more slowly and less extensively — i. e., contractility is lessened ; particles taken into the cell remain appar- ently unchanged ; irritability, secretion, and excretion are lessened ; and, furthermore, reproduction does not occur nearly so rapidly — that is, the cell in contact with sedative influences has all of its activities lessened. There are two great classes of influences, then, wdiich aifect the vi- tality of cells : stimulation, which, if continued long enough, leads to death through overwork ; and sedation, which, if continued, paralyzes all of the energies of the cell — it is starved to death. Every cell has a range of resistance to these influences which tend to destroy it, which is fitly termed the resistance of vitality. Disease itself is some alteration in any one or more of these several cell-proper- ties, of irritability, contractility, growth, secretion, maintenance, or reproduction. If any one of these properties is not exhibited, it is said that the cell is diseased. If a brood of cells derived from one parent be examined, some will be seen to grow more rapidly than others, their movements are more rapid and they reproduce more quickly ; others have sluggish functions and movements. The cell lives its cycle and reproduces, and the parent is no more, the life being continued in the oflPspring. The life and properties of this small mass of protoplasm represent in miniature the primitive functions and life of the highest animals. The contractility is represented in the motive apparatus of the higher animals. The reception, engulfing, and dissolving, or casting out, bodies with which the amoeba is brought in contact correspond in the higher animals with the digestive apparatus and process and the excretory function. The highly evolved irritability is represented in the nervous system of the higher animals. The movements occurring in and about the vacuole are the progenitors of the circulatory apparatus and all of its adjunct organs. If the irritability of a simple cell be increased or diminished, it corresponds with a disease of the nervous system, and so with the other functions. It is essential to the life of a cell that the means be aflbrded it of continuing the activities called life. First, it must receive a proper food-supply, which includes an abundance of water and such solid sub- stances, either contained in the water or dissolved in it, as are necessary to replace loss of substance in the cell ; these are albuminous substances, CELL-FUNCTIONS. 23 to replace used-up nitrog;euous matters; carbohydrates and hydrocarbons, to replace the everchanging proportions of carbon and hydrogen of living matter ; and, lastly, the supply of oxygen must be sufficient. The cell must be maintained at a proper temperature. Its waste-products must be removed. If any of these conditions be interfered with, vitality is depressed. The most certain cause of prompt death is an absence of oxygen. Cell-life is maintained largely by a process of oxidation. In the performance of any vital act chemical change is inevitable ; that is, some portion or amount of protoplasm undergoes chemical alteration ; the substances brought as food by the circulating fluid are built into cell-substance to replace those which are lost ; the setting free of chemical energy by the process of protoplasm breaking down into simpler bodies is manifested in the production of heat. The oxygen about the cell combines with the products of cell- activity, and changes them into substances from which the cell frees itself — the waste, the products of its activity, is removed. The products of cell-activity are largely acid in reaction, and the increase of acid in protoplasm lessens its affinity for oxygen ; hence in an overworked cell oxidation is sluggish, for the outer portions of the cell have a lessened alkalinity. It is important that a familiarity with cell-properties be obtained, because the functions of any body are made up of the functions of its cells. As before stated, in the more highly evolved animals special col- lections of cells and special areas are set aside to perform the functions in which the entire substance of an amceba participates. Certain collections of cells are found in which one function is active, the others in abeyance ; thus, large colonies of cells exist in which contractility is the dominant property noted ; these are muscle-cells. Others have but the property of irritability ; these are nerve-cells. Still others develop peculiar chemical functions, and become glandular or secretory cells. Such collections of cells are known as tissues. These special cell-colonies or tissues are built together into defined masses for the performance of their specialized functions. In the development of these masses, means of holding and maintaining the cells in definite mass-forms and provisions for their food-supply and waste-removing apparatus are provided in what are called the connective tissues, binding the cells in definite forms and transmitting their vascular supply (food- and waste-carrier). When thus bound together the tissues are said to form organs. In studying disorders which may affi'ct any one or more organs, or their parts, the problem becomes apparently complex, but it ultimately resolves itself into a study of the disorders of the cells of the part. A disease may only be evident through disorder of some function, for 24 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. when the tissue affected is studied no evidence of disease is seen even under the highest powers of the microscope. Another class of diseases will exhibit changes which have occurred in the anatomy of the part, which prompts the classification of diseases into functional and structural. Functional diseases are those which exhibit no demonstrable alteration in the anatomy of a part. Struc- tural diseases are those in which the anatomical structure of a part is altered. Definite anatomical changes have been found constantly associated with a more or less constant group of symptoms. The changes are spoken of as the morbid anatomy of a disease. The pathology of any disease means the morbid physiology through which these anatomical changes are brought about. In the absence of direct anatomical examination of any organ a knowledge that it is not performing its work properly and that its functions are disordered is obtained by noting whatever phenomena are obtainable. These are, in part, what the observer may note through the use of his senses, and by utilizing the resources of physics and chemistry. Knowledge gained by such means is called the objective evidence of disease. Certain facts are elicited by questioning a patient as to altered sensations, the nature and situations of pain, etc. ; these are known as the subjective evidences of disease. The study of symptoms elicited from the patient by examination and noted in his physical appearance is known as Semeiology, from semeion, a mark or sign. A special study is made of the influences and conditions through which the functions of the body are disordered ; this is known as Eti- ology. It is noted that diseases presenting a certain or an uncertain morbid anatomy and a constant course of symptoms have from their beginning to ending tolerably constant phenomena ; they have each a natural his- tory ; this is called the Clinical History of a Disease. There are symptoms which are common to many disease-conditions, and others which are associated with but some one distinctive morbid state ; different diseases may exhibit several symptoms in common, and some few, which serve to distinguish the one from the other. The study which deals with that discrimination between groups of symptoms which characterize distinct diseases is called Diagnosis, from Greek dia, through, and gignosJco, I know. It embraces a consideration of all of those phenomena which indicate the exact disease-state present. In the study of the clinical history of diseases it is observed that while each disease has a more or less well-defined natural history, they vary as to the course followed in individuals and the final outcome. It STUDY OF DISEASE. 25 is observed that there are signs and symptoms which are followed by good or ill results, as the case may be. By these signs and symptoms it mav be foretold with some degree of assurance what will be the prob- able outcome of the disease. The branch of inquiry dealing with this aspect of disease-study is known as Prognosis, from pro, before, and gifftiosko. It is found that agencies described in the succeeding chapter as dis- ease-causes affect tissues and organs in such manner that their phys- iology is altered and changes occur in their anatomical structure. The occurrence of these disordered functions and structures is attended by signs and symptoms which indicate their presence. The study of these particular features of disease is called Pathogenesis ; while it might be inferred from the etymology of this word {jjathos, disease, and gennao, I produce) that it was but another name for etiology, it covers a wider field. Recognizing by the presence of signs and symptoms that the phys- iology of one or more organs is disordered, and that probably changes of structure have occurred, the great problem of the healing art is to apply such measures and agencies as shall restore the tissues or organs to their normal condition and function. This branch of medicine is known as Therapeutics, from iherapeuein, to take care of, to heal. Centuries of observation have shown that there are numerous agencies and substances which are capable of producing alterations in the action or physiology of organs ; these agencies and substances are included in what is called the Materia Medica — the materials of medicine. An increasing importance attaches to that method of studying the feature of the healing art which begins with a knowledge of the exact chemical composition of each substance used, and traces with the utmost care the effects of these substances upon the chemical composition and the functions of organs, and how these effects may be utilized in com- bating disease ; this study is called Pharmacology. The method of treating disease which begins with an exact knowl- edge of the causes of diseases, the significance of their symptoms, and their clinical history, together with the nature of the alterations of the physiology of organs which give rise to symptoms, and the reasons and nature of the anatomical changes which result from this altered phys- iology, and embracing an exact knowledge of the effects of agents in the materia medica, which properties are to be utilized in such manner that the causes, phenomena, and results of disease are neutralized, is called Rational Therapeutics. Such precise familiarity with the nature of disease, and, upon the other hand, of the action of therapeutic agents, is not a possession of 26 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. medicine ; although it had been noted and confirmed by years of obser- vation that the application or administration of certain agents is followed by a disappearance of symptoms and of the evidences of disease ; the type of treatment pursued upon this basis is called Empirical Therapeutics. When it is observed that patients exhibit groups of symptoms which appear as constant features of clinical histories, which are alike, and it is further noted that the causes giving rise to these symptoms are identical, and when, furthermore, examination shows the same organs to be affected in one manner, a distinctive name is applied to describe the condition ; it is known, or designated, as some distinct disease. For example, a number of persons who drink water from a common source are, one by one, affected by diarrhoea and a gradually rising temperature of the body, followed by evidences of debility and general poisoning, which symptoms subside after about three weeks : the patients are said to have the distinctive disease, typhoid fever. It is preferable, when it can be done, to name a disease to accord with its anatomical and physiological features. For example, chem- ical examination of a patient's urine shows it to contain albumin ; ex- amined under a microscope it shows what are called tube-casts ; at a later period, dropsy or cedemas (which see) appear, and the patient exhibits evidences of poisoning, and later dies. On examining the tissues of the body it is found that the secretory or parenchymatous portions of the kidney are destroyed ; the disease is designated then as parenchy- matous nephritis. This word is derived from parenchuma, the sub- stance of organs, and nephros, a kidney, the termination itis signifying inflammation. This suffix always means inflammation ; for example, inflammation of a joint is known as arthritis, from arthron, a joint; pulpitis, inflammation of a tooth-pulp, and so on. Some disorders can only be named from a symptom, as neuralgia, from neuron, a nerve, and cdgos, pain. The suffix algos always signi- fies pain in the organ or tissue named in the stem of the word, as odontalgia, stem odont, from the Greek odous, a tooth. Pains of a rheumatic character are described by the suffix dynia, from odune, -pain, as in pleurodynia, from pleura, the side, and odune, pain. Pains of gouty origin are named by the suffix agra, a seizure, as podagra, from jMUti, poda, a foot, and agra, a seizure, M^hich describes gout of the foot. Odontagra would be the name applied to gouty pain in or about a tooth. B'-fore the diseases or disorders of any tissue or organ can be studied intelligently it is necessary that tlie student be familiar with the anatomy of the part, as revealed by the scalpel, or macroscopic STUDY OF DISEASE. 27 anatomy, and as revealed by the microscope, the histology of the organ and the tissues of which it is composed, or its microscopic anatomy. It is necessary that a knowledge of its physiology be acquired; the nature of the work performed, how and by what performed. The nature of the chemical changes which occur in tissues and organs should also be known ; and, finally, the mode of development, the embryology of the tissues and organs, should be studied. It is customary — in fact, almost necessary — that a disease be studied systematically in all of its bearings. First, What is the definition of the disease ? Secondly, How has it been studied in the past ? — i. e., What is its history ? A study of etiology, or the causes of the disease, follows. Next, What is its semeiology ? — L e., What are its symptoms ? Next an inquiry is directed to the nature of the alterations in the physiology of the parts involved, and what changes of structure occur — I. e., a study of the pathology and morbid anatomy of the disease. The clinical history is next taken up, and followed by a consideration of its diagnosis ; its prognosis or probable outcome is next adjudged ; and, finally, the ques- tions of How shall the disease be combated? What shall be its treatment ? With an increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of diseases, it is but natural that it should lead to the study of the rational methods of preventing disease — i. e., their prophylaxis (Greek jt>?-o, before ; phidasso, I preserve ; and phulax, a guard). It is manifestly preferable to prevent disease than to permit its onset and treat the condition. Before intelli- gent efforts can be directed toward the prevention of disease a knowl- edge of disease-causes is necessary, for the prophylaxis of any disease is the destruction or neutralizing of its causes before they have oppor- tunity to act. CHAPTER II. CAUSES OF DISEASE, GENERAL AND LOCAL. A DISEASE-CAUSE may be defined as any influence of whatsoever nature which is capable of disturbing the nutritive balance of any por- tion of the body. That branch of study which deals with the causes of disease is called Etiology, from Greek aetios, causes, and logos. Every living organism and all parts of the more highly organized animals possess the power of maintaining a nutritive balance despite changes in their surroundings ; moreover, they persist as living bodies though assailed by forces which tend to disturb the complexus of j^he- nomena called life, even though these forces do frequently bring about modifications in their capacity for work. All of these threatening influ- ences may be regarded as disease-causes, and an examination of the forces which tend to disturb the natural working of portions of the body will show them to be very numerous ; but, as will be seen later, they may be grouped under a few convenient headings. This study deals with the forces and influences which act upon the body from the outside ; they are called the extrinsic causes of disease. The evolutionist points out that all animals of a species are not equally resistant to the same causes acting upon all, for if a number of animals be jjlaced under identical conditions, some will be more strongly aifected than others ; some are, therefore, said to have a greater inherent resistance than others. The reason for this difference in resistive power is spoken of as intrinsic ; the causes of the lessened resistance, as the intrinsic causes of disease. The cause of the condition may be sought for in all three of the factors which go to make up the analysis of cell- life, chemical, physiological, and anatomical ; although it is at times difficult or even impossible to determine exactly Avhich element is at fault. An examination of the part may reveal some structural change, some alteration of its anatomical forms ; or, again, it can only be said that the part does not functionate properly, or it may be that the evi- dence of disorder is a persistent deficiency in the chemical nature of cell-products. It is impossible to separate the physiological from the chemical side of this problem. The only present, tangible conditions which can be regarded as purely intrinsic disease-causes are changes in anatomical structure. Changes or conditions which alter the physiological action of any part of the 28 PREDISPOSING CA USES OF DISEASE. 29 body, so that it succumbs to iuflucnccs which uornuilly it sliould resist, are called predisposing causes of disease. It is evident that what are termed intrinsic causes are all predispositions. It is customary, there- fore, to divide the study of disease-causes under two heads : first, all of those conditions which render any part more susceptible to the ac- tion of inimical forces, or the predisposing causes of disease ; secondly, those to whose action upon the body disease is directly due, or the ex- citing causes of disease. A predisposing cause may be intrinsic or ex- trinsic, which is also true of the exciting causes, so that we may divide both the predisposing and the exciting causes into intrinsic and extrinsic. Predisposing Causes of Disease. Life in itself is a persistence of energy in a chemical substance of unknown nature, against forces which tend to disturb its chemical integrity, and, as a consequence, its energy or its structure. Any forces or influences acting from within or Avithout an organized mass of the substance, which lessen its resistance to those forces, predispose to its destruction. Applied on a large scale, there comes the study of the influences which tend to lessen the resistive forces of the body. The first of these is naturally an alteration of anatomical structure, for if there is a standard of structure best adapted to meeting and over- coming conditions to which living bodies are subjected, any variation in this standard is necessarily followed by lessened resistance. These alterations of structure may be congenital or acquired ; they may be due to a faulty development which may be traced to the ovum or the spermatozoa of the parent, or they may arise after birth and a period of apparently normal development. The abnormalities may be macroscopic, so evident that they are seen at a glance to be malforma- tions ; or they may be microscopic, requiring special preparation of por- tions of organs to demonstrate their existence. Sex as an Intrinsic Predisposing- Cause. — In this connection the influence of sex upon predisposition to disease must be considered. While the general resistive jiower of the bodies of both sexes may be regarded as practically equal under similar conditions, yet the anatom- ical structures and physiology of each sex have an influence upon predis- position to certain diseases. Aside from the diseases peculiar to sex, on account of their peculiar organs, each sex exhibits predisposi- tions to diseases which the other sex escapes ; for many of these the habits of life furnish an explanation, for others an explanation is not available. For example, while women are predisposed to functional and emotional disturbances of the nervous system, such as hysteria, they are almost exempt from such structural nervous diseases as locomotor ataxia and general sclerosis. 30 CAUSES OF DISEASE, GENERAL AND LOCAL. Men may become anaemic from a variety of causes ; but young girls become chlorotic, a disease-type which rarely affects the male. Women are aifected by diseases of internal secretory glands, as the thyroid, and escape aifections of others, as of tlie suprarenal capsules. Ag-e as an Intrinsic Predisposing Cause. — The cycle of life of an organized being comprises an intra- and an extra-uterine development until maturity is attained ; while increment exceeds excrement, growth is in progress. This is followed by a period in which increment and excrement are balanced ; waste and repair are equal ; this is the period of maintenance. Succeeding is the period of decadence, when the tissues of the body undergo gradual changes leading to exhaustion ; the vital forces are lessened ; the power of repair does not equal the waste occurring throughout the body. In each of these periods there is exhibited a predisposition to certain diseases. Intra-uterine causes acting produce abnormalities of structure — a general intrinsic predisposition. During the first period of extra- uterine growth there is a predisposition to gastro-intestinal disorders and reflex disturbances of the nervous system. At a later period there is a predisposition exhibited to the eruptive fevers, scarlatina, rubeola, varicella, and variola, and also to diphtheria — diseases which are called the diseases of childhood. Later, in the period of adolescence, other pix'dispositions occur in young girls, notably chlorosis. Later come the diseases of early maturity, such as typhoid fever. Diseases characterized by degenerative changes in the tissues and organs are so distinctive accompaniments of senility that they are called the diseases of old age. Temperament as an Intrinsic Predisposing Cause. — The influence of temperament upon disease is frequently overlooked. Accepting as a basis the classification of Hippocrates as indicating the four classes of temperament, it may be said that persons of the sanguine tempera- ment have a pi'edisposition to acute pulmonary and cardiac diseases, together with those of the bloodvessels ; inflammatory disorders are disposed to run a riotous course. Those of the nervous temperament, to disorders of the corresponding anatomical system, particularly func- tional disorders. Those of the bilious temperament exhibit a predis- position to affections of the liver. Those of the lymphatic temperament have a predisposition to passive congestions. The truth of these rules may be more apparent than real, for close scientific studies relative to the subject of temperament are extremely meagre. Heredity. — Certain diseases exhibit a predisposition to descend from parent to child ; as, for example, gout, rheumatism, syphilis, the tuber- cular diathesis, epilepsy, etc. The mode of transmission is in all prob- ability the inheritance of a type of tissue ; a tissue anatomy and phys- IMMUNITY. 31 iology which permit the more ready action of the exciting causes of these maladies. These cases might perliai)s be fitly included under the head of malformations, though the malformations may be undiscover- able. Persons who exhibit this tendency to an hereditary disease such as gout are said to have that diathesis. The hereditary victims of such diseases as syphilis are said to be cachectic. Existing- Disease. — The presence of one disease may predispose to others, as, for example, acute rheumatism predisposes to organic dis- ease of the heart-valves ; however, in this as in many diseases, what appear to be supplementary diseases may be but phases of the same disease. Previous Disease. — Frequently a part which has once been the seat of disease is, when apparently recovered, the seat of the same disease or other disease at a subsequent period. Previous disease may, on the contrary, confer immunity from the same disease in the future. This principle is of wide and increasing application in medicine. Notable examples of this are found in smallpox (variola) and in scarlet fever (scarlatina), and to a less extent in typhoid fever. Extrinsic Predisposing" Causes of Disease. — Under this head are included all of those conditions which cause a person to fall a victim to a disease when exposed to its active causes. Cold and damp are among the conditions which act as predisposing causes of disease, as, for example, to pneumonia, rheumatism, and a number of inflammatory disorders. Dentists note how cold and damp act as predisposing influ- ences in the induction of pericementitis. The reasons for this will appear in the discussion of hyperaemia. Immunity. — When a number of persons are exposed to the active causes of disease it will be seen that some succumb to the disease immediately ; others are unaffected — i. e., they are immune. Some are not affected no matter how prolonged the exposure ; others exhibit a tardy response to the action of the disease-cause. The reasons for these degrees of natural insusceptibility are but imperfectly understood. Immunity from a particular disease may be inherited or acquired. It may be exhibited toward only one disease. In some, disease ap- pear to be influenced by sex — as, for example, males have a general immunity from goitre ; females, immunity from Addison's disease. Immunity is influenced by age in certain diseases ; for example, the diseases of childhood are rare in the elderly ; they do occur, however. The degenerative diseases of old age are almost unknown in childhood. Race has its influence ; the negro is peculiarly susceptible to smalli)0x, and almost immune from malaria. Natural immunity is a very uncertain quantity ; there is no method of determining its duration without direct exposure. 32 CAUSES OF DISEASE, GENERAL AND LOCAL. The most interesting and useful feature of immunity is the possi- bility of its acquirement through natural, or its induction through artificial means. It had been noted, as long ago as certain conditions were recognized as definite diseases, that those who recovered from them were rarely the subjects of the same disease in the future, although exposed to actively contagious influences. The classical example of this acquired immunity is smallpox. We are indebted to Saracen medicine, adopted or followed by the Turks of Constantinople, for the early studies as to artificial immunity from this disease. Noting, no doubt, that virulent contagion was associated with the pustular stage of smallpox ; that immunity of some persons did exist ; and that the disease was self-protective : a minute portion of the virus was intro- duced into the bodies of healthy persons. This induced in most of them the disease in a milder form, and, although the death-rate was con- siderable, an acquired immunity was the result. In 1718 Lady Mary Wortley Montague introduced the practice into England, where it met Avith much opposition and limited adoption. It may be remarked that the mortality of the cases inoculated is but from 3 to 5 per 1000. In 1798, Jenner, an English physician, applied the rustic knowledge that persons who had been inoculated with the virus of cowpox were insus- ceptible to smallpox, and became the virtual founder of inoculation by attenuated virus. This practice in its later phases is one of the most important developments of modern medicine. The exact method through which inoculation brings about immunity can at present only be surmised. (See Bacteria (alexins).) It is impor- tant to remember, as illustrated in the principle of vaccination, that living bodies have protective mechanisms against disease which undergo variations in degree of activity, and that this activity is in some cases susceptible of artificial alteration. Exciting Causes op Disease. Under the head of the exciting causes of disease are included all of those variations in bodily and cellular environment which interfere with the normal performance of function. The conditions of cellular life are, that cells must receive a proper food-supply, must have removed the waste-products resulting from their life-processes, and must be main- tai>cd at a proper temperature. In a complex organ the process of nutrition is more complicated, and a greater number of elements must be studied, for not only are the food-supply and waste-removal relegated to special structures, but a nervous element is introduced. All of those causes Avhich relate to food-supply, all of the processes which food undergoes while being changed into^ substances fit for cell- nutrition, the removal of waste, and also the supj)ly of oxygen, may be EXCITING CAUSES OF DISEASE. 33 grouped under the head of abnormal l)lood-supply. In studying the influences which are grouped under this head, every stage through which the food passes in being changed from albumins, fats, and starches, into material to be utilized by cells, the composition of the blood, its mode of distribution, its supply of oxygen, the removal of waste-substance from cells and its elimination from the body, must be taken into consideration. Abnormal Pood-supply. — When a man has attained maturity waste equals repair in the body ; sufficient food is taken into the body, carried to the organs and utilized by their cells to replace the sub- stance lost through functional activity, the waste-substances being oxi- dized by the oxygen carried by the red blood-corpuscles ; carbon clioxid, urea, and other waste-substances are formed, which are immediately re- moved from about the cells. Each cell is a chemical laboratory in min- iature, and any variation in the nature of the substances present pro- duces changes in the chemical interchanges or reactions. It is evident, therefore, that the study of abnormal food-supply is an extensive one, for the cause of the presence of improper pabulum may be traced to any stage of nutrition from the non-reception of the proper amount and quality of food and its imperfect mastication, to faults con- nected with glandular secretion of the alimentary tract, to faulty opera- tions while the digested and absorbed food-stuffs are in the portal system ; next, to the general character and condition of the circulatory system, to the time when the pabulum is in the lymph-spaces. Any abnor- mality of function in any one of these particulars may be followed by imperfect nutrition of cells. Waste-products as Disease-causes. — For the normal performance of cell-function it is quite as essential that cells should have their waste- products removed as it is that they should receive a sufficient supply of pabulum and oxygen. Waste-products of cell-action are the ashes of the vital fire ; are oxi- dized products of cell-contents which have a simpler chemical composi- tion than the pabulum or cell-materials out of which they are formed. Principal among these products are carbon dioxid and the product of albuminous waste — urea. Numerous other substances are formed, such as xanthin, uric acid, etc. If when these substances are formed, they are not removed, they act as ashes in the vital furnace, clog the fuel, and lessen oxidation. Retained, they inevitably interfere with the nutrition and function of cells, and disease results. If taken into the blood and through faulty action of the great eliminant organs — the kidneys and lungs — they are not removed, they act as disturbing elements through- out the body ; for example, should the functions of the kidney be de- stroyed through disease, urea is not eliminated, and, remaining in the 3 34 CAUSES OF DISEASE, GENERAL AND LOCAL. circulating fluids, causes symptoms of j)oisoning — uraemia. Uric acid is normally formed in small amounts ; if formed in increased amount and not eliminated, owing to disease of the kidneys, it gives rise to a long chain of symptoms, characteristic among which are those com- prised under the head of the several forms of gout. It is extremely probable that many diseases of obscure nature may be due to the reten- tion and circulation of waste-products. The Presence of Poisons. — The presence of introduced poisons in the body, such as mineral and vegetable poisons, must be regarded as disease-causes : for what are termed the symptoms of poisoning by toxic drugs are alterations of cell-nutrition, and hence are diseases ; short and violent ones in many instances, prolonged in others ; for exam- ple, the chronic poisoning by ergot (see works on materia medica). Of late years a new group of poisons has been discovered, which shows that toxication is widespread and common. Organic poisons are formed by the action of bacteria (see next chap- ter) during the process of digestion, are absorbed, and give rise to toxic symptoms. Owing to the presence of specific bacteria, poisons are gen- erated in the body, which, finding their way into the circulatory fluids, give rise to symptoms of poisoning. The Influence of Anaemia. — The presence of oxidizable material and the removal of the oxidized material having been discussed, there remains another important factor — the oxidizer itself. Oxygen is received by the red blood-corpuscles in the capillaries of the lungs ; it' combines with the hemoglobin, an albuminate of iron, forming oxy- hemoglobin, which in the capillaries throughout the body gives up its loosely combined oxygen to the tissues, is reduced, and takes up carbon dioxid, an excretory product. It is evident, therefore, that the volume of oxygen distributed throughout the body depends upon the amount of hemoglobin present — i. e., upon the number of red corpuscles in the blood. A deficiency in this direction means lessened oxidation and its attendant effects. Condition of the Circulatory System. — If, as a consequence of faulty action on the part of the heart or changes in the structure of the bloodvessels, the blood is not normally distributed, there is a result- ant influence upon the distribution of nutritive material, and nutrition is disordered ; for example, if as a consequence of disease of any of the heart-orifices the pressure of the blood in the vessels is lessened, changes in the nutritive balance result. If as a result of changes in the walls of vessels their elasticity is lessened, it is followed by faulty distribution of the food-supply. If any mechanical interference exist to the return-flow of the blood, stagnation with a retention of waste- products must follow. EXCITING CAUSES OF DISEASE. 35 The disease-causes thus far discussed have relation to effects upon the chemistry of tissue-life ; there remain other chisses of disease-causes of great frequency. The first comprise all of those physical conditions or forces which act upon vital tissues and depress their activity or actually destroy them. They may be classed under the head of abnor- mal physical conditions/ Abnormal Physical Conditions. — This class of disease-causes in- cludes all injuries due to any of the physical forces. All surgical injuries may be placed under this head — diseases due to trauma. There are also included in the group diseases arising as a consequence of obstruction to ducts and to the natural outlets of the body. The actual causes of disease in these cases are secondary effects upon nutrition, arising out of faulty nutrition, and very frequently in consequence of retained waste-products. Among the intrinsic causes of disease should be mentioned the influ- ence of the nervous system. It is believed by some physiologists that there are special nerve-fibres whose function it is to preside over the nutrition of the parts of the body to which they are distributed ; these have been called trophic nerves. Unfortunately, the data upon which this belief is founded are too involved and too few to base positive opinions upon. It has been noted that when the Gasserian ganglion, the ganglionic centre of the great sensory nerve of the face, has been destroyed ulceration of the cornea has resulted, which has been attrib- uted to the destruction of trophic nerves ; but when the eyeball is pro- tected by stitching together the eyelids, so that there is no admission of foreign matters, ulceration does not occur. The more rational explana- tion, therefore, is that the ulceration is due to the loss of sensibility, the cornea not being able to recognize the presence of the foreign body. Again, injuries to nerves are followed by affections of parts to which the nerves are distributed. The classical example of this is that of Charcot ; the occurrence of acute bedsores in cases of certain degen- erations of some portion of the central nervous system, which cause paralysis. Hyperemia, inflammation, and necrosis occur in rapid sequence over the hip or over the sacral region. The evidence is, how- ever, insufficient to prove the presence of special trophic fibres. Many or most of the effects are perhaps more rationally explained by the theory of vasomotor influence upon nutrition. The calibre of the vessels is governed by special fibres, Avhich by causing degrees of dila- tation of the walls of vessels cause modifications of nutrition (see chapter on Vascular Disturbances). Diseases are usually classified as general or local : the first class are those in which evidences of disturbance exist throughout the body at ^ Green's Pathology and Morbid Amitomy, 8th ed. 36 CAUSES OF DISEASE, GENERAL AND LOCAL. large ; the second, those in which the disease-manifestations are confined to some sjDecial region of the body. While this classification is useful in describing or naming distinguishing features between diseases, it is faulty in that it fails to describe the actual conditions existing. Some local diseases are manifestations of a general disease-process becoming evident in some one area ; and, again, some general diseases are due primarily to disease which may be definitely localized in one region of the body. For example, in observing a typical case of gout it might be thought that the disease of the great toe was a local malady, when it is but the expression of a general cause acting locally ; or, again, in observing the symptoms of typhoid fever it might be believed that the disease was a general one, which in one sense it is, but the primary cause is found in a bacterial ulceration of Peyer's patches in the small intestine, the constitutional symptoms being caused by the absorption and circulation of the poisons generated by the bacteria. Year by year the number of diseases traceable to a local source becomes greater, and the number classed as constitutional grows less. CHAPTER III. BACTERIOLOGY, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DENTAL PATHOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. Within the past twenty years a virtually new study has been intro- duced into medicine and surgery and their dependents, namely, that of Bacteriology. It is not to be understood that previous to this time what will be in the following pages studied as bacteria were unknown, but that it is only within that period that such modes of studying these organisms have been devised as render the study of direct practical use. In 1683^ Leeuwenhoek described bacterial forms obtained from scrapings of the human teeth. As early as 1762 Plenciz,^ of Vienna, advanced the opinion that the bacterial forms, or animalcules as they were called, described by Leeuwenhoek and observed by himself, were the cause of all infectious diseases. These opinions did not re- ceive general endorseinent, and although the study of micro-organisms was pursued, it was not until some eighty years after that the germ- theory of disease received serious attention, when Henle taught the modus operandi of the bacterial origin of disease.^ The invaluable and immortal studies of Louis Pasteur demonstrated the physiology and physiological chemistry of bacteria, and showed con- clusively the nature of fermentative processes. Koch, through the devising of methods of isolating varieties of micro-organisms based upon their elaborately worked-out physiology, was the first to demonstrate clearly the relations between bacteria and infective diseases. Louis Pasteur had, however, previously studied and pointed out the relationship between plant and animal infectious diseases and bacteria, and had shown the modes of effectually combating such diseases. Sir Joseph Lister's name has been so closely associated with that mode of surgical operating which deals with the freeing of wounds from bacteria, that modern antiseptic surgery is known as Listerism. In order that bacteria as disease-causes may be studied systematicallv, the position of bacteria in the life-scale and their physiology must be examined into. It is noted, first, that their properties show them to belong to the vegetable kingdom, they occupying the lowest step of the ' Abbott's Bacteriology. 2 jj,;^^ 3 /^,-^/_ 37 38 BACTERIOLOGY. king:dom. All plants ^ are divided into two great classes, Phanerogamia and Cryptogamia. Phanerogams are those which flower and reproduce by seeds. Cryptogams are destitute of flowers, and reproduce through the medium of spores. Cryptogams are divided into two groups, those in which there is no distinction between leaf and stem, Thallophytes (Greek thallos, a young shoot, and jjUuton, a plant), and those which bear leaves, as many water plants. The Thallophytes are subdivided into algse, lichens, and fungi. The last-named order is that with which bacteria are classed. Fungi contain no chlorophyll, and hence are unable to derive their nutriment from inorganic material. Chlorophyll, the green coloring-matter of plants (chloi-os, green, and phullon, a leaf), is the substance through the agency of which carbon dioxid, COg, and ammonia, NH^, are broken up and built anew into substances fit for the nutrition of plants. It is the substance which effects the decomposition of water and carbon dioxid and their recomposition into starch: 6CO, + 5HP = CgH^.O, + O,,. Fungi are, therefore, compelled to derive their nutritive material from existing organic compounds, which is, in fact, the reason why they become disease-causes. They are subdivided into four groups:^ 1. Fission-fungi — Schizomycetes ; 2. Mould or thread-fungi — Hypho- mycetes ; 3. Bud-fungi — Yeasts, Blastomycetes ; 4. Animal fungi — Myeetozoa. All of these groups are interesting as throwing light upon many of the problems of pathology, and it is quite essential to compre- hend the second class named in order to render clear the physiology of the first group, which is one of immediate and special interest to the pathologist. Bacteria are vegetable organisms of extreme minuteness, many of them requiring high-power objectives and special staining-methods to make them visible. OAving to their methods of division they are termed fission-fungi, or the equivalent, schizomycetes, from Greek schizo, to split or rend, and mukes, a fungus. Like many other cells, they possess a cell-body and a cell-wall, and some of them a nucleus ; their substance and cell-wall are composed of a modified protoplasm, called mycoprotein ; the cell-wall of some is composed of cellulose. Some of them possess flagella, by which movement is effected. They are devoid of chlorophyll, and are thus unable to decompose carbon dioxid and water, and to effect the synthesis of starch from the elements of those compounds. To secure the carbon necessary to their life-processes they require to be brought in contact with solutions of carbohydrates. Their nitrogen is ^ Thome, Structural and Physiological Botany. ^ Miller, Micro-organiums of the Mouth. VARIETIES OF BACTERIA. 39 derived from albuminous substances \vith which they come in contact. Although these are the usual sources of the substances required for the life of bacteria, solutions of chemical substances may be made in which the growth of the organisms proceeds. The conditions necessary to their life and multiplication are, in general, the same as for all living bodies ; they must have a proper food-sup})ly, must be maintained at a suitable temperature, must be born or generated with normal vitality, and must have waste-products removed from in and about them. These factors vary within wide limits, as will be seen later. Their classification is attended with much difficulty ; at present a classification based upon the form of the organisms appears to be as satisfactory as any. They are divided into three great groups — 1. The micrococci (tnikros, and koH-os, a berry), including all of the spherical forms, or those having equal or nearly equal diameters. Fig. 6. °0 a. a b c d a, staphylococci : 6, streptococci : c, diplococci ; (/, tetrads ; f, sarciuae. (Abbott.) 2. The bacilli {baciUum, a rod), or rod-like forms; one diameter being greater than the other. 3. The spirillie (Greek sjjira, a coil), or the curved forms. All of these groups may be again subdivided. The micrococci are subdivided according to their modes of grouping. Double cocci are called diplococci [diploos, double). If in division the cocci arrange themselves in a line, they are called streptococci (streptos, a chain). If they agglomerate in bunches, they are termed staphylococci {staphyle, a grape). The organ- ':,.''. isms, upon reproduction, form groups which are called zooffloea masses, the substance holdino; them together being formed by their cell-walls. The bacilli are of many and varied forms and differ as to their modes of groupino-. Thev „ .. , ., .... ,,.», ^^, i^ I ^ ' Zooglcea of bacilh. (Abbott.) exhibit, in the same species, differences of form at different periods of their development. Many of them form spores 40 BA CTEBIOLOG Y. (see Fig. 8). When brought under conditions unfavorable to their vitality '^ individuals themselves undergo alterations in their outline Fig. 8. ^^ ir ><^^ \^^ d a, bacillus subtilis with spores ; 6, bacillus anthracis with spores ; c, Clostridium with spores ; d, bacillus of tetanus with end-spores. (Abbott.) with the appearance of so-called involution-forms" (Abbott). The bacilli may again assume their typical forms when brought under conditions favorable to their development. Fig. 9. ^^1 I { a h a, spirillum of Asiatic cholera (comma bacillus) ; b, involution-forms of this organism as seen in old cultures. (Abbott.) Bacteria may be again divided, according to their mode of life, into the saprophytes {sapros, rotten, and phuion, a plant) and the parasites (jKira, near, and slteo, I nourish). The saprophytic fungi are those which derive their nutrition from and multiply upon dead organic matter ; they are the forms which break down dead animal matter from such complex molecules as albumin into the end-products — carbon dioxid, CO2, ammonia, NH3, and hydro- gen sulfid, H2S. Succeeding varieties of this group form from albu- minous matters a series of substances having an increasing simplicity of composition. The saprophytic fungi play an important role in the economy of nature, as the products of the progressive decomposition cited serve as food for higher plants. Parasitic bacteria are those which develop in the tissues of living animals and produce disease ; they form the greater number of the group known as pathogenic organisms. All of the bacterial forms are to be found in this class. They gain access to the body through wounds, frequently large surgical wounds ; by surfaces deprived of epi- thelium ; a minute break in the continuity of the internal or external epithelial covering of the body may permit the entrance of the organ- isms to deeper tissues, where, under favorable conditions, they multiply and produce their specific effects. To generalize the effects of the FERMENTATION. 41 development of pathogenic organisms in the tissues : " At the point of multiplication, degenerations, necrosis, inflammations, and new growth of tissues, while the toxalbumins produced cause manifestations of poisoning. According to the variety of organisms, one or more of these results may predominate " (Ziegler). Many forms of organisms have points of election in which they find the most suitable soil for development, viz., the typhoid bacillus, in the glands of the ileum, Peyer's patches ; the diphtheria bacillus, in the mucous surfaces of the pharynx and contiguous parts. Many bacterial forms find a suitable habitat in the human mouth ; the conditions of their food-supply and temperature invite the habitation and development of forms of all three of the groups cocci, bacilli, and spirilla, together with the characteristic leptothrix. This subject will be discussed in detail later. In order to comprehend how bacteria act as pathogenic or disease- producing agents {pathos, disease, and gennao, I produce) an examina- tion must be made into their physiology and physiological chemistry. Fermentation. Fermentation may be defined as " the series of changes which occur in solutions of organic substances exposed to the air, which re- sult in radical changes in their chemical composition ;" as, for exam- ple, the change of a solution of sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxid, and later into acetic acid, the formation of lactic acid in milk, the putrefaction of albuminous substances, and so on. The opinion that these changes are due to a simple oxidation may be entirely set aside. Although these decompositions are due to oxidation, hydration, and reduction, it has been clearly demonstrated that it is through the agency of fungi, and not mere contact with the oxygen of the atmosphere. Sims Woodhead ^ comprehensively defines fermentation " as essen- tially the breaking up of chemical compounds, the molecules of which they are composed being separated from one another for a brief period, and then allowed to combine and form simpler and more stable com- pounds ; owing to the setting free of such energy as has been stored up in the highly complex fermentable substance which is no longer required to maintain the high level of combination, a certain proportion of this energy is released in the form of heat ; the temperature of a fermenting fluid is found to rise without the addition of any external heat." If to a watery solution of sugar, or an infusion of vegetable juices containing sugar, a yeast (a bud-fungus, one of the blastomycetes) be added, and the fluid be maintained at a temperature of 35° C, it will be found that there is an evolution of gas, which, if passed into lime- ^ Bacteria and Their Products, p. 87. 42 BACTERIOLOGY. water, gives a precipitate — i. e., the carbon dioxid has combined with the calcium of the lime-water to form calcium carbonate ; the temperature of the solution rises above that of the surrounding atmosphere, and a test Avill show alcohol to be present in the solution and the sugar to have largely disappeared. Boiling the solution before adding the yeast does not prevent fermentation. Boiling the solution immediately after add- ing the yeast prevents fermentation — i. e., boiling the fungus prevents its action, its vitality is destroyed. If a quantity of carbolic or sali- cvlic acid, or mercuric chlorid, be added to the solution, fermentation does not occur. If the temperature of the solution be loM^ered, the process is much less active. If the access of free oxygen be prevented, fermentation does not occur, which illustrates that in fungi, as in all liv- ing cells, the vitality is lessened or destroyed by an insufficient food- supply and an unsuitable temperature ; and, finally, it will be noticed that after a period fermentation ceases. If after a period some of the yeast be removed from the solution, it will be found that it has lost the power of inducing fermentative changes in other solutions in which it may be placed — it is dead : dead because of an accumulation of its waste-prod- uct, alcohol, about it. As with all vital cells, if their waste-products are not removed, the cells are smothered in their own excreta. This is the example of fermentation usually cited, but very many other types exist. If to a solution of sugar a minute portion of the scrapings taken from a carious tooth-cavity be added, and the solution maintained at a temperature of about 35° C, it wall be found, after a time, that the solution has acquired an acid reaction, and a chemical test will show that lactic acid has formed. A microscopic examination of the solu- tion will demonstrate the presence of a large number of the fission- fungi forms. As each of these forms has probably its own peculiar physiology, several fermentations have been in progress, although lactic fermentation predominates. Miller ^ has shown that this fermentation ceases when the amount of acid present exceeds 0.75 per cent., this being the excess of waste-products which inhibits the vitality of the fungi. These general principles govern the vital processes of all of the fungi, including the schizomycetes group, although the several varieties of bacteria have peculiar conditions of life which are qualifying clauses to the general proposition. While it is shown that for the development of the yeast fungus and also for many of the bacterial forms the presence of free oxygen is essential, there are others which develop in the absence of free oxygen, and still others which develop either with or without the presence of free oxygen. Bacteria have, therefore, been classified by Pasteur into the aerobic, or those requiring free oxygen ; anaerobic, those which ^ Micro-organisms of the Mouth. FERMENTATION. 43 develop in its absence ; and facultative-anaerobic, those which develop with or without the presence of free oxygen — or, 1st, obligatory aerobics ; 2d, obligatory anaerobics ; 3d, facultative-anaerobics. A single species of bacteria rarely or never exists alone in a solu- tion of organic matter, except as a result of special precaution upon the part of the investigator. Mixed cultures are the rule. When a number of species are introduced or are present some develop, others are quiescent ; some find conditions favorable to their growth, others do not ; but if the conditions be altered, a second or third variety prevails. Organisms may find in a field rendered, by an excess of waste-products, an improper culture-medium for one form of bacteria, a suitable medium in which to grow, so that progressive decomposition occurs in the medium. For example, in the successive stages of the breaking down of albuminous substances the compounds formed, while rendering the soil unfit for the life of the first invading organ- isms, fit it for the growth of other varieties, which effect further decompositions. By processes of oxidation, reduction, and hydration many forms of bacteria effect a gradual decomposition of albuminous matter. Peptones,* substances having a less complex composition, are first formed ; next, bodies of the compound ammonia type appear, the chemical and physiological equivalents of alkaloids derived from the higher plants, and hence called ptoma'ins or animal alkaloids. Suc- ceeding this, such nitrogenous bases as leucin, ty rosin, and the amins (methyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-amin) are formed. Next, fatty acids and such acids as butyric, lactic, and succinic, appear ; next aromatic prod- ucts, such as indol, phenol, and cresol, are formed ; and the final decomposition is represented in the end-products — carbon dioxid, CO,, hydrogen sulfid, HgS, ammonia, NH,, and water, H^,0. Several forms of bacteria when grown in solutions of albumin pro- duce substances of complex composition which act as poisons when introduced into the bodies of animals ; these are termed toxalbumins. Many forms of bacteria when introduced in minute quantities into solid or gelatinous albuminous matter and kept at a proper temperature are found to increase in number ; the gelatinous material around them becomes liquefied and undergoes decomposition, with the formation of substances which, introduced into living animals, act as poisons. If the solutions thus obtained be boiled and filtered, so that they are entirely free from the presence of the organisms which produced them, and then injected under the skin of an animal, evidences of widespread disorder are exhibited — the animal is poisoned. The effects will be governed, first, by the nature of the organisms producing the poison, ' Ziegleij General Patholocjy, 1895. 44 BACTERIOLOGY. some producing more virulent substances than others ; and, secondly, upon the size of the dose employed. If the eifects pass away, the health of the animal is restored. If, on the contrary, the organisms them- selves be introduced into the body, symptoms of poisoning appear and increase in severity, even though but few organisms be introduced. In some cases the symptoms persist until the death of the animal ; in others they gradually disappear. If a portion of the tissue in which the organisms were introduced is used to inoculate other animals, similar symptoms appear in them. It is evident, therefore, that bac- teria generate in the tissues substances which act as poisons. Some species or forms exhibit a predilection for special tissues of the body ; for example, a special bacillus develops in the glands of the ileum ; others have a predilection for the large intestine, some for the spleen, others for portions of the nervous system, and so on ; and possibly owing to the peculiar physiological chemistry of the part af- fected and to the species of bacteria, specific poisons are generated, which, taken into the circulation, produce characteristic symptoms. Ferments. — The cells of the living body produce substances which have the power of transforming or changing the chemical composition of organic matter ; for example, the epithelial cells of the salivary glands produce a substance which converts starch, nCeH-^oO^, into glucose, CgIIi206, a process of hydration. The cells of the peptic glands of the stomach produce a substance which changes albumin into peptone, prob- ably also a hydration. The cells of the pancreas produce substances which cause the hydration of starch and of albumin and the formation of leucin and tyrosin. Such substances are known as ferments. They ap- pear to take no part in the decompositions which they effect, and are called unformed ferments. The small plant-cells — bacteria — also give rise to bodies which effect similar changes, or the changes may occur in the cells themselves. It is through the agency of these latter substances, called " organized ferments," that the decompositions are effected which result in the chain of substances described under the decomposition of albumin. It is by reason of this property that bacteria act as disease- causes, and are capable of disturbing the physiology of the body. " When pathogenic fungi succeed in growing in the living body, if infection takes place, their action is in general characterized at the point of multiplication by degeneration, necrosis, inflammation, and a new growth of tissue, while the toxalbumins produced by them cause mani- festations of poisoning." ^ Many of the forms of bacteria, both saprophytic and parasitic, are found in ordinary drinking-water. Many of them, particularly the spores of bacilli, are found floating in the air ; the soil to the ' Ziegler, General Pathology, 1895, p. 440. FERMENTS. 45 depth of a metre (forty inches) contains numerous varieties. Above certain altitudes they are rarely found, and they are rare in the atmos- phere of mid-ocean. At ordinary levels in temperate and tropical climates they are nbiquitous. They cling to most of the snrfaces of bodies ; are found on the skin and in its folds ; insinuate themselves into the mouths of sweat and sebaceous glands, and swarm in the intestines and frequently in the mouths of animals. Among all of the varieties thus distril)uted, there are some which, gaining entrance to the tissues of the body, produce destructive diseases — /. e., they are pathogenic. Or- ganisms capable of inducing disease-conditions in the body are found in all three of the form-groups — cocci, bacilli, and spirilla. Many varieties of each of these classes have been shown to possess constant patho- genic features, and, further, they have been proved so constant attend- ants upon defined diseases that a causative relationship has been made out between the organisms and the disease. Special cultures of one variety introduced into the body produce always the same symptoms, and secondary cultures taken from the diseased organ induce the identi- cal disease in other individuals. A varietv of coccus which when cultivated forms oranw-colored col- onies, and liquefies the gelatin upon which it is grown, when intro- duced into the body is followed by pus-formation — /. e., it is pyogenic (from puon, pus, and ^enn«o, I produce). From the manner in which the organisms collect into groups they are called staphylococci (from staphyle, a bunch of grapes) ; they are thus designated as the staphylo- coccus pyogenes aureus, the aureus from the orange color. Another pyogenic variety gives white colonies ; hence it is called the staplivlo- coccus pyogenes albus. Another, producing blue cultures, is called the staphylococcus pyogenes cyaneus. Still another, forming green colonies, is called the staphylococcus pyogenes viridis. Several forms of bacilli have been shown to induce pus-formation ; hence are called pyogenic bacilli. A specific bacillus has been shown to produce Asiatic cholera, and from its form is called the comma bacillus. Another induces breakiuir down of tissue by the formation of tubercles, hence named the tubercle bacillus — the bacillus tuberculosis, the exciting cause of pulmonary phthisis and of diseases of the skin, joints, etc. To another variety of bacillus, typhoid fever is directly traceable. Numerous forms of cocci and bacilli when introduced into the tissues are followed by evidence of blood-poisoning, or septicaemia (Greek septikos, that which produces putrefaction, and haima, the blood). They are the bacilli or cocci of septicemia. Several varieties found in the mouth are capable of causing these symptoms, and hence are known as the bacilli sputum sp]>tic8emia. It is interestino; and necessary to note that in manv instances when 46 BACTERIOLOGY. organisms are introduced into the body their action is self-limited, and in some cases a body once infected and recovered is insusceptible to future introductions of the same organism (see Immunity, Chapter II.). Bacteria of the Mouth. To the dental practitioner the forms of bacteria which are constant and those which are occasional inhabitants of the human mouth are of prime interest. Many of the saprophytic fungi are constantly present, finding in the food-debris, dead epithelium, abundant moisture, and suitable temperature, an extremely favorable soil in which to flourish. The other two subdivisions of fungi, in addition to the schizomycetes, occasionally develop, as, for example, the bud-fungus (saccharomyces, oidium albicans), which produces in neglected children the form of stomatitis called thrush. Up to 1885 Miller^ had isolated twenty-two different forms of bacteria from the human mouth. Ten of the twenty-two were cocci ; as in Figs. 10-13 ; some small, some very large. Five were short rods (Figs. 14, 15). A curved species, which liquefied gelatin and produced Fig. 10. a Fig. 11. Fig. 12. Fig. 13. Fig. 14. Fig. 15. F0g 0O \ Fig. 18. Fig. 16. Bacteria of the mouth. (Miller.) a green coloring-matter, was called vibrio viridans (Fig. 18). Spirilla and the leptothrix were found. Of thirty species cultivated later, eighteen were cocci, eleven rods, and but one thread form. " Of the twenty-two forms first described sixteen brought about an acid reaction when cultivated in beef-extract peptone sugar solutions. Several of the forms possess the power of converting sugar into lactic acid. In some cases the lactic fermentation is attended by the evolution ^ Micro-organisms of the Mouth. BACTERIA OF THE MOUTH. 47 of gases, COj and H, and if* albumin be present HgS may be generated ; in others there is no formation of gases. There are a number of bac- teria wliich almost invariably occur in every mouth." Mouth bacteria proper : 1. Leptothrix innominata ; 2. Bacillus buccalis maximus ; 3. Leptothrix buccalis maxima ; 4. Jodococcus vaginatus ; 5. Spirillum sputigenum ; 6. Spirochfete dentium (denticola). These are all uncultivable, so that their physiology is not made out. Vignal found ^ among seventeen varieties of mouth bacteria the bacterium termo, bacillus subtilis, staphylococcus pyogenes aureus and albus. In addition to the forms named, the following varieties of pathogenic fungi have been isolated from the mouth : ^ Micrococcus of sputum septicaemia ; Micrococcus tetragenus ; Bacillus salivarius septicus ; Streptococcus septopypemicus ; Micrococcus gingivae pyogenes ; Bacterium gingivae pyogenes ; Bacillus dentalis viridans ; Bacillus pulpse pyogenes ; Pyogenic micrococci ; Actinomyces ; Saccharomyces albicans ; Spirillum sputigenum ; Pane's pneumococcus ; Bacillus saprogenes ; Streptococcus salivarius pyogenes ; Coccus salivarius septicus ; Micrococcus biskra ; Bacillus bronchitidis putridse ; Bacillus tussis convulsivae ; Bacillus pneumoniae ; Bacillus pneumosepticus ; Pneumobacillus. Of 111 mice in whose abdominal cavities human saliva was intro- duced, but 10 survived, the others dying in from fifteen hours to forty days, 42 of them within forty -eight hours."* In most of these cases the ^ Archives de Physiologic, norm, et pathoL, 1886, No. 8. =* Miller. Dental Co.s?nos, Nov., 1891. * Ibid. 48 BACTERIOLOGY. micrococci of sputum septicaemia were found in a sero-purulent exuda- tion in the peritoneal cavity. In 16 cases micrococcus tetragenus was present. In over 30 cases cocci, staphylococci, streptococci, and diplo- cocci were present. Miller divides the organisms into two classes, according to the mode of death of the animals attacked : first, those which produce speedy death through blood-poisoning with but comparatively slight local reaction ; secondly, those which induce fatal pyogenic processes at the point of injection. To recapitulate : the human mouth swarms with bacteria of the several classes ; lactic, acetic, and butyric acid ferments ; numerous saprophytic fungi ; and organisms producing specific disease-conditions when introduced into the tissues. The pyogenic organisms are almost constantly present. Phagocytosis. The tissues of the body do not play an entirely passive part in the diseases caused by bacteria. While many tissue-cells of the body exhibit a resistance to and in some cases wage a Avarfare against invad- ing organisms, the resistance is much more marked in some instances than in others. It had been observed, I860-' 70, by von Reckling- hausen, Rindfleisch, Ponfincks, and others, that certain cells of the body took into themselves particles of dust and the material of dis- integrated blood-corpuscles. In 1874 Ziegler observed the fibroblasts of granulation-tissue take up and destroy leucocytes — devour them. The wandering cells of the body, loaded with dust-particles and other foreign matter, appear upon the surface of mucous membrane. In 1884 Metchnikoif' published the results of a series of studies made by him, principally upon the Daphnia, small fresh-water Crus- tacea. He observed that when the spores of the monospora cuspidata, Fig. 20. 1, a spore which has penetrated the intestinal wall and entered the abdominal cavity, where four leucocj'tes have surrounded its end : m, the muscular layer of the intestine ; e, epithelial layer ; .?, the serous layer. 2, a spore surrounded by leucocytes from the abdominal cavity of a Daphne. (Metehnikoff.) a bud-fungus, gained access to the alimentary canal of the animal it ' Fortschritte der Med., Bd. ii. See Comparative Pathology of Inflammation (same author). PHAGOCYTOSIS. 49 Fig passed into the abdominal cavity througli tlio intestinal walls. As soon as it entered the cavity it was attacked by leucocytes (Fig. 20), which took the spores into their bodies, and devoured and digested them.' " If the Daphnia is healthy, the monospora is gradually overcome ; but if the animal be feeble or the monospora is ingested in very large quan- tities . . . the animal may eventually succumb to the attack." The wandering cells of the body have also been shown to possess this power, which MetchnikofF has termed Phagocytosis — phago, I eat, and ciftos, a bud (see Inflammation). The reasons set forth l)y Metchnikoff, that this is Nature's means by which the living tissues defend themselves against invaders, and that these cells are specifically designed for this purpose, require modifica- tion. It is probably an expression of the nutritive function of simple cells. The process is not universal throughout the body, for in some instances the bacteria are taken up by the leucocytes, and in others they are left undisturbed. Researches of Leber, Buchner, and others have shown that leucocytes may be repelled by certain chemical substances and attracted by others. This property of attraction and re- pulsion has been termed chemotaxis ; positive when attraction exists, neg- ative when there is repulsictn. Buch- ner found that substances derived from certain bacteria, even in high dilution, possessed positive chemotactic prop- erties, and that certain organic deriv- atives, such as methylamin, leucin, tyrosin, and urea, exhibit negative chemotaxis." It is beyond question that ])hago- cytosis plays an important part in the prevention of disease and the removal of foreign substances which gain ac- cess to the tissues, or are formed in the body. It is not the leucocytes alone which possess this power (Fig. 21). The endothelial cells of blood- vessels have this function, as have several other forms of mesodermal cells (Metchnikoff), notably the wandering corpuscles of connective tissue. ^ Woodhead, Bacteria and Their Products, 1891 ; and Metchnikoff, Il)id. '^ This subject is discussed at length in Ziegler's General Pathology, 1895. Active phagocytosis. Endothelial cells en- closing the bacilli of swine septicaemia, from an hepatic vein of a pigeon : a, endo- thelial cells ; b, leucocytes. (Metchnikoff.) 50 BACTERIOLOGY. Hugenschmidt ^ has shown that the filtered saliva of the human mouth, containing necessarily quantities of bacterial products, possesses marked positive chemotactic properties. Nuttall ^ showed that the filtered serum of the blood possessed bac- tericidal power, and that degeneration of ingested bacteria occurred be- fore the process of phagocytosis. Buchner found that the activity of the serum against l)acteria was greater when deprived of its cellular elements. Boiling for half an hour destroyed the property. By dialysis or ex- treme dilution with distilled water its germicidal energy was checked ; but if an equal dilution was made with sodium-chlorid solution (0.6-0.7 per cent.), the bactericidal power was not lost, Hankin,^ Ogatta, and others have isolated from the spleen, lymphatic glands, and blood, glob- ulins which in solution have germicidal power. Buchner has suggested that these germicidal substances be called " alexins." Noting the con- ditions under which serum germicides are observed, Vaughan * and also Halliburton^ conclude that the substance to which the germicidal power is due is a nuclein. ^ Dental Cosmos, vol. 38, p. 797 et seq. ^ See Abbott's Princrples of Bacteriology, p. 425. ^ Ibid. * Ptomains and Leucoma'ins. ^ Chemical Phys. and. Path. CHAPTER IV. DISTURBANCES OF NUTRITION : ATROPHY, DEGENERATION, NECROSIS, HYPERTROPHY, TUMORS. Owing to various disease-causes to which the tissues of the body- may be subjected, they may suffer an alteration in the normal con- tinuity of the cycle represented by development, growth, maintenance, and that gradual lessening of vitality which precedes the death of an individual. If there be such interference with the process of develop- ment that an organ is much below normal in size, the condition is spoken of as aplasia or agenesia. If the interference merely checks the growth of a developed organ, the condition is known as hypoplasia.^ It is with disturbances arising during the period of maintenance that this chapter is concerned. Disorders of nutrition are of two classes : in one class there is an excess of nutrition ; in the other there is a deficiency. In either class disturbance in the nutritive equilibrium alters the vitality of tissue-cells. In one case, if stimulation be the process in operation, it is Fic4. 22. Health IJ . Stimulation / >. (Sedation) \ Atony o Irritation / \ 1 (Hyperaemia) Inflamviation ' 1 '"^, .Degeneration Atrophy (Degeneration) Overwork-Paralysis Paralysis Starvation Death (Necrosis) but a question of time and degree until the death of the cells is brought about. In the other case, if sedation be the influence at Avork, it is also but a question of time and degree until the cells succumb. The extent of the degree of interference with nutrition, whether hyper- or hypo- nutrition, depends upon the extent of the influence in operation, the ^ Ziegler, General Pathology, 1895. 51 52 DISTURBANCES OF NUTRITION. effects ranging from slight disturbance of function to death of a part. The nature of these effects is graphically represented in Fig. 22. The two horizontal lines farthest separated represent health and death. Descending from the health-line to the death-line are the curved lines of a semi-ellipse, the path from health to death being a gradual, not a precipitate fall to death, in conditions of altered nutrition. It will be observed that these curved lines are crossed at intervals by straight horizontal lines, which represent stages in the vital descent, or grades of nutritive disturbance. If a general survey be taken of these several stages, based upon the observed phenomena of cell-life, deductions as to the nature of the alterations of physiology occurring may be made as illustrative examples. Hypbrnutrition. The effect of stimulation, first, upon the functions of organs, and, pari passu, upon their vascular supply (see Chapter V.), is represented by an increased nutrition. The irritability, contractility, and general functional activity of the part are increased. More food is appro- priated, oxidation is increased, and hence more energy is set free and more work is done. Stimulation is therefore followed by an increase of functional activity. If the functions of the part be secretory, secre- tion is increased. Connective-tissue cells, whose function is the forma- tion of basis-substances, form them in increased amount. Increase the stimulation, and the effect is one of irritation : vital processes become fretful, incomplete chemical changes occur in the cells, and functional activity is disordered. The energy developed in the cells of tissues manifests itself in nutritive, functional, or reproductive activities (Vir- chow), and hence, as the energy is developed in definite amount, if it be expended in one of these three directions, the other two must be corre- spondingly diminished. Thus irritation may be followed by increased secretion or functional activity, an altered metabolism in the cells ; or the cells may exercise their reproductive function, in which case the number of cells is increased — i. e., a part becomes hypertrophied. HYPERTROPHY OR HYPERPLASIA. By hypertrophy is meant an increase in the size of some organ, or portion of it, or of any tissues. Hypertrophy may be either simple or numerical. Sim])le, when the increase of volume is due to an increase in the size of cells ; numerical, when due to an increase in the number of cells. Causes. — Hypertrophy occurs when nutrition in a part exceeds the waste. In general terms, it is caused by a continued irritation of HYPERTROPHY OR HYPERPLASIA. 53 definite grade. It is, as a rule, intimately associated with a parallel increase in the local circulation of a part (see Chapter V. and Fig. 22;. Hyperplasia is frequently a reflex nutritive change due to an increased demand for work being made upon tissues ; for example, when a muscle is repeatedly urged to an unusual amount of work short of marked fatigue, an increase in its function occurs, its capacity for work becomes greater, and if the strong stimulus (mild irritation) implied be con- tinued, the cells increase in size, and, it may be, in number : all three phases of the expenditure of an increase of vital energy being repre- sented — functional, nutritive, and reproductive. This is also repre- sented in the reaction of the alternately acting and resting heart-mus- cles. If an unusual and continuous strain be placed upon the heart owing to an increase in the resistance it is normally called upon to overcome, an increase of the volume of the muscles follows. Tissues or organs accustomed to performing work, if deprived of the work, use the developed vital energy in reproduction, and hyper- trophy results. For example, upon the roots of teeth which have lost their antagonists the pericementum, deprived of its normal exercise, fre- quently forms hypertrophic growths of cementum upon the tooth-roots. When tissues accustomed to mechanical resistance due to their anatomi- cal forms are freed from this resistance, they frequently hypertrophy in the direction of the accustomed resistance. There is a form of cellular hypertrophy noted in some pathological states which should be mentioned in this connection, viz., under some Fig. 23. " d d Dog's hair encapsulated in subcutaneous tissue : a, hair ; b, fibrous tissue : c, proliferating graiiU' lation-tissue ; d, giant cells. Preparation hardened in alcohol, stained with Bismark-brown, and mounted in Canada balsam. X 66. (Ziegler.) forms or degrees of irritation, an increase in the size of cells may be noted characterized by incompleteness of formation ; the nuclei of cells initiate the reproductive process, but it is incomplete. The nucleus divides, but the cell-body fails of division, the new nuclei subdivide, and the enclosing cell increases in volume, forming a giant or multinucleated cell. These cells appear where tissue is to be removed physiologically, as the roots of deciduous teeth. They are found about foreign bodies which have found entrance to tissues, about ligatures, dead tissues, etc., 54 DISTUBBANCES OF NUTBITION. provided bacterial infection has not occurred and caused activ^e inflam- mation. Their origin is probably from leucocytes and wandering tissue- cells, which, having undergone this peculiar variety of reproductive change, forming large multinucleated cells, and having their phago- cytic property much increased, devour and remove many foreign sub- stances. It is probable that a similar condition exists about the root of an implanted tooth. The irritation caused by the presence of the foreign body causes cell-reproduction, complete in some cases, incomplete in others, the foreign substance being surrounded by a collection of embry- onic cells. Some foreign bodies are devoured, others resist solution. In the first case, as soon as the foreign body is disposed of, the cells take on constructive, formative action, and are transformed into repair-tissue. In the second case, failing to remove the intruder, the cells may acquire a modified tolerance of it, and connective tissue may be developed around it — i. e., it is encapsuled. TUMOR-FOEM A TI ON . Hypertrophy and hyperplasia are expressions of a degree of the reproductive function, physiological in character, having in the majority of cases well-defined causes, and serving an economic end in the body. There is another form in which there is an excessive activity of the cell-property, the reproduction being wholly malign in character, its products serving no physiological end ; on the contrary, threatening life in the degree and rapidity of reproduction. Such reproductive forms are known as tumors. According to the etymology of the word, any swelling is a tumor {tumeo, I swell) ; but in its pathological sense the term is restricted to growths comprised under the follow- ing head : " A new formation of tissue possessing an atypical struc- ture, not exercising any function or service to the body, and pre- senting no typical limit of growth."^ This morbid reproductive process and consequent overgrowth may affect any of the tissues of the body. The growths may be divided into two great classes : first, those of the connective-tissue type — bone, cartilage, muscle, or ordinary connective tissue in any stage of its development ; secondly, those of the epithelial type, arising from any epithelial structures — that is, any of the struc- tures which arise from the epiblast or hypoblast of the germinal layers ; the connective-tissue tumors are those composed of tissues derived from the mesoblastic layer. Tumors may be clinically divided into two groups, according to their influence upon the life of the individual : first, benign tumors, or those whose growth is not a menace to life ; secondly, malignant tumors, or ^ Ziegler. TUMOR-FORMATION. 55 those which threaten the life of the individual aiFected. Malignant and benign tumors are found in both classes, connective tissue and epithelial. Tlie growth of a tumor is attended by a saj)ping of the vitality of a sufferer — the degree of the debility produced being apparently in direct ratio to the size and the rajjidity of the growth. Besides the size and the rapidity of development of individual tumors, another element deter- mines their malignancy, their jiosition, aud, furthermore, their occurrence in other parts, resulting in multiple tumor-formation. A tumor-victim acquires a peculiar appearance — a cachexia, whose intensity and rapidity of advance are directly dependent upon the degree of malignancy. Tumors introduce no new form of tissue-element ; they are repro- ductions of the cells of the tissues of the body. They may have the same cell-formation as the tissue from which they spring, and are then called homologous tumors ; or they may have a different histological structure from the tissue in which they are found, being then called heterologous tumors. For example, a bony tumor growing from bone would be homologous ; a cartilaginous tumor growing from gland-tissue would be heterologous. Causes. — The causes of tumor-formation are unknown ; it has been believed that their growth is due to parasites ; this however has not been proved. A certain proportion of tumor-formations, 7-14 per cent.,' appear to be caused by traumatic injury ; as, for example, in cases of mammary tumor a history of a blow or fall may be at times obtained. Long-continued, sluggish inflammation appears to be causative of tumor-formation in an unknown percentage of cases. A chronic irritation of certain portions of the body, such as the junction between the mucous and skin surfaces of the lip, the sides of the tongue, etc., is a frequent antecedent to their formation. Ziegler gives a reasonable ex])lanation of the origin of certain epithelial tumors in organs which are under- going atrophy ; for example, in advanced age the connective tissue of the body is undergoing atrophy and there is relaxation of its strata ; the epithelium of the surface (or of glands), still possessed of its power of reproduction, proliferates and invades the connective tissue, producing cancer. Tumor-formation consists in the reproduction of the cells of one or more tissues, and in the growth thus formed bloodvessels are developed. Tumors do not contain nerves.^ Their blood-supply, however, is gen- erous, so that for long periods a superabundance of nutritive material is carried to them ; but after a variable period, depending upon the type of growth, the nutritive supply becomes disordered and degenera- tions occur. About the more slowly developing tumors a condensation of connec- ' Ziegler. ^ Green's Pathology and Morbid Anatomy, 8th ed. 56 DISTUBBANCES OF NUTBITION. tive tissue occurs in many cases, forming a distinct limiting wall or cap- sule from which the tumor may be enucleated. The two great classes of tumors, those of mesoblastic and those of epi- and hypoblastic origin, may be subdivided into orders according to their histological peculiarities. Class Onb.^ tumoes of mesoblastic tissues : Order One. Tumors of mature connective tissue. Bony tumors, or Osteoma. Cartilaginous tumors, or Chondroma. Fibrous tumors, or Fibroma. Fatty tumors, or Lipoma. Mucous tumors, or Myxoma. Lymphoid-tissue tumors, or Lymphoma. Order Two. Tumors of the embryonic connective tissues : The fleshy tumors, or Sarcoma. Order Three. Tumors of the higher tissues : Tumors of muscle, or Myoma. Tumors of nerves, or Neuroma. Tumors of bloodvessels, or Angioma. Tumors of lymphatic vessels, or Lymphangioma. Class Two. tumors of epiblastic and hypoblastic tissues : Papilla of skin and of mucous membrane, or Papilloma. r Adenoma. Tumors of glandular tissue | ^^^^.^^^^_ A separate class of tumors includes congenital mixed tumors, or Teratomata. The tumors of epiblastic and hypoblastic type are some- times called Epitheliomata, for epithelial tissue is their characteristic his- tological structure. Malignant tumors are found in both of the great classes, mesoblastic and epi- and hypoblastic. Carcinoma represents the type of malignancy 1 Modified from Green's Pathology, p. 148. TUMOR-FORM A TION. bl ill the epithelial tumors. The sarcomata are the malignant tumors of the connective-tissue type. Tumors are rarely composed of but one type of tissue ; several types may be present, the tumor receiving its name from the tissue predom- inatino-. When the distinguishing feature of a tumor is two predomin- ating tissues, the tumor is given a compound name ; as, for example, when, in a sarcomatous growth, numerous large multinucleated cells char- acteristic of bone-marrow are found, it is called a myeloid sarcomatous tumor. When fibrous and sarcomatous tissues are distinguishing feat- ures the tumor is called a fibro-sarcoma. Since the malignancy of a tumor is due primarily to the size and the rapidity of its growth, it is clear why sarcomata are more malignant than fibromata, and why some forms of sarcoma are more malignant than others. To illustrate : Begin observation at the indifferent stage of connective-tissue de- velopment, when connective-tissue cells have first divided, reproduced ; Fig. 24. Porciue embryo: ct, embryonic couuective tissue of mesoblast. 2^ cm. X 250. the tissue produced, seen in granulation-tissue and in the embryo, is at the indifferent stage, as .seen in section of the embryonic jaw (Fig. 24). Mesoblastic cells at this early period are in an indifferent stage ; some of the cells shown in the figure will form bloodvessels, others will l)ecome bone-corpuscles, others will form fibrous and others muscular tissue. This structure has its analogue among tumors in a soft, fleshy, rapidly growing growth, called the round-celled sarcoma. As cells expend their vital energy in three ways (nutritive, functional, and reproductive ac- tivity), the embryonic cells of such a growth may expend their energy in nutrition (growth), and will then grow out of the indifferent stage into a more mature form of connective tissue, the ultimate form of one type being a fibre, an embryonic round cell undergoing a series of form- 58 DISTURBANCES OF NUTRITION. changes from a small round cell to a long fibre (Fig. 25). The growth may cease at any stage of this form-change, the tumor composed of such cell-forms receiving a corresponding name. The embryonic connective- tissue tumors, as stated, are called sarcomas, the form of the cells com- posing them giving them a qualifying title. In Fig. 25 are represented the stages of development of a connec- tive-tissue fibre from a round cell. If growth cease at stage 1, and the Fig. 25. 1 2 ® ® cell-energy thereafter expend itself in reproduction, a rapidly growing- tumor composed of small round cells is formed — a small round-cell sarcoma, markedly malignant. If the cells expend a portion of energy in growth of cell-size, a large-cell sarcoma is formed, less malignant than the former. If the cells expend a portion of their energy in form- ing intercellular substance (reproduction), malignancy is less active. So the spindle-forms, 3 and 4, represent less rapid reproduction and lesser malignancy than 1 and 2, although the form 4, which should be of less rapid reproduction than 3, because of more mature organization, is fre- quently more malignant, because less intercellular substance is formed, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27, the energy represented in that process Fia. 27. Ftg. 26. Small spindle-celled sarcoma (from a tumor of the leg). X 200. Large spindle-celled sarcoma. To the left the cells have been separated by teasing, so that their individual forms are apparent ; to the right, they are In their natural state of apposition, such as would be seen in a thin section of the tumor. (Virchow.) being used up in reproduction. The nearer the approach to the mature form, (6, Fig. 25), the slower the growth of the tumor, which, w^hen composed of tissue of this type, loses its fleshy (sarcomatous) appearance and becomes fibrous, and is hence called fibroma. When a sarcoma begins its growth from bone its histological char- acter is frequently modified (Fig. 28). It contains large marrow-cells TUMOR-FORMA TION. 59 which have undergone incomplete reproduction, forming giant multi- jiueleated cells ; this is a common form of tumor emerging from the sockets of teeth. Some of the cells of a sarcomatous growth may go on Fig. 28. Myeloid epulis from lower jaw. a, multinucleated giant cells; 6, oval cell. X 265. (Pepper.) to maturity, while others remain at some stage of their developmental career. Malignancy will be modified according to the amount of mature tissue formed. Epithelial Tumors. — Growths arising from epi- or hypoblastic tis- sues may be benign or malignant. AVhat are called the adenomata mav be taken as the type of the benign epithelioma ; that is, comparatively benign. They present all of the characters of typical glandular tissue : numerous acini lined with epithelial cells and surrounded by connective Fig. 29. Adenoma of the breast: a, group of glandular acini ; 6, fibrous stroma; c. cells broken away from their attachment. X 265. (Pepper.) tissue (Fig. 29). Tumors of this type may lose their comparative be- nignancy and become of the succeeding epithelial type. Carcinomata. — These are growths arising from pre-existing epithelial 60 DISTURBANCES OF NUTBITIOK tissue, which possess the characteristics of epithelium developing with- out the limitations of a basement-membrane. Beginning upon a skin, or mucous surface, or in a gland, the re- produced epithelial cells are not sharplj marked off from the connective tissue by a limiting membrane, but gaining en- trance to the alveoli of connective tissue, they proliferate there, find their way inta lymphatic vessels and lymphatic glands, and reproduce epithelial growths in such places of lodgement, so that a tumor hav- ing its origin in one part may give rise to tumors in other parts of the body (Fig. 30). Like the connective-tissue tumors, types of carcinoma diifer as to rapidity of growth in their original situation and in the degree of transference ; these factors determine their malignancy. Tumors of the sar- coma group may also give rise to growths in other parts, the tumor-cells being car- ried thence by lymph-vessels or bloodvessels. After a period, tumors frequently suffer such interference with their nutrition that degeneration occurs in them. After removal, some varieties of tumors, both those which infiltrate surrounding tissues and those which are metastatic (or transferred from the original to other sites), show a tendency to recurrence ; that is, removal does not effect a cure, and the tumor may upon reappearance assume another and a more malignant character. Epithelial tumors never become tumors of the connective-tissue type ; and, vice versa, connective-tissue tumors cannot become epithelial tumors. The distinction formed between epiblast and mesoblast in the embryo is maintained throughout life. Section through an aggregation of very young cancer-cells, lodged like an embolus within a capillary of the liver. The parent growth was an adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Preparation stained with hsematoxylin. X 300. (Ziegler.) INFLAMMATORY DEGENERATION. If the degree of irritation causing an increased activity of the repro- ductive function be exceeded, the entire nutritive balance of a part be- comes disturbed in a violent manner; the vascular disturbance accom- panying hypertrophic processes becomes much exaggerated in the tissues in the area involved. The nutrition of the cells of the part appears to be in abeyance, and vitality in them ceases ; the protoplasm has lost its character, and in the affected area a collection of embryonic cells is found ; this is the condition described in the next chapter under HYPOy UTRITIOX—DEGENERA TIOXS. 6 1 the head of inflammation. The final stage oif overstimulation has been reached — death by overwork. Hyponutrition. If the nutritive balance be disturbed upon the minus side, it amounts to the application of a sedative influence in varying degrees. As in the cases of hypernutrition, the stages or degrees of hyponutrition are intimately associated with the conditions of the vascular supply — its quality and its quantity. The first stage of hyponutrition is comprised in an atony, a lessened activity of the vital processes of a part. Cell chemistry is disordered, less oxidation occurs, hence a lessened heat- production ; the function of the cell is diminished ; if secretory, its se- cretion is lessened ; if muscular, the cell has lessened contractility ; the relations between nutrition and waste are disturbed ; the part becomes physiologically wearied sooner than usual. ATROPHY. Causes. — If the disturbance in the nutritive supply be continued or be in more marked degree, the nutritive processes in cells become dis- ordered, so that more cell-substance is broken down than is replaced by pabulum ; that is, waste exceeds repair, and the part aifected becomes diminished in size — /. e., becomes atrophied. The atrophy may occur either because the food-supply is insufficient, or because the cell has undergone such change that it is not able to use its nutriment when present in proper quantity and quality. Atrophy is, however, more often traceable to an improper food-supply, or an excess of waste, than from any clearly made-out fault in tissues. A common source of insuf- ficient food-supply is interference with the vascular supply to a part. It may be any of the causes (see Chapter V.) which lessen the size of the artery supplying a part. Disuse of a part may be followed by a diminution of its vitality : it becomes atonic, and then atrophies. The atrophy is proportionate to the extent of the disease. Atrophy of organs may be a part of the cycle of life ; as, for example, atrophy of the thymus gland in children, and atrophy of the mammary gland in the female after the menopause. INIany atrophies of this type are properly termed resorptions ; as, for example, in the thymus gland when the entire gland is removed. The loss of the roots of deciduous teeth and the loss of the alveolar process after teeth have been lost are examples of tissue-loss through resor])tion. D ECx EN ER ATIO XS . If the nutritive balance be disturbed through intrinsic defect of cells, or through a further disturbance in the character or the amount of the 62 DISTURBANCES OF NUTRITION. food-supply, the vitality of the cells undergoes more marked change. The character of the cell itself becomes altered, its chemical pro- cesses are markedly deranged, and changes in the cell-substance itself may be noted. The function of a part is impaired and soon ceases entirely. This is a cell-degeneration proper. Such pro- cesses are usually accompanied by shrinking in the size and diminution of the number of cells in a part ; that is, degeneration and atrophy are processes commonly associated. In an actual degeneration the proto- plasm itself becomes altered in character ; the proteids of which it is composed are in part transformed into other substances. There is another type of degeneration in which the protoplasm does not seem to have changed its chemical character, and yet foreign sub- stances make their appearance in tissue and atroj^hy of its cellular ele- ments follows. True Degeneration. — The first type of cellular degeneration is that Fig. 31. '- ' ' JO phoid fever) : the fibres are a higli degree of disturbance of cell-nutrition. granular, the nuclei ob scured, and lost. X 400, '' The larger the amount of cell-albumin replaced ''''''''• "^<^ '^^ ^*"^*'°'' by fat, the nearer is the whole cell to death." '^ Depressed vitality is always the proximate cause. It may be produced by improper food-supply and by changes in the vital powers of cells, or it may be an expression of the natural decadence of cells. Disuse of a part which has normally an active physiological func- tion is not infrequently followed by a degeneration of cell-substance and an associated atrophy of the part. Mechanical interference with the blood-supply of a part is a prolific source of fatty degeneration of its cells. When the walls of vessels have undergone the changes known as atheroma and calcareous degeneration (which see), the arterial (food) supply to the tissues involved becomes much impeded. This change, occurring usually at a time of life when cell-vitality is on the wane, is followed by faulty metabolism in the cell ; there is not that complete chemical interchange which occurs in normal metabolism, and degeneration occurs. AVIien the coronary arteries of the heart become atheromatous fatty degeneration of the heart-muscle follows. When the blood is deficient in quality, as in the several forms of anfemia, particularly pernicious anaemia, fatty degeneration and atrophy of organs may result in consequence of the faulty nutrition. Fatty degeneration is one of the consequences of faulty oxklation in tissues, which explains its occurrence in the above-mentioned conditions, and it in turn lessens the oxidizing poM'er of cells, the resulting cellular debility interfering with such processes as regeneration or the re})aii' of tissues. Fatty degeneration is the fate of nerve-fibres which have been sev- ered from connection with their nerve-centre. ^ Ziegler's General Patholnrpj, 1895. ^Green's Pathology and ^Forbid Anatomy, 1895. * Ibid. 64 DISTURBANCES OF NUTRITION. In addition to the fatty metamorphosis which occurs in tissue- cells as the result of faulty metabolism, this change of cell-albu- min also occurs in other pathological states ; for example, the cells in certain inflammatory effusions undergo fatty metamorphosis. Tlie process occurs in the cells of tumors when the growth of their vascular supply does not keep pace with the volume of the tumor. A peculiar change sometimes takes place in portions of tissue which have suffered fatty degeneration, the change affecting particularly parts which have degenerated in consequence of the presence of the bacillus tuberculosis. The presence and proliferation of the bacillus in tissues appear to be attended by phagocytic F^f^- S3- action (see Chapter III.) upon the ®-^ -—?„"' V~;5:^'^p, part of the cells about them. The ■7^-0"-- -__- ^^^»^ irritation resulting from the action ®^ ' ' "^ „ - of the bacillus causes incomplete re- IjT^S'^r, ' n^ productive activity in the cells, and /f^" f^ f'\ , I X " oJ multinucleated cells are formed. The f^ - ' V ^ f^ = ^i" / . " bacilli are taken into the bodies of "^i^g ^ -^^j^^^iM these cells, the irritation set up caus- b^^-f^^^^S^^"' iug (Fig- 33) an emigration of leuco- ^ , - , .^,f"^ - . n ,r .V, cytes from the adjacent vessels which Tubercle bacilli in giant-cell (from tuber- -^ *' cuiosis of horse). X 600. (Cheyne.) occupy the coiiiiective-tissue spaces ; the accompanying effusion solidifies, and in the affected spot is formed what is termed a tubercle. The cells after a period may undergo fatty degeneration, and following this the mass is transformed into a cheesy substance, in consequence of which the process is called caseation. In apoplectic effusions into the brain-substance the effused blood and part affected undergo fatty degeneration and caseation. It not infrequently happens that in these caseous masses calcium salts are deposited. At times the entire mass may, from some unknown cause, excite active inflammation. Fatty Degexeration of Vessels. — The occurrence of fatty degeneration of the heart-muscle due to obstruction in the coronary arteries has been alluded to. A similar condition may occur in the muscle-fibres of the middle coat of bloodvessels. It occurs most fre- quently in the internal, the endothelial coat, or the tunica intima of vessels. Droplets of fat are formed in the endothelial cells lining the vessels. " In the smaller arteries the fatty degeneration is more liable to affect the external coat." ^ In some forms of nephritis (Bright's dis- ease) fatty degeneration affects the endothelial cells of the capillary vessels, leading to their rupture. ^ Green's Pathology ., uucalcified dentin; CD., calcified dentin; P.C, pulp-cells. X 800. (Rose and Gysi.) system. Thus far, no evidences of a lymphatic system have been dis- covered (Fig. 73). The general disposition of the tissues of the pulp is as follows : a layer of columnar cells — the odontoblasts — covering its periphery and sending processes — Tomes' fibres — into and throughout the lengths of the dentinal tubule ; beneath this layer a closely interlacing plexus of non-medullated nerve-fibres and a capillary network. The middle por- tion of the pulp is occujned by the trunks of the nerves and by those of the bloodvessels, all of these special tissues being supported by a framework of myxomatous tissue, a modified connective tissue. 132 DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS AND TEETH. If sections of injected and properly stained pulps be viewed under a low magnifying power, it is seen that the arteries and nerves enter the pulp, and the veins leave it by several trunks. Arteries divide and subdivide until they terminate in a capillary network immediately beneath the odontoblastic layer. The nerves are medullated and non- medullated ; the former soon lose their medullary sheath, their ter- FiG. 76. A. Section of developing tooth of rat : o, bloodvessels entering the odontoblastic layer of cells from the pulp ; b, dentin. (Williams.) rainals apparently ending in a network beneath the odontoblasts. The odontoblasts (Figs. 73 and 75) have the appearance of a thick, cellular boundary membrane. To make out the details of structure of the pulp a magnifying power of 400 diameters must be used. The Odontoblasts. — The boundary peripheral cells — the odonto- blasts — closely resemble columnar epithelium, having between the cells but a very small amount of intercellular substance (Fig. 75). During the period of development the presence of a capillary supply has been detected HISTOLOGY OF THE MATURE TEETH. 133 in the odontoblastic layer (Fig. 76 and 01).' It is to be recalled that, no matter how close their resemblance to epithelial cells, odonto- blasts belong to the connective-tissue group. Epithelium never becomes connective tissue, nor can connective tissue ever become epithelium, although the contrary opinion has been held by some histologists. Under abnormal conditions, however, epithelial cells may and do pro- liferate in the spaces of connective tissue (see Carcinoma). The odontoblasts are large cylindrical cells which in the pulp of the Fig. 77. OD ;l/XFSlM^llHii^ Pulp from the root of a molar of a man fet. 40. Ground-section after V. Koch's petrifying method : OD, active odontoblasts; ODi, resting odontoblasts, reminding of osteoblasts; P, fibrillse of the pulp; ^, arteries; r, vein ; iV. nerve. Zeiss apochrom. X 250. (Rose.) young adult are closely massed together, the large nucleus occupying the pulpal extremity of the cell. This gives a ])ear-shaped appearance to cells whose bodies have shrunk slightly in preparing the pulp for sections. Each cell is seen to send one, and sometimes two, prolonga- tions of its substance into the dentin — Tomes' fibres. Between the 1 J. L. Williams, Dental Cosmos, 1896. 134 DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS AND TEETH. ends of the odontoblasts and the formed dentin a layer of transitional or partially calcified dentin may be seen. At later maturity the odontoblasts appear to have reached their physiological formative-limit — they become smaller (Fig. 77). Under abnormal conditions, how- ever the formative activity may continue until but a faint trace of a pulp-chamber remains. The Pulp-matrix. — In the child the stroma, the matrix of the pulp, appears to be made up of a loose myxomatous tissue, a structureless basis-substance traversed by bloodvessels and nerves ; it is irregularly supplied with large corpuscles, at first round, but which subsequently develop filamentous processes, each cell having two or, it may be, several, giving the cell a stellate appearance — i. e., they are the cells of myxomatous tissue. In the body of the pulp the cells are irregularly arranged, their fibrillar processes forming a loose network. In the root or constricted portion of the pulp the cells appear to exhibit the effects of general compression and have a spindle-like form, and are arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel with the axis of the root. In the mature adult the cells lessen in volume, and the extent and number of their processes increase. Manipulation of such pulps will show that they have increased in toughness. To the naked eye they appear to have become more fibrous. Rose^ has shown that these fibres do not yield gelatin upon boiling ; hence they must be regarded as the trans- formed processes of cells, and not connective-tissue fibres. Vascular System. — The arteries of the pulp soon lose almost entirely their muscular coat, and their external coat is reduced to an inconsiderable amount of fibrous connective tissue ; the veins remain for an unusual distance without a marked muscular coat. Before the disappearance in the arterial walls and after their reappearance in the walls of the veins the muscular coat is reduced to a layer of extreme thinness, so that histologically the walls of the smaller vessels of the pulp are made up of an endothelial coat, and probably an elastic lamina, an attenuated connective-tissue coat surrounded by the loose stroma- tissue of the pulp. This histological datum has great clinical signifi- cance (see Diseases of Pulp). The vascularity of the pulp decreases with age. " In young teeth there are a number of arterial trunks entering the apical foramen, which lessen in number as the passage lessens in size " (Black). Soon after the entrance of the arteries at the apical foramen they divide and subdivide into numberless branches, and finally into a capillary network (Fig. 78), most marked immediately beneath the odontoblasts ; the capil- laries empty into veinules — these into vein-trunks of relatively large size as compared with the arteries. These vessels pass out of the apical 1 Dental Cosmos, 1893. THE CEMENTUM. 135 Fig. 7S foramen parallel with arteries and nerves. This anatomical arrange- ment of arteries, veins, and nerves, having passage through such a con- stricted orifice, is of clinical importance. The Nerves. — The nerves of the pulp, even upon entry to the organ, appear to be both medullated and non-mednllated. Whether they belong to both cerebrospinal and sympathetic sys- tems is not made out ; nor is their phys- iolojjical connection with the vessels of the pulp determined. The ultimate bun- dles of nerve-fibrillse appear to form an intricate plexus immediately beneath the odontoblasts. By the use of Golgi's stains Retzuis ^ demonstrated that in the mouse the finer nerve-fibres interlace about the bloodvessels, the nerve-trunks themselves following the direction of the bloodvessels. The terminal fibrillse of the nerves found their way between the odontoblasts, appar- ently terminating in knob-like extremi- ties between the odontoblasts and the den- tin, but showing no evidence of penetra- tion of the dentinal tubuli. No direct anatomical connection has been made out between the nerve-fibres and the odonto- blasts, although, as will be shown later, their physiological connection is evident. Point of the pulp of an incisor, in- jected with Beale's blue to show the bloodvessels, x 25. (Black.) THE CEMENTUM. The analogy between dentin and bone is made out Avith some dif- ficulty ; that between bone and cementum is evident — cementum is a modified bone. Examined in gross mass the cementum is seen to be deposited over the entire root and frequently slightly overlapping the extreme edge of the enamel at the neck of the tooth, this being the point at which the first-formed layers of cementum are laid down, the cementum over the apex of the root being that last formed. At the period accepted as the physical termination of tooth-formation the cementum is evenly disposed over the root of a tooth ; this is some time subsequent to the eruption of the teeth. Recalling that the development of cementum is a subperiosteal formation of bone, the growth of cementum continues at the sides, and particularly over the ends of the roots, pari passu with the decreasing thickness of the peri- ' Gustav Eetzuis. See Catching' s Compend, 1896. 136 DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS AND TEETH. cementura, so that at maturity the cementum is disposed as a sheath over the I'oots of the teeth, thinnest at their necks and thickest over the apices of the roots and also between the roots of bicuspids and molars at their junction. Examined under sufficient magnifying power the cellular elements of the cementum are not so easily made out as are those of bone ; but by careful search one may detect the irregular bodies of the cementoblasts, which have formed around them the trans- lucent substance of cementum and remain enclosed in their cement-bed as the cement-corpuscles. Although there is no decided appearance of lamination in the cementum, there is clearly some evidence of stratification, particularly about half-way down the sides of the roots. In a longitudinal section numerous fine lines may be seen at right angles to the lines of stratifica- tion of the cementum ; these are former Sharpey's fibres. In the growth of cementum, as of bone, the fibrous elements of the enclosing periosteum have their ends caught in the calcifying bone, and they undergo calcification. These lines represent, therefore, old points and the method of attachment of the pericementum. It has been noted occasionally that the dentinal tubuli appear to enter the cementum, although their usual mode of termination is in the irregular granular layer of Tomes underlying the cementum. There appears to be a mechanical element determining the regularity of forms of the dental elements ; that is, they assume their typical forms under a definite pressure, but when this is variable the histological forms are altered. The first-formed layers of dentin, both in crown and root, it will be recalled, are deposited not against a rigid matrix-wall, but against soft tissue — the inner wall of the enamel-organ, or the epithelial root- sheath of Hertwig ; this, no doubt, accounts for the disposition exhibited by the dentin of these parts to assume irregular forms. THE PEEICEMENTUM. The pericementum is a somewhat complex structure continuous with the general periosteum of the alveolar process ; it is also the periosteum lining the inner alveolar walls, is the formative structure of the cemen- tum of the teeth, and, in addition, is the analogue of a ligament, for it serves to bind the root of the tooth to its articular walls — i. e., those of the alveolus. As will be shown later, it is the tactile organ of the tooth — the organ of localization.^ In general terms the pericementum is a fibrovascular, neural, cellular structure, all of whose tissues perform important functions. Viewed in its totality, the structure of the pericementum varies with age ; thickest ^ The description of the pericementum is largely derived from G. V. Black's work upon the Periosteum and Peridental Membrane. THE PERICEMENTUM. 137 when root-formation is just complete, it becomes thinner with age, until in some individuals it is reduced to a lamina of extreme thinness. Its outline-study divides the pericementum into three portions : that adjoin- ing the necks of the teeth, that covering the apices of the roots, and the portion between them. At the necks of the teeth the pericementum, as stated, is continuous with the periosteum covering the external alveolar walls, continuous as regards its fibrous tissues and also by the bloodvessels and nerves of the part. The neck-edge of the cementum of the tooth (Fig. 79) being at Fig. 79. Portion of the side of a root of a tooth, the gum and alveolar dental membrane, and the edge of the bone of the alveolus. A band of fibres is seen passing over the surface of the alveolus and dividing, some passing upward into the gum, others passing more directly across to the ce- mentum. Numerous orifices of vessels cut across transversely are seen between the tooth and the bone. (Tomes.) a higher level than the edge of the alveolar process, the pericementum rises to a higher point than the true periosteum. The fibrous tissue of both pericementum and periosteum is continuous with'the subepithelial fibrous tissue of the gums. The epithelial tissue of the gums has about the neck of each tooth a rounded margin which leaves between gum and tooth a V-shaped depression. It has been asserted that there are infoldings of the epithelial covering of the gum at this point, forming glands which have a mucoid secretion, the glands of Serres. Black, who termed this epithelial arrangement the gingival organ,^ later deter- ' American System of Dentistry, vol. i. 138 DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS AND TEETH. mined that it was without the secretory function attributed to it.^ As in the skin, the gum is arranged in vascular papillae beneath the epi- thelium ; these are covered with cuboidal epithelium overlaid by a thick, resistant covering of squamous epithelium. The PericementurQ as a Ligament. — As a ligament joining the cementum to the walls of the alveolus, the pericementum has a definite arrangement of its fibrous elements. That portion of the pericementum extending beyond and upon a level with the periosteum reflected from the outer alveolar walls has, like the periosteum, bundles of fibrous con- nective tissue ascending toward the crown of the tooth (Fig. 79). This portion of the pericementum unites the pericementum of all of the adjoining teeth together with the alveolar periosteum in one continuous sheet of tissue (Fig. 80). At a higher point within the margins of the Fig. Cross-section of the central and lateral Incisors below (toward the crowns) the rim of the alveolar wall, or through the necks of the teeth, showing the tissues of the septum and of the gums ante- riorly : o, portion of central incisor ; 6, lateral incisor ; c, pulp-chamber of lateral incisor ; d, d, cementum of central incisor ; e, e, cementum of lateral ; /, fibres of the peridental mem- brane, extending from tooth to tooth continuously ; these are fixed in the cementum of each tooth, and form the tissue of the septum ; g, g, fibres of peridental membrane, which join with the coarse fibrous tissues of the gums ; h, h, epithelial covering of the gums, J, J. (Black.) alveolus the fibrous tissue of the pericementum passes horizontally be- tween the root of the tooth and its alveolar wall, the fibres of this portion being the largest and strongest of any part of the ligament. At deeper points the fibres pass from the alveolar walls to points of the cementum farther distant from the alveolar margin, and the tissue is arranged in looser bundles. Around the apical portion of the ^ Periosteum and Peridental Membrane. THE PERICEMENTUM. 139 root the fibres of the pericementum radiate from tlie cemeutum to the alveolar wall. There is no evidence in the mature pericementum of an anatomical division of the tissue into a dental and an alveolar peri- osteum, although from the mode of formation of the structures and the character of tissue formed by the alveolar cells and the cemental cells such a division might be deemed rational. The fibres named are of white fibrous connective tissue and their arrangement such that the tooth is swung in its socket. " The oblique fibres protect the tissues of the apical space against the stress of mas- tication and the horizontal fibres maintain the tooth in position." The fibres of the pericementum are attached to cementum and to the alveolar walls by large fibrous trunks, which split up into fasciculi of fibres in the body of the pericementum, the fine fibres interlacing with one another. Interspersed throughout the fibrous tissue of the pericementum are spindle-shaped connective-tissue cells — fibroblasts (cells from which fibres develop) ; they are numerous in the young, almost absent in the aged pericementum. The other cellular elements of the pericementum are cementoblasts, arranged in an irregular layer against the cementum, the fibrous bundles passing between them for attachment to the pericementum. On the alveolar side osteoblasts are found. Upon both sides multinucleated cells, osteoclasts and odonto- or cementoclasts, are found sparsely at irregular intervals. They are, no doubt, increased in number under some conditions, and at times almost entirely absent. Black describes .peculiar cellular bodies occupying the meshes of the pericementum near the cementum. These have the appearance in sec- tion of glandular tissue cut across. The cells appear epithelial in char- acter. The author quoted suggested that these cells and collections of cells belonged to a lymphatic system but now believes them to be epi- thelial. Considering the mode of formation of the roots of teeth, it is more than possible that they are the remnants of the atrophied epi- thelial root-sheath of Hertwig. The Vessels of the Pericementum. — The pericementum is a highly vascular tissue deriving its blood-supply from three sources : one direct, two indirect. The direct supply is from the vessels at the apical space ; the indirect, by anastomosis with vessels of the alveolar periosteum which pass over the alveolar rim, and by anastomotic connections with the Haversian system of the bony alveolar walls. The vessels which enter the apical space send branches into the teeth supplying the pulp ; other branches pass down the pericementum, surrounded by the fibrous tissue of the membrane, and anastomose freely with the alveolar and the periosteal arteries. The vessels lie nearer to the alveolar than to the cemental walls. The cemental portions of the pericementum are 140 DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS AND TEETH. freely channelled by a plexus of capillaries. The veins pursue the same course. The Nerves of the Pericementum. — The nerve-supply to the peri- cementum follows about the same course as that of the arteries. The nerves enter in bundles by way of the apical space ; some of them enter the pulp-chamber; others run along the course of the pericementum, dividing and subdividing in their course. Other fibres enter by way of the Haversian canals of the alveolar walls, which split up and at the border of the pericementum form, with fibres from the gum, a fine gin- gival plexus. Black has observed in some cases the existence of Pacinian corpuscles as nerve-terminals of the pericemental nerves, but believes that the common mode of termination of the fibres is in fine naked filaments. CHAPTER VIII. THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. By the surgical anatomy of any part is meant a description of the structure and those relationships of the part which have a bearing; direct or remote upon disease of such parts, and a study of those anatomical peculiarities which modify the nature, course, and treatment of such diseases. The snrgical anatomy of the teeth, therefore, embraces not only a study of the structure of the teeth themselves, but also a con- sideration of the environment of the teeth and of all parts with which the teeth have direct anatomical and physiological relationship. The teeth are to be surveyed from two points of view, mechanical and physiological. Their office being that of the mechanical sub- division of the food, they are to be viewed as instruments built for that purpose. Like other parts of the body, their physical peculiarities and anatomical relations are the immediate factors to be considered in a study of the diseases affecting them. This includes a consideration of all features which are connected with the vital processes and reactions of the body, and a study of their nutrition and innervation, of their relationship with the lymphatic system, and of their associations by both continuity and contiguity. Beginning at the periphery and proceeding toward the centre several tissues are first to be examined. Dental Tissues. For a short period after their eruption the crowns of the teeth are covered by the structure called Nasmyth's membrane, representing, doubtless, in large part the remnant of the enamel-forming organ. As soon as the teeth are erupted this membrane is deprived of all nutrition, and is therefore a dead tissue — foreign to the body. It is soon worn off the crowns of the teeth by attrition, except in the deep sulci of the bicuspids and molars, and it remains for some time upon the enamel along the gum-margin, where it may later serve as a breeding-ground for micro-organisms. The tissue subjacent, the enamel, is an entirely extra-nutritional tissue, its source of nutrition disappearing at the termination of enamel- formation. Enamel, once formed, cannot be influenced by any nutri- tional changes in its substance ; it is a dead tissue. It is to be viewed, 141 142 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. first, as a structure designed to do mechanical work ; secondly, as to its reactions to its physical and chemical surroundings. Enamel is the hardest and most rigid tissue of the body. " If two blocks of equal size, one of enamel and one of dentin, be subjected to stress, it is seen that the enamel block crushes at a much lower stress than that of dentin, the latter being elastic, the former inelastic ; this appears to be true no matter in what axis the enamel is pressed upon ; but if a layer of material such as a mat of soft gold be interposed between the enamel and the instrument pressing upon it, its resistance is much increased." ^ If sections of the crowns of teeth be made, it will be seen that there is a mechanical arrangement of the enamel ele- ments and substance fitted to counteract the innate brittleness of the substance itself. First, the enamel surfaces are highly polished, so that there is a minimum of friction between opposing teeth ; any increase of roughness or any jaggedness of enamel robs the teeth of this advantage. Secondly, it will be noticed that nearly all of the enamel surfaces which are brought into action during mastication receive mechanical support through an appropriate arrangement of enamel-masses. In the incisor Fig. 81. Architectural structure of au incisor. teeth, whose function is the cutting off of defined masses of food, they are primarily blades, which pass one another as the blades of shears, dividing substances which are placed between them. It will be readily seen that in this operation the upper incisors are subjected to greater stress than are the lower. The tendency is to break away the blade of the tooth (Fig. 81, hd) ; this is mechanically guarded against by the presence of two buttresses (6, 6) merging with the angles of the cutting- blade, increasing in thickness as they descend to join a half girdle at the neck of the tooth (g). The outer faces of the blade are braced by three stanchions of enamel {s, s, s), one in the middle and one at each lateral edge. In the cuspid (Fig. 82), which maybe regarded primarily as a pierc- ing instrument and secondarily as two cutting-blades set at an angle with one another, the cutting-blades are set with their edges at an obtuse ^ G. V. Black, Dental Cosmos, 1895. DENTAL TISSUES. 143 angle, which forms tlic piercing-point. The edges have each a lateral buttress (6, b), uniting with a cervical half girdle, and, in addition, a thick buttress (63) descends from the point, merging into the girdle. Upon the outer face there are three stanchions (.s', .s-, .s"), of which the middle one is most marked. In the bicus])id teeth, which, anatomically Fig. 82. Architectural structure of a cuspid. analyzed, are cuspids slightly modified and bound together, as indeed are also the molar teeth, in both molars and bicuspids then, appropriate architectural arrangement of the elements may also be observed. The upper bicuspids are seen to be two cuspids with their cusps or points upon opposite sides. It is seen that these two elements are bound together by two lateral girders or bands which join the lateral girders of the cuspid elements. A similar arrangement is found in the lower bicuspids (Fig. 83, g, g), although here the double cuspid character of the teeth is not so pronounced as in the upper. The upper molars (Fig. 84) are structurally composed of three cuspid elements bound together (g, g), although in the first and second molars a supplementary piece is found, which is weakly girdered to the second of the cuspid elements. It will be observed that this additional piece (c), whose junction with the tricuspid arrangement is marked by a sul- FiG. 83. Fig. 84. Fig. 85. Architectural elements of bicuspids and molars. cus, is an element of weakness. In the second molar the additional piece is smaller and not so well attached ; in the third molar it is usually absent. The lower molars (Fig. 85) are composed of four cuspid elements, the two outer and the two inner beinc: bound together bv an anterior and a posterior girder (g, g). Upon the first and third molars a disto- buccal supplementary piece (c) is girdered to the quadrangular mass. In all of the bicuspids and molars the cuspid character of each cusp 144 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. is well maintained in its individual buttresses. The buttresses of the lower incisors and cuspids are much less pronounced than in the upper incisors. The bicuspids and molars, the stress upon whose cuspid ele- ments is mainly lateral, have a buttress and girder arrangement to resist fracture through such a stress. It is evident that a tooth which has lost any portion of these sus- taining structures becomes mechanically weakened in proportion to the extent of the loss. If the lateral girders of a bicuspid or molar be lost through decay, or are cut through, the tendency to fracture of the parti- ally unbound cusps is much increased. If decay in an incisor involve the lateral girders of the tooth, the strength of the cutting-blade becomes correspondingly weakened. If sections of the several teeth be made and viewed under a low magnifying power, it will be seen that the elements of which enamel is composed have an arrangement admirably fitted to resist the stress to which any particular mass of enamel is subjected. If a mass of enamel be detached from a tooth, and attempts be made to cut it with steel instruments, it will be found that while the hardest steel fails to cut it, a chisel-edge may be made to break away portions of the tis- sue ; this occurs readily only when the tool-edge is applied in the direc- tion of the enamel-rods ; if applied at right angles to the enamel-rods, portions are broken away only with much difficulty, and, as a rule, the hardest of tool-steel fails to make any impression upon a perfectly polished enamel surface. Examining prepared sections of entire teeth, it will be seen that the enamel-rods are arranged with their longitud- inal axes in such positions that in the impact of mastication stress is received upon the ends of the rods in the lines of greatest resistance.^ Defects in the enamel, such as described under malformations of the teeth, have a direct and important surgical bearing. Fig. 86. Enamel appears to diifer widely as to its physical strength, and also in its degree of solubility in acids. As will be detailed under the head of caries of the enamel, fissures affi">rd opportunities for the lodgement of food-debris, the nidus of lactic fermentation ; and, again, the calcic cementing-substance lying between the calcified globules of the enamel-rods is more soluble in lactic acid than are the globules ; hence enamel in which cementing- substance is in excess is less resistant. The enamel is thickest and in greatest amount where it receives the greatest stress, shading off until at the neck of the tooth it terminates in a feather-edge, whose outline is that of the gum-margin of the particular tooth, about one- ^ See, later, Mechanical Arrangement, in this connection. SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE DENTIN. 145 sixteenth of an inch below which margin the enamel-edge is found, overlaid slightly by the thin edge of the cementum (Fig. 86). Surgical Anatomy of the Dentin. Dentin is the second hardest tissue of the body. The texture of this tissue changes, as does that of the other connective tissues, with age. In the young or immature dentin there is a greater ratio of organic matter than in the dentin of a middle-aged person. The increase of calcium salts, the inorganic constituents, has been shown by Black ^ not to be so great as was formerly believed. The average amount of cal- cium salts in teeth at the age of 11 years is found to be 62.26 per cent. ; at 53 years the percentage is 64.56. The average specific gravity at 11 years is 1.066, and at 63 years 2.109. While in the main the increase of specific gravity corresponds with the increase of calcium salts, it is not constant. Between the ages of twenty and forty years there appears to be a cessation in the increase of calcium salts. Dentin is an elastic substance : a cube of yf ^ inch side under a stress of 150 pounds is compressed 4 per cent, of its thickness, resum- ing its form after removal of the pressure. Under a pressure of 238 pounds the cube is crushed. Clear and translucent dentin has a high crushing stress ; in opaque specimens it is much lower. An increase in the percentage of calcium salts diminishes the elasticity of dentin ; but the amount of crushing stress appears to be governed more by the con- dition of the organic matrix than by the percentage of calcium salts or the density. When the nutrition of the dentin is interfered Avith by sec- ondary deposits, or destroyed through death of the dental pulp, the dentin appears to diminish in strength, as seen in the abraded teeth of elderly persons. The average percentage of organic matter in dentin is 25.36 ; this diminishes as the density increases. Black believes that the condition of the organic matrix of the teeth has more to do with the strength of the teeth than have the density and specific gravity. The proportion of organic matter, as pointed out by INIiller,^ is not an exact measure of the hardness of the dentin, for many interglobular spaces and wide tubules may account for a high percentage of organic matter, and yet the dentin of the tooth be very dense. The dentin presents at least three distinct factors for consideration in studying diseases which aifect it : first, the basis-material, the calcified matrix of the tissue ; secondly, the partially calcified tubes which surround the third factor, the vital protoplasmic filaments of the den- ^ Denial Cosvios, 1895. Tlie statements made relative to the physical properties of dentin are mainly from the same source. ^ Micro-organisniH of the Human Mouth. 10 146 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. tin which penetrate its substance and traverse it from the periphery of the pulp to the periphery of the dentin. The calcified basis-sub- stance of dentin is soluble, as is the enamel of the teeth, in dilute acids, such as lactic acid, produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates. When subjected to the action of dilute acids it is (;hanged from the material exhibiting the strength noted above into a mass of about the consistence of cartilage, or softer ; deprived of its calcium salts, it still retains its form. Diiferent specimens of dentin exhibit different solu- bilities. The differences in the percentages of calcium salts and in density do not appear to be sufficient to explain differences of solubility. " The calcium salts appear to be present in the teeth and bony tissues in a combination represented by {FO^f^Sii^CO^, or saturated calcium phosphate-carbonate, in a combination which corresponds with apatite, (PO ^^Csi^^l^, phosphate-fluorid of calcium."^ It is not known how this material is combined with the basis-sub- stance, the glue-giving substance of the dentin ; " whether it is a chemical precipitation, or whether there is a chemical union between the organic and inorganic constituents. In view of the mode of formation of calco- globulin, the basis of such tissues, it is probable that the latter con- dition exists. "We should expect to find dentin hard or soft according as this union is firm or unstable." ^ The general dentin-substance is to be viewed as an interstitial sub- stance, as formed material which in itself necessarily plays a passive part in the disease-processes of dentin. It has been held that the den- tin undergoes retrogressive changes, particularly a decrease in the amount of calcium salts in the tissue, not due to the action of extrinsic causes. As a typical example of this alleged metamorphosis are given the changes occurring during pregnancy, when the dentin of the teeth has been said to suffer a resorption of calcium salts ; when a more favorable physical condition obtains, a re-deposition of calcic matter is said to occur, restoring the original density of the teeth. Black's analyses indicate that no such resorption and deposition occur. The basis of this belief was in the undoubted fact that during gestation the teeth of the mother suffer markedly from dental caries. The researches of the same observer showed that there is a greater variation in the density and specific gravity of the individual teeth of a denture than is found in the general average density of many persons. In line Avith the same line of reasoning which formulated the hypothesis of resorption and re-deposition of calcic matter should be mentioned the belief of histologists of the Heitzmann school in the possibility of dentin returning to its embryonic form ; no sufficient evi- dence having been adduced in support of such a belief, it must be set ^ Hoppe-Seyler, quoted by Miller, Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth. "■' Ibid. SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE DENTIN. 147 aside, for in addition there are numerous evidences that no such change ever occurs. Sections of teeth wliieh luive been subjected to the prolonged action of dikite acids show that the dentin immediately surrounding the pro- toplasmic filaments from the odontoblasts is more resistant to the action of the acids than the formed material of the dentin. Noting this comparative insolubility, this portion of the dentin (Neumann's sheaths) has been accepted as a partially calcified tissue. Regarding the general substance of the dentin as a fuUv calcified tissue and Neu- mann's sheaths as partially calcified and probably transitional tissue, it becomes a reasonable deduction that any future change in the density of the dentin or any increase in calcic deposits cannot extend be- yond the periphery of Neumann's sheaths. This agrees entirely with the condition found in the teeth of the aged, where the dentinal fibrillse are smaller and the lateral processes of Neumann's sheaths have almost disappeared. New dentin forms then at the expense of the size of the dentinal fibrillse. INTERGLOBULAR SPACES. If many specimens of dentin be examined, it will be noted that in some of them, notably in that portion of dentin underlying the cemen- tum, and less marked in the sub-enamel portion, the general striation produced by the presence of the dentinal tubuli is interrupted and broken into by irregular spaces — the granular layer of Tomes. In some specimens irregularly shaped areas are found widely distributed throughout the dentin, and it will be observed that the dentinal tubuli frequently traverse such spaces, being continuous upon both sides and through them. These are designated interglobular spaces; during life they are filled with soft uncalcified material ; they represent areas of non-calcification, apparently an indication that the calcic salts of dentin are deposited in a previously formed soft matrix. DENTINAL FIBRILL.E. Occupying each dentinal tubule, and following its branches, those dichotomous branches beneath the enamel, are processes from the periph- eral cells, the odontoblasts of the pulp. Much speculation is still in- dulged in as to the precise nature of these processes. The most striking feature noted in connection with them is their variable sensitivity. When dentin denuded of enamel is brought in contact with acids, and frequently with sweet substances, a sensitivity is exhibited which varies in degree with individuals. The same result obtains when pressure is brought to bear upon such surfaces, or when ai)plications of heat or cold are made to them. As will be noted later, these cells connected with the pulp, an 148 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. organ which has no sense of location, do not localize sensation ; the discomfort, pain, or anguish which may be induced by the contact of irritating substances is vaguely located in that branch of the di- vision of the fifth nerve involved. This sensitivity has led to the inference that these protoplasmic processes are in reality nerve-fila- ments ; this one feature supports such a belief; numerous other data contradict it. The processes have been observed as arising directly from the bodies of odontoblasts, but as yet no nerve-fibrils have been detected terminating in the odontoblasts. To regard the odonto- blasts as special nerve-terminals would be certainly not irrational, but until nerve-fibrils are discovered ending in the odontoblasts the question is sub judioe. Retzuis observes ^ by the use of Golgi's stain that the nerve-fibrils of the pulp appear to penetrate between the odontoblasts and terminate between them and the dentin. The only certain datum is, that these fibrillse or processes have the power of receiving and transmitting sensa- tion equivalent to, if not identical with, that possessed by nervous tis- sues. It is certain also that they are portions of the dentin-building cells, and probably possess in some degree the same constructive function. The Pulp and Its Chambers. The pulps of the teeth are closely bounded at all parts by dentinal walls ; the chamber of lodgement represents, therefore, the precise size and form of the enclosed pulp. The pulp-chambers have forms which correspond quite closely, but not entirely, with the forms of the partic- ular teeth. If sections be made in three diameters of the teeth, these correspondences in form are readily seen, and divergences are observed which are of much surgical interest. Nothing but general rules can be given as to these variations from general types, as the variations may assume very diverse characters (see Figs. 103-113). The pulp is ana- tomically divided into two parts : that occupying the crown of the tooth is called the body of the pulp, and that occupying the roots the radicular portion or portions. The prolongations from the body of the pulp which correspond with the positions of the cusps are called the horns or cornua of the pulp. It will be observed in many specimens that the cornua of pulps, notably of the upper lateral incisors and upper first bicuspids, very frequently extend as sharp and unduly long projections. It will also be seen by a reference to Figs. 87-102 that the distance from the exterior walls of the teeth to the pulp-chambers is much less at the necks of the teeth than at other parts. This is particularly notable in connection with the upper molars ; the distance from the exterior to the pulp-chamber at the cervico-mesio-buccal angle is frequently very ' Catching's Compend, 1896. THE PULP AND ITS CHAMBERS. 149 slight. Another peculiarity of tolerable constancy is the nearness of the body of the pulp to the cervico-distal portion of the lower molars. Fig. 87. Fig. 88. Fig. 89. Fig. 90. Fig. 91. Fig. 92. Fig. 93. Fig. 94. Sections of upper teeth, showing shapes of pulp-chambers and their positions. Figs. 92 and 93, first figures, represent sections through the buccal roots of upper molars ; second figures are sections through the palatal root and portion of the anterior buccal roots. While, as a rule, the external configuration of a tooth is a fair guide to the shape of the pulp-chamber, variations are so common that proximity to the pulp in a carious cavity is more accurately determined by elicit- 150 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. ing subjective symptoms than by the objective evidence of the depth of the cavity. Figs. 103-113 exhibit formalin-gelatin casts of pulp-chambers/ showing the great irregularities of form which pulp-chambers may assume, and yet give no external evidence of such irregularities. Figs. 107-110 show the outline-forms of the crown portions or bodies of dental pulps. Fig. 95. Fig. 96. Fig. 97. Fig. Fig. 99, Fig. 100. Fig. 101. Fig. 102. Sections of lower teeth, showing shapes of pulp-chambers and their positions. Fig. 101 shows a section through the anterior root of a second molar ; an antero-postero-longitudinal section would resemble Fig. 100. The pulp-chamber decreases in size with age, so that in some cases it is almost obliterated to the end of the root. Secondary deposits (see Secondary Dentin) may fill portions of the cavity and reduce its size in almost any direction. As will be shown, these deposits may occupy the greater bulk of the pulp, and yet the pulp-chamber remain of normal size. 1 W. H. Richards, Dental Cosmos, 1896. THE PULP AND ITS CHAMBERS. 151 PULP AND CHAMBERS OF TEMPORARY TEETH. The same rule as to the general size and configuration of the pulp- chamber noted in connection with the permanent teeth holds good in Fig. 103. Fig. 104. the temporary teeth, with this diiFerence, however : it is frequently found that the relative size of the pulp-chambers is greater than in the 152 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. permanent teeth, so that exposure of the pulp results soon after caries has invaded the dentin. The radicular portions of the pulp-chambers Fig. 105. Fig. 106. of the temporary teeth when fully developed are frequently much attenuated. THE PULP AND ITS CHAMBERS. 153 The pulp of the tooth contains several factors of surgical interest : first, its vascular, next its neural supply. The pulp is not provided with Fig. 107. 1 A M k ^^P^': 3BR~» Fig. 108. lymphatics, so that effusions which occur in its substance must be taken up bv the veins or remain in the stroma of the pulp. The third ele- 154 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. ment of interest is found in the layer of odontoblasts, cells which possess a persistent formative and sensory function, and next the Fig. 109. Fig. 110. stroma of the pulp, its framework. The formative cells of the pulp, as will be noted later, are responsive to stimulation, and when stimu- THE PULP AND ITS CHAMBERS. 155 lilted exhibit an exaltation of function expressed in heightened sensi- tivity and formative activity. These cells, arranged in a layer of toler- FlG. 111. Fig. 112. able regularity, one cell deep, are by mutual pressure forced into an ar- rangement resembling that of cylindrical epithelium, but having a slight 156 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. space between adjoining cells. The odontoblasts appear to abut directly with the dentin, one or more protoplasmic processes passing from each cell into dentinal tubuli. With increasing age the odontoblasts appear to suffer atrophic changes (Fig. 76) (Rose). Beneath the odonto- blasts and penetrating the odontoblastic layer for some depth in the developing teeth is a loop-work arrangement of capillaries (Williams). Fig. 113. The arterial supply to the pulp enters the apex of the root through several branches, which subdivide and appear to lose their muscular coat at an early period of subdivision. The capillary distribution is, as stated, in a loop arrangement beneath the odontoblastic layer. The capillaries join veins of very large size, in which the middle coat ap- pears to be absent for a long distance. It is evident, then, that should pulp arteries and veins lacking this muscular coat be subjected to in- creased intra v^ascular tension, danger of injury to their walls is imminent, and occurs in hypersemic and inflammatory conditions. The nerves, entering by way of the apical foramen, are both medul- lated and non-medullated ; in the peripheral distribution all of the fibres are non-medullated. AVhether the non-medullated fibres are purely vaso- motor, and the medullated the sensory fibres, is not determined. A point of much surgical interest relates with the sensory function of the pulp nerves. As emphasized by Black,- the pulp is a truly internal organ, and, like many other internal organs, it has no sense of location ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. CEMENTUM AND PERICEMEyTUM. 157 — /. c, it is not the touch-t)rgan of the tooth, so that when subjected to irritation these nerves react as do tlie nerves of other typical internal organs — reflect the sensation to some port to one another (Fig. 128). The broader cutting-blade of the lateral incisor is accompanied by an increase in the size of the supporting root. The posterior cutting-blade of the lower cuspid is the longer, and it is upon this blade or upon its outer face that the greatest stress is received. Support against this stress is afforded, first, by the incisive arch, and, secondly, by the curvation of the deeply implanted root. Bicuspids. — The lower bicuspids are not truly bicuspid, the first being a cuspid with a partially formed second cusp. It has been de- 172 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. monstrated by Bonwill that there is a well-defined anatomical reason why this tooth should not be formed as the upper bicuspid — i. e., the inner cusp would be a constant interference Avith the cusps of the occluding teeth. It will be noted that the inward inclination which the buccal wall of this tooth has in common with the buccal walls of all the lower pos- terior teeth brings the axis of the cusp nearly in line with the axis of Fig. 128. Fig. 129. Fig. 130. the root (Fig. 129), hence the tendency to lateral displacement is neu- tralized ; the pressure received upon the lingual surface of the bicuspid is antagonized by the angle at which the axis of the tooth is set to the perpendicular. The eight anterior lower teeth form an arch against which the anterior segment of the tongue exercises pressure. In a nor- mal denture the tendency to outward displacement which would arise in consequence of this pressure is prevented by the upper dental arch mechanically holding the lower in position. When the teeth of the upper arch are lost, this muscular pressure is frequently sufficient to cause outward displacement of the lower incisors. This tendency is more pronounced when from any cause the attachment of the lower incisors is lessened. The crown of the second lower bicuspid, having the inner cusp as an edge rather than a true cuspid section, has its greatest stress received upon the buccal cusp. The crown of this tooth is bent inward, so that its buccal cusp lies in a line which passes through the axis of the root. The stress is in two main directions, inward and outward ; although, as in all of the posterior teeth, there is also the antero-pos- terior stress. In all of the lower teeth in normal occlusion there is a tendency to mechanical displacement in a forward direction, which be- comes usually marked when the loss of a tooth deprives the tooth pos- terior to it of its anterior support. Molars. — In the dental segment represented by the second bicuspid and the three molars Bonwill has pointed out that the buccal cusps are rounded and dull, while the lingual cusps are the sharp segments, an arrangement the reverse of that found in the corresponding upper THE JAWS AND DENTURE AS A MECHANICAL APPARATUS. 173 dental segment. The greater extent of pressure upon these teeth is received upon the buccal segments, and the tendency to displacement is therefore inward or lingually. The Jaws and Denture as a Mechanical Apparatus. Recognizing, as has been shown, that disarrangement of the mechani- cal disposition of any tooth is followed by an alteration of the local physiology, the principle needs elaboration from another aspect — that is, the teeth are to be viewed not only singly, but as integral parts of the entire dental system ; which is, first, the sum of the single teeth, together with the mechanism and physiology of the motor appa- ratus. These are to be studied : the jaws themselves and associated parts, and the details of their function. As emphasized by Harrison Allen,' the maxillary bones, particularly the superior maxillae, although in close relationship with the cranial bones enclosing the great nervous ganglia, yet belong to the visceral skeleton ; - they are but attachments to the neural skeleton. The teeth are arranged and are contained in recesses of two portions of this visceral skeleton, one, a fixed or immovable mass of bone, which has a definite distribution of its masses fitted to aiford great resistance and to dissipate force, to minimize the amount of shock transmitted to those portions of the neural skeleton, the basal cranial bones, which Fig. 131. Architectural scheme of the upper jaw : a, nasal column ; b, malar column ; e, infra-orbital arch : d. supra-orbital arch ; e, pterygoid column ; /, upper nasal half-arch ; g, lower nasal half-arch ; h, maxillary arch. enclose the brain-masses. The second, a movable mass, operating from centres which are in apposition with the brain-case proper, and in which another mechanical arrangement dissipates energy transmitted to the areas of contact between the visceral and neural skeleton. A. H. Thompson,-^ enlarging upon Allen, divides the disposition of ' "Studies of the Facial Region," Dental Cosmos, 1874. ^ See also Hertwig's Embryology. ^ Dental Cosmos, 1893. 174 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. the bone-masses of the superior maxilla (Fig. 131) into columns aiforcl- ing resistance to the force received. A nasal column, its axis passing through the cuspid tooth, and ascending to the inner margin of the orbit, crossing the nasal bone at an angle to meet a corresponding extension from its fellow of the opposite side. A second column rising perpendicularly from the margins meets the orbital rim at its outer side ; the rim of the orbit furnishes two arches, a supra- and an infra-orbital arch. A third column or girder passes in a curved line nearly at right angles with the other columns. "The latter column serves to brace the bone against the lateral stress of mastica- tion ; the other columns against that of direct occlusion." " The loss of the cuspids deprives the face of its normal fulness due to the canine column, a fulness not replaceable by mechanical means." Minor braces may be outlined, all defending the maxilla against injury from the forces received by it. The greatest force of impact received by the molar teeth is by the superior maxillary articulations, dissipated through arches and projec- tions of the neural skeleton, so that concussion of the cranial contents is reduced to its lowest limits. Examining the detached inferior maxilla, it will be seen that it is also provided with strengthening columns (Fig. 132), which protect it from injury by the stress received upon it. The mental co- lumn, as shown, is a line of great resist- F^^- ^^2. ance, but behind it the point of emergence coRONo.D FRoc. Q^ ^l^g mental vessels and nerves, the men- /'/ ^.fe'ir tal foramen, is a line of weakness, pro- ■\ i I'lf tected, however, by the usually increased ^pOQQ^^^=^Hl';''''''fi thickness of the cortical bone on this line. ^A:^^^r^---^^'fl, Despite this, however, a perpendicular line v ^ // -^^^ passing through the mental foramen repre- Architecturai scheme of the lower gents usually the line of least resistance. jaw : o, mental column ; b, coro- m, i ^ ^ r> xi x i J noid column; c, condyloid col- The lateral columns ot the external and umn; d, body arch or curve; e, internal obliquc lines are the columns of arch of the symphysis; /, molar ^ • i i i i i arch. great resistance against both lateral and direct stresses. The condyloid column is an efficient brace at the rear edge. It is found with some degree of fre- quency that these columns are traversed by lines of lessened resistance. A constant line of lessened resistance crosses the coronoid and condyloid columns transversely and at an angle on a line above the attachment of the internal pterygoid muscle. As tersely stated by Thompson, the superior maxilla with its teeth represents the static element of mastication ; the inferior maxilla with its teeth and its attachments, the dynamic element. THE JAWS AND DENTURE AS A MECHANICAL APPARATUS 175 The lower jaw is a lever of the third elass : the condyle is at the fulcrum ; the horizontal distance from the condyle to a line passing through the coronoid process and tlie angle of the bone, the short or power-arm ; from the condyle to the mental column is the length of the long or weight-arm. The power of the lever is represented by the action of the temporal, masseter, and of the pterygoid muscles, partic- ularly the internal, when right and left muscles act synchronously. The weight is the amount of pressure brought to bear upon substances be- tween the teeth. The weight upon the incisors, these teeth being at the extremity of the weight-arm, is less in amount than that upon teeth posterior to the incisors ; with a given force of muscular contraction, the greatest power is exercised at the third molars, in accordance with the mechanical law of W X L = Fx L' or Pxbc= Wx ca. (See Fig. 133.) Black ^ records the amount of force which can be exerted by the jaws. He found that the maximum force of those whose jaw-power Fig. 133. was tested, to be 175 pounds on incisors, and in the same individual 240 pounds on the molars. The minimum force recorded for adults was 30 pounds on incisors and 70 pounds on molars. While in many of the cases tested the ratio between the force exerted through the incisors approximated one-half that exerted tlirough the molars, which corre- sponds quite closely with the mechanical positions occupied by incisors and molars on the mandibular lever, many other cases showed a ratio of 1 to 3, and some 1 to IJ. These discrepancies occur with sufficient frequency to show that the condition of the pericementum of teeth has more to do with the force exerted upon them than has mechanical posi- tion. With an average distance from condyle centre to the cutting- edges of the incisors of four inches, and a distance from condyle centre to the axis of muscular action of about \\ inches, when a force of 100 ^ Dental Cosmos, June, 1895. 176 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. pounds is brought to bear upon the incisors the muscles are exerting a contractile force of 266f pounds. 4 X 100 = 1|- X a; = l-i- x = 400 x = 266f pounds. The amount of force necessary to crush food-stuflfe by direct action ranges from 30 pounds for tender meats to 90 pounds for tough, fried meat ; hard crusts resist a pressure of 250 pounds ; hard candy requires in the neighborhood of 100 pounds. The stress exerted upon temporary molars, about 70 pounds, is quite sufficient to crush ordinary meats. In affections of the pericementum of a hypersemic nature the sensitivity of the pericemental nerves is much increased, so that less pressure can be exerted than in health. According to the investigator whose work is quoted, many persons involuntarily fail to exert sufficient masticatory power owing to the debility of the pericementum of one or more teeth. The Dental Mechanism. The dental apparatus operating upon an arm of a lever and against a fixed base has, normally, a definite arrangement of its members, making one of the most admirable anatomical structures conceivable. Dentistry is indebted to W. G. A. Bonwill, of Philadelphia, for the working out of the details of the dental mechanism.^ The teeth are arranged in two arches, an upper and a lower, the upper being the larger and overlapping the lower at its labial and buccal as- pects. In the lingual cavity the lower arch projects beyond the upper. These arches are usually parabolic, although at times semi-elliptical, and in some cases the dental series, upper and lower, form three sides of a trapezoid having rounded angles. As a rule, the distance from the centre of one condyle to the mesio-occlusal angles of the lower central incisors is about four inches, which is also the distance from the centre of the right condyle to that of the left, lines of junction through these points forming an equilateral triangle.^ It follows, of course, that in a normal denture the equilateral triangle is also to be included in the lines joining the centres of the glenoid fossse and running to the junc- tion of the upper central incisors. The occlusal surfaces of the teeth are arranged in a definite manner. The first bicuspid tooth of the upper jaw is the anatomical basis from ^ This description of the dental mechanism is largely derived from the written works and personal communications of Bonwill. ^ In Bonwill' s written communication he attaches an occult significance to a series of measurements, based upon the equilateral triangle in the measurement of the sizes of the teeth and the determination of their positions. The facts cited are in the main correct, but are not, as Bonwill believes, a conclusive argument against the truth of organic evolution. His laws are as all anatomical laws subject to variation, although unusually constant. THE DENTAL MECHANISM. ni which deductions may be drawn : first, the d(K'per the cusps of this tooth ; for the character and depth of the cusps of all the teetii may be deter- mined by an examination of those of the first bicuspid, the more the upper teeth overlap the lower, the overlapping being most marked in the incisors, and least with the third molars ; secondly, the teeth of a denture have not their cusp-edges on a plane ; a plane surface laid upon teeth is in contact with the edges of the central incisors, usually witli the cusj^ids, bicuspids, and the anterior cusp of the first molars : the cusps of the second molar are at a distance from the plane, and those of the third molar at a greater distance — that is, the line of the molar cusps curves upward (Fig. 134). If the cusps of the teeth be very long, the Fig. 134. Front and side views of tl cuspids may sink beneath the surface of a plane resting upon bicuspids and incisors. The longer the cusps the more pronounced is the upward curve. A plane laid upon the lower teeth touches the occlusal edges of the incisors, cuspids, and only the distal cusps of the third molar ; the second bicuspid, first and second molars, are below the plane, the first molar farthest below. The depth of this depressed curve is, as in the upper teeth, governed by the length of the cusps. In cases where the cusps are abraded the occlusal surfaces are reduced almost but not entirely to a plane. Thirdly, it will be observed that the buccal cusps of the teeth, from the second bicuspid backward, are at higher points than the palatal cusps, so that if a curved and plastic plane be pressed so that its surface is in contact with the cusps of all of the teeth of one side it will assume the form shown in Fig. 135. The longer the cusps of the teeth — /. e., the greater the overbite, and in consequence the greater the upward curve of the arch — the more the surface of the plane will be bent. 12 178 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE TEETH Placing the two dental arches in normal relation with one an- other, it is seen that each tooth (Fig. 134) is in occlusal contact with two teeth of the opposite jaw, with the exception of the lower central incisors and the upper third molars, which teeth have but one antagonist. The interspace between any two teeth of either jaw passes nearly through the vertical axis of a tooth in the opposite jaw. The arrangement is such that should a tooth be lost, its occluding teeth still have each an antagonist, except in the case of the four teeth which have but a single antagonist. Teeth having but a single antagonist are lost through a process of gradual extrusion after the loss of their antagonist. In the act of incising food the jaws are first separated and the lower jaw advanced until the cutting-edges of the upper and lower incisors Fig. 135. The horizon of the line of occlusion and plane of occlusion. are opposite one another. While the jaws are in this position with the incisors in occlusal contact they do not bear alone the stress of what- ever muscular force is applied, but it will be seen that the distal cusps of the third molars, the highest points of the lower dental arch, advance and meet the distal cusps of the upper second molars, higher points of the dental arch, so that when the incisors are in edge-to-edge occlusion, although all of the other teeth are separated to an extent governed by the overbite, the dental arch is supported posteriorly by contact of the last molars, thus preventing undue stress upon the incisors. As the incisors glide past one another the lower jaw recedes, and an increasing molar area comes in contact. The teeth of man, being of the omnivorous type, adapted both for incising and grinding food, the lateral movement of the jaws is of extreme interest. While the posterior teeth of man, notably in those THE DEXTAL MECHANISM. 179 individuals luivino; lonir eusjvs to their teeth, have a distinctly carnivorous character, yet it is of secondary prominence as compared with the her- bivorous character of the molars. To do the actual work of the mechanical subdivision of food, of course the cusps and molar surfaces of the teeth must be in effective contact. After a mass of food has been excised by the incisors and pressed between the cus])ids it is passed to the posterior teeth, and the lower jaw is swung toward that side, when it is seen that from cuspid to molar the rounded buccal cusps of the lower teeth rise until they are in contact with the sharp buccal cusps of the upper teeth. Upon the opposite side the teeth are in contact at two or more points, sup- porting the arches against overstrain, but are not in functional use ; only one side of the jaw is in functional use at one time, the food-masses being shifted from side to side until mastication is completed. The mechanism for the proper subdivision of the food, the func- tion of mastication, being as described, it is evident that aberrations of tooth-arrangement, the loss of a single tooth or of a column of teeth, will be followed by a corresponding interference with mastication. Aside from the Eesthetics offended by the abnormal positions of teeth, there is a dis- tinct pathological interest involved in them, as shown in the chapters on Malpositions of the Teeth and Diseases of the Pericementum. CHAPTER IX. DENTITION: ITS PROGHESS, VARIATIONS, AND ATTENDANT DISORDERS. The process of teething, the eruption of the teeth, technically called the process of dentition, may be defined as the vital operations through which the partially formed teeth are elevated from their beds in the maxillae until the gum is pierced and the crowns assume their ana- tomical positions in the dental arch. It includes a consideration of the completion of root-formation and the coincident development of the alveolar walls. It is evident, therefore, that a study of the process of dentition is a continuation to the study of dental embry- ology ; being, in fact, the later stages of a developmental process which began in the sixth week of embryonic life in an involution of the epi- thelium upon the summits of the jaws, and has its physiological termina- tion in the apical constriction of pulp-tissue due to the formation of the anatomical apex of the root. Physiological dentition is divided into two groups : first, the eruption of the temporary or deciduous teeth — first dentition ; secondly, the eruption of the permanent teeth — second dentition. Causes of Eruption. Explanations as to why teeth erupt are unsatisfactory and many of them conflicting ; none which has been advanced is sufficient to explain all of the observed phenomena. Nearly all of the hypothetical explana- tions advanced may be included in two classes — the dynamic and the vital. Those who subscribe to the dynamic view hold that the process of dentition is due to the pressure of the forming root upon the tissues beneath it, causing reciprocal pressure on the overlying tissues ; resorp- tion of the latter tissues occurs and the tooth-crown emerges through the gum. The vital theory regards eruption as a physiological pro- cess which carries the developing teeth, practically uninfluenced by the pressure-element, into their positions in the dental arch. The prin- cipal objections stated to the dynamic theory^ are that stunted teeth erupt ; that is, teeth having roots so short that downward pressure is insufficient to explain their emergence in the dental arch are found in the dental arch ; and, also, that the distance travelled by the crown of ^ Tomes, Dental Anatomy, fourth ed. 180 PROCESS OF DENTITION. 181 a tooth in the process of eruption is greater than the length of the root. These objections arc, however, more apparent than real ; and comparing the observed phenomena with the dynamic theory, it is probable that the pressure of the developing root, and the tissues about it, are at least very important elements in the process ; and yet it must be borne in mind that the changes occurring in the entire mass of alveolar bone are as marked as is the alteration in the position of a tooth in its erup- tion. The alveolar changes do not cease until long after eruption. Process of Dentition. Dentition may be said to begin when the crown of the tooth approaches the covering of the bony crypt in which it is lodged and resorption of the edges begins. This occurs shortly after the time of beginning root-formation. The relations of the parts at this period are as follows : each tooth-follicle is lying in a crypt of bone, separated from the bony walls by thick layers of fibro-vascular tissue upon all sides. The bone of the floor of the crypts is the roof of the inferior dental canal in the lower jaw. In the upper jaw the floors of the crypts are not far beneath the level of the infra-orbital foramen, from which point they will be far distant in the mature jaw. The crypts are almost roofed by the bone overlying crowns, although a fissure exists in the roof of each crypt at its anterior portion. The teeth when in position will have their necks somewhat beyond the site of these fissures ; their roots, still unfijrmed, will extend from this point to nearly the base of the existing crypt, and instead of lying loosely in their roughly spher- ical crypts, the future roots will be embraced by deposits of bone sepa- rated from the roots by an attenuated portion of the follicular wall. It will be seen, therefore, that not only must a larger deposit, in point of Fig. 136. 22 mouths after birth 18 mouths after birth 12 months after birth 6 months after birth 40th week (birth) . 30th week embryo . 18th week embryo . 17th week embryo . Calcification of the deciduous teeth. (Peirce.) length, of dentin be formed than in the crown, but bone is to be formed beneath and about the sides of this root sufficient to hold firmly the, at present, loosely placed tooth. 182 DENTITION. Whatever the cause, as soon as root-formation begins the crown of the tooth commences its journey toward the gum-surface. It will be observed that the resorption of the bony impediment to the advance is upon the anterior edge (Fig. QQ). When sufficient of the bony impedi- ment has been removed, through the agency of osteoclasts, to permit the passage of the crown of the teeth, the gum-tissue is next resorbed, until the tip of the crown emerges and finally takes its anatomical position upon the summit of the jaw. The time at which this occurs differs with the classes of the teeth. As has been said, eruption is a phase of tooth-development beginning shortly after the completion of the crowns of the teeth, and it has been seen that the individual teeth differ as to the extent of their formation at a given time (Figs. 136). The teeth Fig. 137. Deciduous teeth. Left side. make their appearance in the dental arches when root-formation is more than half complete. Periods of Eruption. As a general rule, the eruption of the deciduous teeth may be said to begin about the seventh month after birth, and is completed some- where about the twenty-fifth month. This rule, however, varies within wide limits ; some children may be born with teeth erupted ; there are classical examples of this precocity — Ceesar and Richard III. ;^ again, the initiation of the process may not occur until the twelfth month or even later. The incisor teeth are usually erupted in pairs, the molars and cus- pids making their appearance in fours, the first molars in one group, the cuspids in another, and the second molars in a third group. The several groups require different lengths of time to complete their erup- ^ York. Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast that he could gnaw a crust at two hours old ; 'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth. Grandam, this would have been a biting jest. Richard III, Act II., Sc. iv. SYMPTOMS OF DENTITION. 183 tion, the time oceiipied in the eruption of the first molars being longer than that required for the eruption of the other groups. Between the appearance of additional groups of the teeth an interval elapses, no doubt a ])hysiological provision, for, as will be shown later, the process of dentition is usually accompanied by evidences of more or less local disturbance, frequently by disturbances throughout the intestinal tract, and even reflex disorders of the central nervous system occur. It is believed, therefore, that the period which elapses between the eruption of the dental groups permits the organism to recover from the effects of previous disturbance before the new source of irritation appears. Table} Group 1. Lower central incisors. Group 2. Upper central and lat- eral incisors. Group 3. Lower lateral incisors. Group 4. First molars. Group 5. Cuspidati. Group 6. Second molars. Time of eruption, 7 months. Time of eruption, 9 months. Time of eruption, 12 months. Time of eruption, 14 months. Time of eruption, 18 months. Time of eruption, 26 months. Duration of eruption, 1 to 10 days. Duration of eruption, 4 to 6 weeks. Interval, 2 to 3 mos. Interval, 2 months. Duration of eruption, Interval, 4 to 5 mos. 1 to 2 months. j Duration of eruption, ; Interval, 3 to 5 mos. 2 to 3 months. Duration of eruption, 3 to 5 months. In the accompanying table it will be noted that the time of erup- tion of the lower lateral incisors is later than that of the eruption of the upper lateral incisors. The reverse course is frequently observed ; in- deed, it has usually been accepted as the rule of precedence in the United States. All tables as to periods of eruption give but the ap- proximate times ; while variations are extremely common, the ages given in this table are those at about which the several teeth may be expected to make their appearance. Stellwagen (the American editor of Cokman), in commenting upon this table, states that the periods of eruption in this country are from one-seventh or more earlier than the dates given. He suggests that the difference in food-habit may account for the differences in time. Pari passu with the development and eruption of the teeth are devel- opmental changes in all of the glandular appendages of the alimentary canal in such wise that alterations in their structure, and no doubt in their physiological chemistry, are accompanied by dental provision for the mechanical subdivision of foods of post-infantile character. Symptoms of Dentition. The process of dentition, like that of parturition, although un- questionably a physiological one, is even under normal conditions ^ Coleman's Dental Surgery (Stellwagen). 184 DENTITION. attended by phenomena which would usually be called pathological. The general characteristic of all physiological processes is that they are carried on without that form of consciousness of the individual termed pain, a course rarely noted in either parturition or dentition. Within physiological bounds, therefore, we expect evidences of local disturb- ance as an essential part of the process of dentition. These are of a character which would be expected from a survey of the existing conditions. The erupting teeth are exercising pressure upon the tissues which overlie them and a process of resorption of these tissues is in progress. The parts about the tip of the erupting teeth are in a state of irritation. Normally the reaction to this irritation should not ex- ceed a mild active hypersemia, and probably there is a causal rela- tionship between the hypersemia and the presence of the cells, caus- ing resorption of tissue. The vascular reaction is evident in the usual deepening of color over the site of the advancing tooth, and when the tip of the latter is almost visible, being overlaid by the epi- thelium alone, the gum beyond the tip is hypersemic. The temperature of the part is elevated. As in all hypersemic conditions, in its early stages relief is afforded from the irritation by pressure. It is common to find the infant instinctively seeking relief by pressing the fingers against the gum, and its mental irritation is appeased by having the finger of the attendant rubbed upon the gum over the advancing tooth. In the same manner biting npon hard substances, such as teething-rings, aifords relief. Still more marked is the soothing effect of biting upon cold substances, such as ice which, in addition to mechanically less- ening the local blood-supply, causes contraction of the dilated vessels. The parts about the erupting tooth give every evidence of being in a hypersensitive condition, not alone as a direct consequence of the hypersemia, but also from direct pressure upon nerve-filaments. The evidences of nervous disturbance are both direct and indirect : the direct being those of local hypersesthesia ; the indirect are those in- dicating reflex disturbances, the most constant of which is usually a hypersecretion of saliva, the local disturbance reflexly stimulating the salivary glands to increased functional activity. Disturbances of the alimentary canal, while common, belong to pathological rather than to physiological dentition, as do also disturbances of the central nervous system. Prognosis and Treatment. Unless the process of dentition be accompanied by symptoms of greater severity than those above described, it will go through its course unaided, and calls for no interference. With the eruption of the molars and cuspids the irritation will be exaggerated, as these PATHOLOGICAL DEXTITIOX. 185 teeth are usually erupted in series of fours, and present through their forms meehanical obstructions to eruption. While normally progress- ing dentition calls for no interference, it does emphatically demand that precautions be taken to prevent an abnormal (!Ourse. The in- fant must be properly fed and nourished. If it do not appear to thrive upon the food it is receiving, the food should be changed, and if necessary again changed until it is found to subserve its purpose — sufficient nourishment. The question and problem of infant-feeding are fully discussed in works upon diseases of children,^ and concern the general rather than the dental practitioner. It is of the utmost importance that the alimentary canal should be kept in a physiological and aseptic condition. Even in cases where den- tition appears to be pursuing a regular course the period is marked by various evidences of irritation and disordered function of the alimentary tract. Although there is not in all cases an evident causal association of teething with these disturbances, it is noted clinically that the symp- toms disappear if treatment directed to oral causes be pursued. As- suming, as is warranted by evidence, that the oral condition attendant upon dentition will permit the growth in the mouth of micro-organisms which do not flourish there normally, and that their passage into the stomach and to the intestines is followed by various fermentations — decompositions — the products of which act as local and in some cases general irritants, intoxicants, or poisons, it is evident that the removal of the morbid conditions of the mouth, preventing by this and other means the development of organisms in the mouth, will materially lessen the abdominal symptoms. It is found clinically that antiseptic treat- ment of the oral cavity is followed by a lessening of the evidences of intestinal fermentation, which, of course, receive appropriate treat- ment also. These subjects, however, belong to pathological dentition ; but presenting as minor symptoms during the course of apparently normal dentition, they demand and must receive attention. A normal course of dentition may frequently be assured by proper precautions, which, if not taken, will be followed by a train of disorders, painful and uncomfortable, if not dangerous. Pathological Dentition. When the common symptoms noted become exaggerated the progress of the dentition may be deemed pathological. SYMPTOMS. The symptoms attendant upon pathological dentition cover a wide range, beginning as evidences of pronounced local hypersemia, with all ' Starr, Infant-feeding ; J. Lewis Smith, Diseases of Children. 186 DENTITION. of its attendant symptoms and consequences ; the other extreme is attended by profound disturbance of the central nervous system, con- vulsions, coma, and death. That a fatal issue should follow or be consequent upon pathological dentition has been seriously questioned by most authors of works upon diseases of children, but cases have been observed wherein no other sufficient source of irritation was discover- able, and, furthermore, there are many cases on record where appro- priate treatment directed to the dental organs has been followed by the disappearance of serious disturbances of the central nervous system. According to the symptoms observable, which may furnish the only indication of the pathological conditions present, morbid dentition may be classed under two heads : first, cases in which all disease- conditions appear to be local ; secondly, those in which other and dis- tant organs give evidence of disorder. These may again be subdivided according to the severity of the local and general symptoms. Local Symptoms. — Instead of the normal localized hypersemia of the gum, with its hypersensitivity and reflex increase of secretion,, evidences of active inflammation may be observed : the gum assumes a dusky hue ; if the apex of the tooth be about to penetrate the gum, the epithelium may be swollen and the area of vascular injection be larger. The tissues are swollen, the temperature is elevated, and the child gives evidence of painful local disturbance, notably by fret- ful crying, and by seizing the breast or bottle-nipple and quickly releasing it as soon as bitten upon, indicating pain upon pressure. The sleep is broken, and if the symptoms continue the child soon suflers from insufficient nourishment. The readiness with which the child will take cold substances, ice or ice water, is notable and self- explainable. Pressure and rubbing of the gum at a point distant from the focus of irritation affi^rd relief. These symptoms usually subside with the appearance of the tooth through the gum, although in case of erupting cuspids local disturbances frequently persist until the entire crown is erupted. In the more marked cases of local disturbance evidences of bacterial infection of the mucous membrane of the mouth make their appearance^ such as ulcerative stomatitis ; while, as a rule, the breaking down and ulceration of the tissue are confined to the parts overlying the erupting teeth, a general stomatitis or widely scattered patches of ulceration may make their appearance. The localized condition has been called odontitis infantum. General Symptoms. — Intestinal Disturbances. — It is with cases of this type and with those of greater severity that disorders of the alimen- tary canal are commonly associated. These may express themselves in diarrhoea, with discharges of a " chopped spinach " character, in a serous PATHOLOGICAL DENTITION. 187 diarrhoea, but in some cases obstinate constipation may be noted. It is the rule, even in the milder of these cases, to tind the stomach reject food immediately or soon after feeding. In the diarrhceal cases excoria- tion of the anus is frequently found, indicating the irritating nature of the alvine discharges. In addition, the child suffers from the pains of colic — /. €., spasmodic contraction of the intestinal muscles and the gen- eration of gases. All of these symptoms clearly point to abnormal fermentative changes occurring in the contents of the intestinal canal, and as clearly indicate the therapeutic measures likely to be useful. Skin Disorders. — It is so common as to be almost termed the rule to find at the time of these intestinal symptoms that there are eruptions observable on the skin. The mildest form of these is a herpetic erup- tion about the mouth ; in other cases papular and vesicular eruptions are observed upon the skin of the body and limbs. PuL]\[ONARY Symptoms. — The close association of the fifth and tenth cranial nerves is frequently cited in dentistry, notably in connec- tion with shock from operations ; another expression of it may be noted in the laryngeal cough which sometimes attends the eruption of groups of teeth, and which disappears upon their eruption. Nervous Disorders. — Disorders referable to the central nervous system are the most alarming, and are those indicating the higher grades of severity of irritation. The milder forms of these disturb- ances are faint muscular twitchings. The child wakes out of sound slumber with an irritable cry, and is soothed with the utmost difficulty ; it dozes, only to be awakened again. In these cases there are usually other morbid symptoms, such as the disturbances of the alimentary canal described above and the evidences of oral affection. These sym])toms may occur without any such evident connection with the teething-process that a probable causative association with dentition is not made out. In fact, in the absence of evident local irritation the association of teething with the general disturbances is frequently denied, but in refutation of such a position it is noted that treatment based upon morbid dentition as the cause of the nervous disturbance is commonly followed by a disappearance of the latter. There is much doubt as to the precise nature of the dental irritation in such cases, as there is no morbid condition of the parts overlying the erupting teeth which would serve to explain the irritation. It is assumed with good reason, there- fore, that the irritation is of the pulp itself; that the tissue of the pulp is being subjected to pressure through the processes of tooth-building and tissue-resorption not proceeding harmoniously. The source of irri- tation has been by some authors ascribed to an inflammation of the follicle. Certainly such an inflammation might occur in the tissues immediately surrounding the tooth ; but in that event we should expect 188 DENTITION. to find associated disorder of the overlying tissues, which is frequently not the case. A distressing symptom not easy to elicit on account of the age of the patient is headache. The child is sleepless, and cries without apparent cause ; it becomes quiet, partially from exhaustion, and after a period again commences sobbing. The indication of central disturb- ance may at times be noted in the contracted pupils of the eye and in throbbing arteries. The usual treatment, the administration of chloral hydrate and potassium bromid, with cold applications to the head, furnishes relief, which is frequently not complete without atten- tion to the dental organs. In the more severe and dangerous cases the evidences of disorder of the central nervous system become unmistakable. These appear as clonic convulsions or symptomatic eclampsia. While it is probable in many cases that reflex irritation from the process of dentition in itself is but a secondary cause of convulsions, yet evidence is sufficient to warrant its being regarded as a determining factor. In very many cases teething-convulsions appear to indicate a neurotic family taint, and eclampsia may attend many disorders in children of this type, notably the mechanical and chemical irritation induced by the presence of large masses of indigestible food in the intestines. So-called teething-convulsions occur usually at a time when several — an abnormal number — teeth are in process of simultaneous eruption. The onset of the convulsions is rarely, although apparently often, sudden. If the child be closely observed, it is noted that a period of cerebral disturbance^fretful crying, evidences of headache, sleepless- ness, etc. — is followed by a period of dulness and somnolence, or the child may lie with eyes half-open. Twitching of one or more groups of muscles may be observed ; the orbicularis oris and other muscles of the lips, and the muscles of the eye, notably the superior and internal recti, may contract spasmodically. A common muscular spasm usher- ing in convulsions is that of the adductor muscles of the thumbs ; the thumbs are drawn toward the palms of the hands. The adductor mus- cles of the feet contracting, the feet are drawn inward. This period may be ushered in by a sharp cry, the eyes roll upward with the lids half-open, and consciousness is lost. The symptoms may disappear, the child awakening dazed and fretful ; or it may sink into sleep. Unless the source of irritation be removed, or active therapeutic measures be in- stituted, the eclampsia may return and in severe cases be the precursor of death. TREATMENT OF PATHOLOGICAL DENTITION. There is no means for assuring a normal and smooth progress of dentition comparable in value Avith hygienic precautions. If intelli- PATHOLOGICAL DEyTITIOS. 189 gent care be taken of the clothing and diet of the child, together with measures to insure normal digestion, and due regard be paid to ventila- tion, in the vast majority of cases the })eriod of dentition will be passed through with l)ut trivial oral disturbance. In all cases of pathological dentition, tlicretbre, a careful superintendence of these matters must form an essential feature of the treatment of the case. Treatment of Local Disorders. — Since conditions of hypersemia invite the development of micro-organisms, it is evident that steriliza- tion of the mouth must play an important part in the treatment of the irritation incident to teething. The importance of this measure is fur- ther emphasized by the researches of Miller/ who found that numer- ous forms of organisms associated with intestinal fermentations are pres- ent in the mouth, and develop when conditions favorable to their groM'th apj)ear ; passing into the alimentary canal, those not destroyed by the acid gastric juice pass into the intestines and give rise to fermentations of the intestinal contents. The feeding-nipple, which should be of the simplest type, should be well washed in hot water after each use, then washed in a dilute anti- septic solution, and be kept submerged in it until needed. Each feed- ing-bottle should be sterilized in boiling water after using. The practice of the nurse rubbing irritated gums with the finger should be discoun- tenanced, as should also the use of teething-rings which are permitted to lie about and take up infective material. If hard-rubber, ivory, or metallic rings be used, they should be carefully sterilized by boiling. To reduce local hyperemia of the gum above an erupting tooth a common domestic measure is valuable, viz., a small block of ice is placed in a clean napkm, and confined in place by a knot ; the infant places it in its mouth at pleasure if old enough, or the nurse permits the child to bite upon it. The mechanical effect of biting upon a hard substance has added to it a degree of cold which lessens the local vascular engorgement. It should be noted that during the period of dentition children who are vaccinated against smallpox have the suifering incidental to teething much increased. More marked degrees of vascular engorgement, hence irritation and suffering, usually demand the relief by local bloodletting and lessening mechanical resistance following the operation of gum-lancing (see later). Should general stomatitis, with or Avithout stomatitis ulcerosa, make its appearance, the mouth is to be promptly and freely sprayed with a 3 per cent, solution of pyrozone, followed by a spray of potassic chlor- ate, gr. xx-sj, which usually affords prompt relief. Should the spots of ulceration not disappear promptly, the mouth and tissues about the ^ Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth. 190 DENTITION. ulcer are to be guarded by soft linen napkins ; each ulcer is dried and touched with carbolic acid, full strength. The spraying is to be re- peated at intervals of three hours during the waking period. This method of treatment is productive of decidedly better results than fol- low the use of the common formula of honey and borax. When evidences of active inflammation exist in the gum overlying an erupting tooth the indication is free gum-lancing with a blade of such razor-like sharpness that no pressure is exercised in the operation. Conjoined with this measure, to which is added spraying with pyrozone, steps should be immediately taken to empty the intestinal canal of its contents, as not infrequently constipation is an attendant condition. The constipation incident to some cases of stomatitis or gum inflamma- tion (gingivitis) may be induced or aggravated by the administration of soothing-syrups, which usually contain opium in some form. The same result is produced by the domestic use of soothing-syrups and paregoric (tr. opii camphorata) to relieve diarrhoea ; by lessening the sensitivity of the bowel and decreasing its peristaltic movements irritat- ing substances are retained in the bowel, a menace to the child's health. It is not intimated that opium in minute doses (and a one-drop dose of tr. opii deodorata is a very large one for an infant of eight or ten months) is not a valuable drug under some conditions, but its use should follow that of laxatives and intestinal antiseptics, not precede them. Treatment of Skin Eruptions. — The eruptions which appear upon the skin during dentition may be a source of annoyance to the child by causing itching. As a rule, measures directed toward a regulation of the intestinal functions cause a disappearance of the skin aflections. If the eruption be widespread and cause much itching, a wash of phenol sodique, diluted to one-third with water, usually aflbrds relief. If the surfaces be then dried and talc powder dusted over them, the condition is much alleviated. About the mouth and over excoriated surfaces an ointment of zinc oxid is useful. Treatment of Intestinal Symptoms, — These, in the vast majority of cases, call for two measures — evacuation and the use of antiseptics, the character of both evacuant and antiseptic to be determined by the nature of the case. It has been held that diarrhoea during dentition is due to a heightened irritability of the bowel, a reflex irritation, and seda- tives have been administered to lessen such hypersensitivity. That such a heightened sensitivity may be present and that abnormal progress of dentition may produce an irritable condition throughout the intestinal tract, are quite probable, but experience has shown, and modern patho- logical theories indicate forcibly, that the bowel-condition is caused by the action of irritating products of fermentation upon the walls of the intestine. As emphasizing the importance of pi'ompt and eiFective PATHOLOGICAL DENTITION. 191 thempeusis in this connection, it mnst be remcmbcretl that not only are the normal intestinal functions interfered with as a consequence of these fermentations, but a train of disturbances follows. First, normal dio;estion, both gastric and intestinal, is incomplete ; instead of forming nutrient solutions, the food undergoes abnormal fermentations, the products of which act as local poisons disordering the function of the bowel. Although absorption is lessened, it does not cease, and poisonous substances are taken into the portal circulation. There is no doubt that many of these poisons are chemically destroyed in the liver, but some of them may find their way into the general circulation and cause symptoms of toxsemia. In any event, the formation and absorption of assimilable pabulum are greatly lessened, and debility — /. e., lessened vital resistance — is induced. The products of abnormal fermentations act as local irritants, causing irritation of localized or ^v^idcspread areas of the intestine. Concentrated at some one portion of the length of the canal, they may cause spasmodic contraction of its muscular wall, the painful condition of colic. Other fermentations, or the same perhaps acting over large surfaces, induce irritative diarrhoea. So long as these conditions are permitted to exist all bodily functions suifer, and if denti- tion be in progress its course is interfered with. The probable causative connection between mouth and intestinal fermentations has been dis- cussed. Recognizing the cause of the condition in the presence of irritating substances in the intestine, the rational indication is to free the bowel from them. There is perhaps no laxative comparable with castor oil for this purpose. Children take castor oil better than adults. After the action of the oil, additional fermentation is checked by the use of antiferments — antiseptics. Preparations of thymol, eucalyptus, ben- zoic and boric acids, such as listerine, are extremely useful in this con- nection ; ten drops in water may be administered every three hours. Both powders and solutions given to children may be sweetened by the addition of a minute quantity of saccharin, which has the additional advantage of being an intestinal antiseptic. The subsequent adminis- tration of magnesium hydrate is useful ; it has the advantage of allaying irritation by coating the mucous membrane ; and if acids be present, they combine with the magnesium, forming faintly laxative salts. To lessen great irritability and procure quiet a few drops of paregoric may be added to the magnesium fluid. Compound chalk powder — mist, pulv. cretae co. — is also used for this purpose. Treatment of Nervous Conditions. — Should the premonitory symptoms of disturbance of the nervous system make their appear- ance, attention should at once be directed to a search for the cause. If constipation exists, the bowels should be freely opened ; magnesium 1 92 DENTITION. citrate in efFervescing solution is well taken. Clothing is loosened, cold applied to the head, and an examination of the gums made. If a tooth, or, as is more frequently the case, several teeth are in process of eruption at one time, their crowns partially or completely imprisoned by overlying gum, lancing should be done at once. More severe symp- toms call for more active treatment, the general therapeutic principle involved being the lessening of the cerebral blood-supply. This is most quickly accomplished by 23lacing the child almost Avaist-deep in water as hot as can be borne and pouring cool water over the head, when, as a rule, the symptoms promptly subside. After immersion, a rectal injection of glycerin (one drachm) will usually cause a free stool. To insure a period of cerebral quiet it is advisable in the more severe cases to administer a cerebral sedative, a bromid preferably, which, if combined with chloral hydrate, which children bear well, will induce sleep : ]^. Chloral, hydrat., gr. ij ; Sodii brom., gr. v ; Starch paste, lij. — M. (Atkinson.) S. To be administered per rectum. After sleep, if appearances indicating dental irritation be observed, gum-lancing is practised. It has been repeatedly noted that where evidence of marked cerebro- spinal irritation is present, for which no probable source can be assigned and an examination of the gums shows no apparent local disturbance, yet if it be at a period when one or more teeth are in process of eruption, but are still covered or bound down by gum-tissue, if gum-lancing be practised, relief is immediate and may even avert a threatened attack of eclampsia. It is presumed that these are cases of pulp-irritation in which a failure to sufficiently remove tissue in advance of the tooth-crown has caused pressure upon the pulp from below. Gum-lancing. — The operation of gum-lancing consists in making incisions through the gum-tissue overlying developing teeth in such manner as to remove mechanical obstruction to their advancement. The direction and character of the incisions are governed by the form of the advancing tooth (Fig. 138). The gum over the incisors and cuspids is divided on a line parallel with the cutting-edges of the teeth ; the cut over the upper incisors should be a little outside of the teeth-edges; that over the lower incisors slightly inside, so as to induce normal positions, the upper teeth outside of the lower. When the point of the cuspid has penetrated the gum-tissue the PATHOLOGICAL DENTITION. 193 crown is still confiueJ, owing to the conical form of the tooth, so that to effectually free it radial cuts may be necessary [C, Fig. 138). The gum over the molars, with the exception of the upper first, is divided in X-form, the cuts extending from cusp to cusp. The upper Fig. 138. Lines of incision in lancing: A, A, over the molars ; B, B, over the cuspids and incisors before eruption : C, C, over the molars and cuspids after partial eruption. first molar having but faintly marked cusps, and only an outer and inner cutting-edge to the tooth, is best freed by a crucial incision. The instrument to be used for dividing the gum is a pointed bis- toury of extreme sharpness ; its edge is to be wrapped in linen or cord until only a half inch from the point is exposed. This precaution is taken to avoid accidental wounding of the mouth. The child is to be placed and held in such position that the light shall fall upon the jaw to be operated upon, and so that no movements shall be permitted. It is advisable — almost necessary — to have an assistant hold the child in the proper position so that it cannot move head, body, or limbs. A position favorable for operating is to have the child lie upon its back between the knees of an assistant, the left hand of the assistant holding the hands of the infant, the right hand being used to steady the head. In another position the child sits upon one thigh of the assistant, the back of the head resting upon the chest, and the hand of that side (usually the right) pressed upon the child's forehead to hold the head firmly. The other hand and forearm hold the child's arms and hands firmly. The operator encloses the gum about the part to be cut with the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, so that the bistoury cannot slip and cut lip, cheek, or tongue, Incision over the erupting tooth should be made until the knife-blade is felt to touch the enamel- surface. The operation of scarifying the gums, making merely a few scratches to relieve engorged vessels, is but temporizing with the condi- tion ; the cut should be of sufficient extent to entirely remove tension from above the tooth. The little finger of the right hand may rest upon the chin of the child as an additional guard. 13 194 DENTITION. In case the crown of an erupting molar is confined by a block of tense gum attached upon two or more sides, the entire block is to be removed ; the block is drawn tense by means of traction with a tenacu- lum piercing the flap, and three sides freed by means of the bistoury point ; the final cut may be made with scissors of extreme sharpness. While it is true that in many cases children struggle under this operation, and give evidence that it is a painful procedure, gum-lancing is frequently followed by immediate tranquillity upon the part of the child ; fretfulness disappears and nursing is resumed immediately after the operation, which occupies but a few seconds of time. More or less bleeding follows upon the operation, which, as a rule, ceases spontaneously. A short period of bleeding is desirable, so that vascular engorgement may be reduced. Suckling by the infant usually serves to check the bleeding ; the tissues about the cut surfaces are com- pressed by tongue and lips during suckling, and bleeding ceases. In the event of the bleeding continuing the mouth should be carefully ex- amined, and a piece of ice in a napkin may be given the child to suck. Obstinate bleeding may require the use of styptics, but these should be of a character to cause only coagulation of the blood, not the destruction of tissue. A little powdered tannin laid upon the cut acts promptly, as does also a small amount of powdered alum. CONSTITUTIONAL STATES MODIFYING DENTITION. Children who are the victims of hereditary syphilis usually cut their teeth very early, the alveolar process being in many cases insufficient. Cases are recorded where children have been born with crowns of teeth visible upon the gum, there being no evidence of root-formation, the crowns being loosely held to the gum by fibrous tissue. It is necessary to remove these loose crowns to permit the infant to suckle. Children aifected with rachitis have the process of eruption much delayed. It is seen, therefore, that the presence of loose crowns of teeth is a condition pointing to, though by no means diagnostic of, hereditary syphilis. Also, that long-delayed eruption of teeth should prompt a search for further indications of rachitis. Particularly in children in whom a history of hereditary syphilis is obtainable the process of dentition may be accom- panied by rapid and frequently widespread breaking down of the soft tissues over and about erupting teeth. Local measures of treatment seem to be of but little avail, except that antiseptic treatment un- doubtedly prevents complications from extraneous infection. In children classified indefinitely as strumous, which may mean the children of syphilitic or tuberculous parents, or those with no such history whose surroundings are of the most unhygienic kind, the process of dentition may not only have an untoward course, but phagedenic SECOND DENTITION. 195 ulcerations may occur. It is usually in the degree of a child's debility, either inherited or acquired through improper care, that dentition assumes morbid features. The treatment of such cases must be di- rected to raising the health standard. As local therapeusis, no meas- ures seem more effective than the sprays of hydrogen dioxid first ; next, potassium chlorate, and, if conditions indicate it, sprays of dilute listerine, which is stimulant, antiseptic, and slightly astringent. Infantile Scurvy. — Cases are recorded^ in which the improper feeding of children has been followed by evidences of scorbutus. The gums become tumid, and hemorrhagic extravasations occur in their sub- stance ; the periosteum is stripped from the margins of the alveolar walls, the soft tissues hanging in discolored pendulous masses about and beyond the teeth if any be erupted. Local treatment proving ineffective, the scorbutic nature of at least one of these cases was made clear by the disappearance of the oral disorder when the patient "vvas placed upon an antiscorbutic diet. Second Dentition. The period of second dentition begins without disturbance of the temporary denture, by the eruption of the first permanent molars, pos- terior to the second temporary molars. At the period when this occurs, from five to seven years, all of the permanent teeth are in process of formation, even the third permanent molars, although none other of the permanent teeth except the first molars will normally appear in the dental arch for a year, or in some cases two years. The order in which the permanent teeth make their appearance varies, but the following table shows the approximate dates at which they may be expected to appear in the dental arch : First Molars, 51- - 7; vears. Central Incisors, 7 ■ - s" Lateral Incisors, 8 . - 9 First Bicuspids, 10 -11 Second Bicuspids, 11 -12 Cuspids, 12 -14 Second Molars, 12 -15 Third Molars, 16 -20 and indefinitely beyond. With the exception of the permanent molars, all of the teeth have deciduous predecessors, the bicuspids being the successors of the temporary molars. At the time of eruption of the first permanent molars calcification ^ E. C. Kii-k, Pruc. Odontological Society, New York, Dental Cosmos, 1895. 196 DENTITION. has been for some time complete in the roots and alveolar process about the roots of the temporary teeth, and the roots of the deciduous in- ^ . cisors are already beginning to be absorbed, ijari passu with the de- velopment of the corresponding- permanent teeth. The permanent teeth are all at different periods of formation, diifering in extent ac- cording to groups of fours : (1) cen- tral incisors, (2) lateral incisors, (3) first and (4) second bicuspids, (5) cuspids, (6) second molars, (7) third molars — group (1) being the first molars (Fig. 139). The figure exhibits the stage of tooth-forma- tion — i. e., the extent of calcifi- cation at successive periods. As calcification proceeds in the per- manent teeth having deciduous pre- decessors the latter suffer, first, loss of apical alveolar walls, and next gradual loss of root-substance, in exact correspondence with the growth of the permanent teeth. The lines in the illustration (Fig. 140) show the extent of root-loss of each tooth at successive periods. To comprehend the nature of the processes involved it is essential to obtain an accurate view of the anatomical conditions existing prior to and during the loss of the de- ciduous teeth and the appearance of those of the permanent denture. The teeth, both temporary and the partially formed crowns of the per- manent teeth, lie in that portion of the bone called the alveolar ; that is, the portion of the lower jaw above the inferior dental canal, and in the upper jaw below the infra-orbital foramen. The cuspid crowns in both jaws are more deeply seated than are any of the other teeth, and in the lower jaw are deeper than the mental foramen. Before SECOND DENTITION. 197 resorption of the roots of the deciduous teeth begins the temporary teeth occupy a segment of alveolar bone of nearly as great a radius as that required for the permanent teeth, but the depth of which, from infra-orbital or mental foramen to the alveolar margins, is decidedly less than that of the adult jaw. In the base of this segment, separated from the bodies of the bones by bony lamina and from the pericemen- FiG. 140. Decalcification of the deciduous teeth. The numbers indicate years. (Peirce.) tum of the temporary teeth by a layer of bone, lie the developing permanent teeth, with the exception of the molars, which lie in the posterior portion of the alveolar bone, which at the period under con- sideration (about five years) is of slight extent compared with its adult size, both as regards depth and length. Its length, from the distal wall of the temporary second molar to the base of the coronoid process, is but little more than sufficient to easily accommodate the crown of the permanent first molar ; its depth between gum-surface and the roof of the inferior dental canal is but little more than sufficient to accommo- date the height of the crown. The buccal cusps of the crowns of the developing bicuspids lie in the triangular pyramidal depressions between the roots of the temporary molars, separated from the roots, as are all of the other crowns from the roots of their deciduous predecessors, by laminae of bone and perice- mentum. The crowns of cuspids and incisors lie inward lingually of the roots of the deciduous teeth. ERUPTION OF PERMANENT FIRST MOLAR. This tooth, vulgarly called, from the time of its eruption, the sixth- year molar, has a process of eruption similar to that of the deciduous teeth. Being the largest tooth of the dental series, the passage of its large crown requires the resorption of an extensive amount of gum and alveolar tissue ; this process is usually accomplished in the course of a few months. It diifers in no respect from the physiological erup- tion of the temporary tooth. It is to be recalled that in the develop- ment of the jaws two divisions of the bone are recognized, the alveolar 198 DENTITION. portion and body portion ; normally their development proceeds together and harmoniously. With the growth of the alveolar process which forms about the roots of the permanent first molars the distances from the alveolar border to the levels of infra-orbital and mental foramina increase — i. e., the alveolar bone is growing in height throughout its length. This growth normally causes a separation of the anterior teeth, which is to be regarded as the precursor to resorption of the roots of these teeth. EESOEPTION. In advance of the crown of the tooth in process of eruption a num- ber of large multinucleated cells make their appearance, whose office it is to ejffect the removal of tissue interfering with eruption. The origin of these cells is not known ; by some they are believed to be transformed osteoblasts, by others, leucocytes. The latter is the more probable expla- nation ; that is, these cells are phagocytes, named from their partic- ular function osteoclasts, or bone-destroyers ; those attacking and re- moving the roots of teeth are called odontoclasts. In the light of present physiological theories it is believed that these cells have a secretion cap- FiG. 141. al^le of digesting bony tissue and dentin ; that is, they remove molecularly the tissues interfering with eruption. It is possible that they secrete a ferment or solvent which effects the solution of bone and dentin, the solution being removed by the lymphatic system. As the result of the presence and life of these cells, first, disappearance of the bony lamina between the crowns of the permanent and the roots of the deciduous teeth occurs ; next, the roots of the latter are attacked when the permanent crown impinges upon the deciduous root. It is possible that this element of pressure, of ad- vance of the permanent crown, may be the cause of the presence of these multinu- cleated cells (see Chapter I., Reproduction of Cells). These cells lie between crown and root, and as the latter is removed the former advances. It will be observed from the re- lationship of parts that resorption does not begin at the very apex of the root. Those portions of the alveolar process which immediately surround the roots of the temporary teeth also undergo resorption, a new process being built about the roots of the permanent teeth (Fig. 141). Showing the relations of an erup- ting permanent tooth to its decid- uous predecessor : A, A, A, odonto- clasts. SECOND DENTITION. 199 The process of eruption of the permanent second nioUirs is the same as that of the first mohirs. The development of the jaws increasing the distance between the distal wall of the first molar and the base of the coronoid process, proceeds until there is space enough between the second molar and the coronoid process to admit the crown of the third molar, which erupts late, by a process similar to that of the other permanent molars. Not until this eruption is complete do the maxillffi acquire their full adult forms. DISORDERS OF THE SECOND DENTITION. Provided that nothing occurs during the period of second dentition to interfere with the normal resorption of the roots of the temporary teeth, the process of dentition as regards the twenty-eight anterior teeth proceeds in an orderly manner. Given such interference, abnormalities of the second dentition make their appearance ; many of these will be discussed in the succeeding chapter, under the head of malpositions. It will be recalled that the teeth are an evolution of the dermoid sys- tem, which fact possesses pathological significance in certain acute and specific skin diseases. It is noted in some cases of the eruptive fevers of children, particularly when the child is much debilitated, that after the cessation of the acute disease a necrotic affection of the jaw occurs, involving^ the alveolar bone and its contents. As manv of these cases occur between the ages of three and seven years, the temporary teeth are still In situ ; these with the partially developed permanent teeth and the enclosing bone may be exfoliated. The necrotic process may involve but one tooth, or may include all of the temporary teeth, their successors and a larw mass of bone.^ The disease with Avhich this necrosis is most frequently associated is scarlet fever f it is also found as a sequel of measles and smallpox. It will be observed that all of these diseases are forms of specific dermatitis, and the teeth as part of the dermoid system are affected (see Chapter XL). " The cases prior to exfoliation of the bone exhibit a stripping of the periosteum, apjjarently beginning about the necks of the teeth. A discharge of pus having a fetid odor is present, and the soft tissues may be raised from the bone for a vari- able extent ; " that is, there is evidence of purulent periostitis. In the course of some weeks, six or eight, the necrotic bone and its contents exfoliate. Salter observes that the sequestra forming after severe scar- let fever are much more extensive than those which form as a sequel of measles. Treatment. — In the absence of any guide as to the amount of bone which has died, the operator is compelled, as in all cases of necrosis, to adopt palliative measures, the most important one being the free and ^ Salter, Dental Pathology. * Ihid. 200 DENTITION. frequent use of antiseptic washes and sprays — hydrogen dioxid. The prescription of Garretson for such cases should be applied to hasten exfoliation and to stimulate still vital parts — /. e., enough tincture of capsicum and myrrh (tr. capsici et myrrhse) is to be added to a glass of water to cloud the water ; this is then to be used freely as a stimu- lant and astringent mouth-wash. As soon as the sequestrum is loose it should be removed ; the parts heal by granulation, provided due attention be paid to the general physical welfare of the child. Non-resorption of Temporary Roots. — The failure of resorption of the roots of temporary teeth will necessarily interfere with the erup- tion of the permanent teeth. Perhaps the most common cause of failure of root-resorption of the temporary teeth is to be found in septic con- ditions of their roots. Whether the pulp of a tooth performs any active office in the process of root-resorption is not known ; the evidence that it does is but imperfect and indirect, so that for the reasons of failure of resorption search must be made outside of the pulp-chamber. The pulp of a temporary tooth dead as the re- sult of invasion of caries undergoes decomposition ; infection of the pericementum occurs, and septic pericementitis results. An abnormal condition is established, and resorption does not occur ; the conditions are not favorable for the presence and activity of odontoclasts ; should they be present, their vital activities are poisoned by the j)roducts of the micro-organisms present — instead of functionating they die. An irregular resorption does, however, occur over some portions of the roots. If the purulent condition be removed and the parts be made asep- tic, resorption occurs but is delayed. It is evident that the underlying permanent tooth is imprisoned until, by a loss of overlying structures, it is free to move into position. Many of these dead teeth and dead roots are removed by a process similar to that which occurs in the cast- ing off of the useless roots of the permanent teeth ; a general resorp- tion of the provisional alveolar bone occurs, and the root is cast out ; its separation from the soft tissues may again be accomplished by the pro- cess of suppuration. Treatment. — If a pulpless deciduous tooth be present in the dental arch when the corresponding permanent tooth of the opposite side of the jaw is in process of eruption, the pulpless tooth should be extracted. Prior to this time the deciduous tooth should be retained, provided, by appropriate antiseptic treatment, its pericementum can be brought to and be maintained in a healthy condition. The space between adjoining teeth occupied by the temporary teeth affords room for the accommodation of the permanent successors. Too early extrac- tion is followed by insufficient space. This is particularly notable fol- lowing premature loss of the deciduous second molars. SECOND DENTITION. 201 Eruption of Molars. — It is rare that abnormalties are associated with the progress of the eruption of the first or second permanent molars. It may be noted in very rare cases that there is a failure of harmony in the development of alveolar and body bone ; that insuf- ficient space exists posteriorly for the accommodation of the second molars. They suffer more or less impaction, particularly in the lower jaw ; as a rule, subsequent development of the body of the bone affords the needed space. It is with the eruption of the third molars that aberrations are most frequently noted. Pathological Eruption of the Third Molars. — At the time of eruption of the permanent second molars, the third molars in both jaws occupy recesses in the alveolar bone and are in but a partial state of development. In the upper jaw these recesses occupy the tuberosity of bone bounded anteriorly by the distal Av^alls of the second molars, and posteriorly by the tips of the pterygoid processes of the sphenoid bone. This rounded prominence grows larger as the development of the teeth proceeds. It is unusual that much lack of space exists for the accommo- dation of the tooth. Should the development of the tuberosity not keep pace with that of the tooth, and eruption proceed, the direction of erup- tion is outward toward the cheek ; the relations of the pterygoid pro- cess and of the palate bone with the tuber- ^ , . Fig. 142. osity make a path of greatly increased resist- ance at the palato-alveolar angle ; backward eruption is prevented by the pterygoid processes ; direct eruption, by the second molar and pterygoid process, so that the path of least resistance is outward toward the cheek. It is occasionally noted that this tooth erupts with its occlusal face Abnormal eruption of the upper pointed directly toward the cheek, a posi- tion at right angles to that it occupies normally (Fig. 142). In rare instances the upper third molar is caught between the second molar and the pterygoid process ; in such cases eruption is prevented or delayed (.see Chapter X.). In cases of difficult eruption conditions may arise which tend to increase the morbid processes and to alter their character. There is, first, an irritative hyperemia of the soft tissues surrounding the erupt- ing tooth. As this is the region of the mouth least affected by dental cleansing agents used by the patient, and in which the irrigating office of the saliva is very incomplete, fermentation-processes are common ; their products added to a part in active hyperemia can but aggravate the condition. Pyogenic cocci, usual inhabitants of the mouth, may infect the tissues, finding with numerous other organisms a habitat 202 DENTITION. between the tooth and the swollen gum-margin ; thus it is that pus- formation may accompany the delayed eruption. If the swollen parts be incised, and antiseptic sprays be directed into all of the recesses, a disappearance of symptoms is noted. It is in connection with the lower third molar more frequently than with any of the permanent teeth that pathological eruption is most com- mon. In civilized races the room for the accommodation of the crown of the lower third molar, between the distal wall of the second molar and the base of the inner root of the condyloid process, is frequently but scant ; the tendency of maxillary development is to render restricted space the rule rather than an exceptional occurrence. The crown of the tooth does not make its appearance until developmental changes have secured sufficient space for it. This may delay its eruption for months or years, and in some cases prevent eruption altogether. In others the development of the tooth may proceed after all develop- mental changes in the jaw have ceased, and the teeth are entirely encap- suled (see Chapter X., Impacted Teeth). The delay in eruption in the more severe cases is due to improper configuration of the bony sur- roundings ; the delay in milder cases may be due to imprisonment by soft tissues ; in other cases pathological conditions are caused not so much by imprisonment as by irritation of the soft tissues. It is almost the rule that eruption of the lower third molars is attended by some degree of discomfort. Usually for some months before the cusps of the crown make their appearance through the gum. there is an ill-defined uneasiness about the jaws and some stiiFness of the muscles of mastication. These symptoms disappear and recur at irregular intervals until the crown is entirely through the gum. Inter- ference is rarely called for; the usual antiseptic mouth-washes employed by the patient guard against infection of the irritated parts. In cases where the gum presents a swollen and irritated appearance relief follows the application to the affected gum of iodin tincture. Should the mesial half of the crown be free and the posterior half covered by a curtain of gum, it is advisable that the pocket between the tooth and gum be eradicated, as it forms a recess in which the active causes of dental caries thrive, and in which fermentations arise, forming irritating products. In the more severe cases these may induce active inflamma- tion of the soft tissues to an alarming extent. In all of these cases where bands or curtains of gum-tissue are the cause retarding erup- tion the indication is to freely divide the tissue longitudinally. The precaution should be taken to spray the parts freely with an antiseptic before and after making the incision. The cutting may be rendered painless by slipping under the gum-flap for a few moments a pledget of cotton containing a 6 per cent, solution of cocain hydrochlorid, the SECOXD DENTITION. 203 same solution being painted over the flap. The incision is made with a pointed bistoury, its point being directed toward the crown. It is when some portion of the posterior segment of the crown is held back by bony tissue that the more severe symptoms appear, usually in the degree of bony imprisonment. The general character of the pains in these cases is heavy and rheumatic, indefinitely located about the angle of the jaw and the ear. Combined with pain is usually marked stiffness of the masseter muscle ; in the more severe cases the spasmodic contraction of the muscle may simulate trismus of that side. These symptoms may appear irrespective of any marked evidences of inflammatory reaction of the tissues around the imprisoned crown. The pains are of the type called periosteal — dull, gnawing, heavy. The pockets between gum and tooth-crown offer passageways for infection of deeper tissues, so that it is not surprising, particularly in unclean mouths, that inflanmiation and suppuration of the tissues about the part may occur. The inflammatory process may extend to the neigh- boring soft tissues ; there is usually increased rigidity of the masseter muscle, so that it is wdth the utmost difficulty that the mouth can be opened even wnth mechanical assistance. It is not unusual, therefore, as a result of inability to reach the parts for local therapeutics, for suppuration to extend far beyond the original focus of irritation. Relief is not attainable until free vent for the pus is given, the dis- charge being often through the cheek. Treatment. — Nowhere more than here does the dictum of surgery — remove the source of irritation, apply. The source of irritation common to all of the cases being the tooth for which there is insuf- ficient room, the general indication is its extraction. This operation is, however, frequently attended with difficulties which render it in some cases highly impracticable. In the least severe cases of bony imprisonment, if untoward symptoms can be held in abeyance for some months, the obstruction to the tooth's advance may be removed and eruption be completed. The principal object during the period of delay is to prevent infection of the parts, so that antiseptic mouth-washes play an important part in the treatment. Local irritation may he largely allayed by the free application of tincture of iodin diluted with alcohol. If the rheumatic pains about the jaw and neck and the stiffness of the masseter muscle be of moderate degree, relief is afforded by free massage of the parts. If the pains assume a neuralgic character, much relief may be secured through the use of sedative ointments, such as those of aconitia and veratria. I^. Aconitia, gr. j ; Cerat. simp., 3j. — M. (Flagg.) 204 DENTITION. In making this ointment it is to be manipulated so that it is certain the drug is evenly distributed throughout the cerate. A minute portion of the ointment is rubbed over the masseter mus- cle in front of the ear and about the angle of the jaw by means of the finger. Flagg commends the efficacy of an ointment of veratria when that of aconitia fails to procure relief: ^. Veratria, gr. xx ; Cerat. simp., 3J. — M. (Flagg.) S. Used in the same manner. It should be noted that both of these ointments are actively poison- ous, and should be kept from absorbent surfaces. Should severe symptoms arise, extraction is imperatively demanded, and had best be done before increasing stiffness of the muscles inter- feres with the proper opening of the mouth. In some cases there is no doubt of the practicability of extracting the third molar ; when the crown is freely exposed and not decidedly imprisoned by the coro- noid process, forceps may grasp it firmly and by an inward and upward rotary movement the tooth is extracted. In cases of more decided im- paction, the resistance offered outwardly by the external root of the coronoid process, backward by the internal root of the same, and for- ward by the second molar, may render extraction impossible without the previous removal of some portion of the bone. It is evident that in such a case attempts at forcible extraction would be inevitably fol- lowed by fracture of bone or of the tooth, the latter occurring more frequently than the former. It is advisable — indeed, almost neces- sary — in such cases that the second molar be the tooth extracted. This applies also to the cases of more decided imprisonment with active inflammation. Where stiffness of the masseter muscle fixes the jaws so that they cannot be separated sufficiently to secure a grasp upon either the third or even the second molar, mechanical violence may be necessary to sepa- rate them. A jaw-separator is placed in position, the patient etherized, and the separator operated until sufficient space is gained to secure a grasp upon the tooth ; failing the third molar, grasping the second molar. The muscle is sometimes of board-like hardness, and resists the force of the separator. Indeed, such resistance may be offered that separa- tion can only be effected by fracture of the muscle or of the bone. In these cases an antiseptic spray — hydrogen dioxid — is directed against and about the third molar for a period of ten minutes or longer ; as soon as sterilization is assured a curved bistoury is used to divide the SECOND DENTITION. 205 swollen gum-tissue about the tooth, and cold compresses arc placed over the angle of the jaw. The antiseptic spray is subsequently applied at intervals of about two hours. If local massage be practised in addition, the swelling and muscular hardness usually disappear in a few days, when the jaws may be separated sufficiently to allow extraction of the molar (see Impaction of Teeth, Chapter X.). CHAPTER X. MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. In the majority of persons the entire denture consists of thirty- two teeth arranged in two parabolic curves, one upper and one lower, each semi-denture having sixteen teeth. jSTormally both the upper and the lower teeth are bilaterally symmetrical, the eight teeth of either half of the upper or lower denture corresponding exactly in size, form, and position with the corresponding eight teeth of the opposite side. Each tooth of each upper and lower eight, while differing in size and details of form from all of its fellows, yet bears a definite relationship to each of the others as regards size. Abnormalities of the teeth are found associated with position, size, form, and structure. Aberrations in form, structure, and size are in- cluded under the head of malformations of the teeth ; aberrations of position are discussed under the head of malpositions of the teeth. The particular section of dentistry relating to malpositions of the teeth is by general consent made a special department of operative dentistry, that of orthodontia ; but many of the phases of the subject are of great pathological interest, although the therapeutic measures usually de- manded are mechanical in character and clearly belong to the fields of operative and prosthetic dentistry. Malformations of the Teeth. Malformations of the teeth may be either macroscopic or micro- scopic ; they may be evident to the unaided eye, or may require for their detection special preparation for observation under the microscope. MICROSCOPIC malformations. Microscopic or histological defects of the teeth may affect any of the dental tissues, enamel, dentin, cementum, pulp, or pericementum. Enamel. — Defects in enamel-structure range from any degree of orderliness in the even distribution of globular bodies and cementing- substance in the tissue to gross aberrations in formation. The finer variations of structure are not easily recognizable. Theoretically perfect enamel should show in longitudinal section a series of squares of uniform size built into rods, the spaces between the squares and rods being marked by lines of cementing-substance having 206 MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 207 a refractive index slightly different from that of the squares. While .such a structure is perhaps never found, it is difficult to draw a line where aberrations from such a standard become pathological. An arbi- trary standard might be assumed as follows : regard any enamel as pathological where areas of it differ from its general substance to such an extent as to have a decidedly different refractive index. A typical form of abnormality is noted in what are known as white spots of the enamel, areas in which an opaque surface exists instead of the normally translucent enamel. In Fig. 143 is represented a magnification of 500 diameters of a section made of a portion of a white spot where it adjoins normal Fig. 143. / Margin of sectiuii through " white spot.' (Williams.) enamel. The area of white spot when viewed by transmitted light shows dark in the section. The enamel of the white spot is more or less granular in structure, and its globules are not fused together in rods as in normal enamel. Williams suggests as an explanation of this con- dition that there is a deficiency of the cementing-substance. 208 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Fig. 144. Antero-posterior section of human lower molar, showing defects of structure in the vicinity of sulci. X 12. (Williams.) Fi». 145. Section of human molar, showing dentinal fibrillge penetrating enamel. X 600. (AVilliams.) MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 209 Euamel-forraation about the sulci of teeth is frequently faulty ; owing to an imperfect union of the enamel-segments forming the cusps of the teeth minute fissures exist in the enamel ; these are most marked in the fissures of molars, as shown in Fig. 144. The enamel bounding these fissures has an irregular structure. The dentinal fibrillse may penetrate the substance of the enamel (Fig. 145), occupying defined channels in its substance; this is a developmental accident. AVilliams points out that the organic filaments from the dentin become atrophied with the progress of enamel-formation and canals remain. The probable explanation of this condition is that a process of an odontoblast prior to enamel-deposition finds its way through the soft pre-enamel-deposit, and enamel-deposit encloses it, calcification occurs, and a permanent defect results. This condition, as also many other variations of structure found in the dental tissues of man, are shown by Williams to have their normal prototypes in the Fig. 146. Section of human bicuspid, showing mass of very imperfectly calcified enamel projected into the dentin, with coarse fissures leading to the surface. X "5. (Williams.) dental tissues of lower animals ; for example, the penetration of den- tinal fibrillfe into enamel is a normal condition in the teeth of the kan- garoo. The presence of organic tissue in the enamel of man is, how- ever, always to be regarded as pathological. Such conditions are not to be confounded with fissures of enamel where large lines of faulty calcification or non-calcification extend through the thickness of enamel (Fig. 146). 14 210 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Enamel, even normal enamel, is not of uniform composition ; were it so, it would exhibit, in addition to an orderly arrangement of its his- tological elements, a uniformity in color. So common are differences in this direction that the presence of pigment-bands must be regarded as normal. It is the rule to find enamel traversed by deeply pigmented parallel bands (Fig. 147) which pass obliquely upward from the surface Fig. 147. Section of human incisor, showing "bands of Retzius " and marked stratification of enamel. X 125. (Williams.) of the dentin to the surface of the enamel. These are termed the bands of Retzius (see Chapter VII.) ; they appear to mark the size of the enamel-cap at successive periods of its growth. Stratification and striatiou of the enamel, as shown by Williams, must be regarded as normal physiological records of the mode of enamel- formation. All of these histological defects represent variations of deposition, of formation, no doubt due to fluctuations of the nutritive processes of the child at the time of tooth-formation. Histological records made in the enamel are not like those made in other tissues, for there is no nutritive provision through wdiich such defects can be remedied at subsequent periods. Profound nutritive disturbances, such as those attending hereditary syphilis in children, affect the structures of the teeth. One of the gross MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 211 results of this disease is a common malformation of the general form of the incisors. The hard tissues of such teeth exhibit microscopic evi- dences of faulty histology ; they are dull and opaque and traversed by irregular bands. Viewed in section the enamel of such teeth is seen to be almost structureless (Fig. 148). Williams found that the contents Fig. 148. Fig. 149. Section of enamel from syphilitic tooth, with appearances resembling the lacunae of cementum. X600. (Williams.) of the large irregular spaces in this enamel did not respond to stains — i. e., did not contain organic matter. There is evidence that other forms of specific dermatitis — scarlet fever and measles — which occur at an early age may affect the forma- tion of enamel. The defects attrib- uted to the exanthemata are irregular pits upon the crowns of, particularly, the incisors (Fig. 149). With a history of a case, including the age of the child at the period of the disease, if exam- ination be made of the positions of the defects, the age will serve as an in- dication as to whether there has been any connection between the eruptive fever and the dental malformation. For example, if enamel -pits upon incisors have been caused by an eruptive fever between the ages of four and five, they should occupy about the half-way area of the crown-face ; it is evident that the enamel being already formed about the cutting-edge Teeth of eruptive fevers. 212 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Fig. 150. of the tooth, alterations of nutrition could not affect the already formed tissue. In cases where a causal association of enamel-defects with the eruptive fever is made out with reasonable clearness it is usual to find all of the crowns of the teeth which are in process of formation affected in a similar manner. The defects and pittings are so pronounced in some of these cases as to give a general honeycombed appearance to the crowns ; such teeth are known in dental parlance as " honeycombed teeth." Cases are observed where there has been a formative crisis to the ex- tent of having no enamel whatever formed over the occlusal section of the crown, its deposit on the remainder of the crown being quite normal (Fig. 150). D. B. Freeman ^ records the case of an individual, aged twenty-six years, whose teeth anterior to the second molar were entirely devoid of enamel. The condition was hered- itary, it appeared in both brothers and sisters, and could be traced back for three generations. Dentin. — Data regarding the finer phases of defective histological structure of the dentin are meagre. It has been observed that the dentinal tubuli of some teeth are much larger than in others of the same age, and, no doubt, future investigations with an improved technique directed toward a study of the exact mode of den tin-formation will exhibit defects more certainly. The chief histological defects noted in dentin are areas of faulty or non- calcification, called interglobular spaces (see Chapter VII.). These are most common in the dentin immedi- ately underlying its covering tissue, so common in the dentin under the ce- mentum that this portion of dentin has been called the stratum granulo- sum, the granular layer of Tomes (Fig. 151). In the body of the dentin these spaces have a more irregular distri- bution. In wet ground-sections (Rose) the dentinal filaments are seen to pursue an unbroken course through these areas. The contents of the interglobular spaces react to stains like the sheaths of Neumann; that is, they probably contain transitional tissue. These areas probably represent, as do defective spots of enamel, periods of depressed vitality or of altered nutrition. In the light of present knowledge regarding the subject they are to be viewed as areas in which the calcific process was faulty. The malformations noted in ^ See Guilford, American Stjdem of JJevtistry^ vol. iii. Fig. 151. Dentinal tubuli terminating in the spaces of the granular layer. (Tomes.) MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 213 connection with the enamel of syphilitic teeth have their analogues iu the dentin (Fig. 152). Histological congenital malformations of the pulp have not been Fig. 152. Section showing interglobular spaces iu dentin of a syphilitic human tooth. (Williams.) Fig. 153. \ ^ v-. %\ ■^\\\ Section of a bicuspid with its alveolus, showing a pit-like absorption upon the side of the root in which the redeposit of the cementum has begun : o, dentin ; b, cementum ; c, peri- dental membrane ; d, bone forming the wall of the alveolus ; e, absorbed area of cementum. It will be noticed that a new deposit of cementum has begun the filling of the area, and that the soft tissue in the area of absorption is of a cellular type. The bone also shows the eftects of absorption in the cutting away of portions of the rings of the Haversian systems at /, while at g the presence of osteoclasts shows that absorption is in progress at that point. (Black.) recorded, the normal histology of the organ not being made out with sufficient certainty to determine what appearances are to be regarded 214 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. as abnormal. Grosser aberrations, such as those shown in Fig. 103, are made out. Cementum. — As stated in Chapter VII., the pericementum con- tains numbers of multinucleated cells — odontoclasts ; and their presence is not to be regarded as abnormal. The cementum of the roots of teeth may exhibit evidences of former action of these cells in excavations of cementum which by a subsequent deposition of cementum have become filled. This gives an irregular course to the cement-laminse (Fig. 153). These appearances are to be regarded as not necessarily pathological, for the following reason : for some time (years) subsequent to the erup- tion of the teeth developmental changes occur in the alveolar bones, depositions (subperiosteal) increasing their volume, are accompanied by resorption of other portions of the bone, such a balance being kept between the processes that the teeth, although shifting their positions, are kept in normal occlusion. MACROSCOPIC MALFORMATIONS. The teeth may vary from normal either as regards size or external configuration. Variations as to Size. — It is patent to the most casual observer that the teeth vary as to size. Comparisons in this direction are made by an examination of the upper central incisors. Fig. 154 shows nearly the extremes of observable sizes ; Guilford ^ points out that excessively large central incisor-crowns are usually supported by abnormally small conical roots. Marked giantism of the central incisors usually occurs in pairs, the other teeth being of normal size. On the other hand, den- tal giantism of less degree may involve all of the teeth of a denture. The molar teeth are occasionally of enormous size, the bicuspids rarely so, and the cuspids next in frequency to the molars as to the occurrence Fig. 154. Fig. 155. of giantism. Guilford observes that giantism of the cuspid-crowns, unlike that of the central incisors, is usually accompanied by a corre- sponding size of root. He mentions the case of a cuspid measuring an inch and a half in length from tip to tip. ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. iii. MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 215 Dwarf TEETH.-^D(!ficiency in size is of more common occurrence than excessive size. It appears to occur more frequently with the upper third molars and upper lateral incisors than with any other teeth. The accompanying figure (155) shows the extremes in size between two per- fectly formed lower third molars. The stunting of these and of other teeth is, however, usually associated with such an aberration of outward form that most dwarf teeth must be considered as abnormal in form as well as in size. Abnormalities of Form. — It is in the outward forms of teeth that the greatest aberrations are met with. These range from a slight exag- geration of one or more of the architectural elements of a tooth to such malformations as produce an entire unlikeness to all tooth-forms — to masses which cannot be properly classified as teeth. The most common of these malformations is an irregularity of cusp-form ; cusps are sup- pressed or are but primitive. A survey of the primal basis of tooth- forms reveals that most of these malformations are due to improper modifications or combinations of the formative cones. A common type is one or more of the incisors, most frequently the lateral incisors (Fig. 156), presenting as unmodified cones or as conical masses, the normal form, it will be recalled, being a truncated and compressed cone. Fig. 156. Next in point of frequency, the upper third molar is seen to consist of but a single cone instead of three fused cones. At the other extreme the primitive cones may be so combined as to produce such irregularities of cusp and sulcus arrangement that the masses have lost all semblance to normal tooth-forms. Pitted axd Grooved Teeth. — The effects of profound disturb- ance of the course of nutrition upon the histological structures of the teeth have been described. Such teeth are also affected as to their out- ward form. The malformations may consist of series of irregular grooves and pittings, the crowns having the general normal outlines ; 216 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. or, again, the form of the tooth itself may he altered (Fig. 157). A single groove across the face of a tooth represents, no doubt, a period of nutritive disturbance, but cases are seen where there is a repetition of grooves separated by ridges of apparently normal enamel, indicating waves of nutritional disturbance, as shown in Fig. 157, The defective formation may be confined to one portion of the crowns of the teeth, most commonly the occlusal half of the first permanent molars and of the incisors. Fig. 157. Fig. 158. Fused molars. Fig. 159. Showing the front teeth grooved from the alterna- tion of perfectly and imperfectly developed portions of enamel. (Tomes.) Permanent central and lateral in- cisors of the upper jaw, united throughout the whole length of the teeth. (Tomes.) Fused Teeth. — It is occasionally observed, more frequently with the upper second and third molars than with other teeth, that, instead of two separate teeth terminating the dental series, its extremity is occupied by a large dental mass, which upon examination shows the cusp-elements of both the second and third molars present. Upon extraction this mass is seen to form but one tooth, but an anatomical analysis clearly reveals its dual character ; its anterior portion corresponds with a second molar, its posterior with a thii'd molar. The root-arrangement also indicates a fusion of two teeth (Fig. 158). The anterior teeth may be united after the same manner (Fig. 159). It will be observed that this union is most likely to occur where the adjacent tooth-follicles have least anatomical separation from their fellows ; it is most common be- tween incisors and incisors, incisors and cuspids, and second and third molars. It appears not to have been observed in connection with the bicuspids, the crowns of these teeth during the formative stage being MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 217 confined between the roots of the temporary molars. The follicles of teeth liable to fuse depend for separation from one another upon the formation of bony walls. A histological examination of these teeth exhibits a pulp-cham- ber, which may be common throughout, or, as more frequently hap- pens, distinct and separate root-portions of the pulp are observed. The malformations of the crowns are clearly traceable to the fusion of the lateral walls of the enamel-organs before or soon after enamel- formation begins, because it is found that these teeth have a common pulp-chamber. If the fusion occurred subsequent to the first deposition of calcic substances, the pulp-chamber would be double. In the period of root-formation the common pericementum may or may not be divided ; if it is, the fused crowns are associated with separate roots ; if not, the roots are fused and have dentin common to both throughout. Concrescence of Teeth. — Concrescence of teeth is their union after the tooth is formed ; it is evident, therefore, that the union can only be caused by fusion of cementum. This means that at some por- tion of the formative and eruptive period the bony partition between the teeth disappears, and that their pericementi become united, receding from the line of compression as cementum is deposited between and joining the roots. In the eruption of the third molars, particularly the upper, tem- porary lack of space for the eruption of the crown may cause absorp- tion of the bone covering the roots of the second molar, and fusion of the formative pericementum of the third molar with that of the second occurs ; a deposition of cementum then binds the teeth together, prevent- ing the eruption of the third molar. Geminous Teeth. — These have been termed twin teeth, in contra- distinction to fused teeth. In twin teeth the enamel-organ, developed Fig. 160. Fig. 161. A- a Fig. 160.— The upper molar. Fig. 161.— Showing unusual development of the cingule or basal talon on an incisor. (From case reported hy W. H. Mitchell, Dental Cosmos, vol. xxxiv., p. 2036.) from some single cord, assumes the form of two teeth, and the tooth developed in such enclosure has the form of a duplicated prototype. The second segment is to be classified as a supernumerary mass. 218 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Supplemental Cusps. — It is occasionally observed that a tooth has a greater number of cusps than normal. The most common form of this condition is a supplemental mass attached to the palatal side of the mesio-palatine cone of the upper first molars (Fig. 160). The palatal tubercle, the prominence upon the cingule of an upper incisor, may be of exaggerated size. In one case recorded (Fig, 161) this- development gave the appearance of a talon upon the tooth, a distinct cusp-segment in itself. Malformations of Roots. — Differences in regard to the size, arrangement, forms, and number of the roots of teeth are the most common of dental malformations. The roots of teeth may be abnor- mally short ; they may be inordinately long — roots of cuspid teeth more than an inch in length are by no means uncommon (Fig. 162). The roots of cuspid teeth may be bifurcated (Fig. 163), and those of bicuspids trifurcated (Fig. 164). The lower molars may have three roots (Fig. 165). Thompson^ has pointed out that such malformations, together Fig. 162. Fig. 163. Fig. 164. Fig. 165. Upper cuspids. Upper first bicuspid. Lower first molar. with certain crown malformations, are instances of zoological atavism. Abnormalities of root-forms are of extreme frequency. Examples of these are seen in Figs. 166-177. Fig. 166. Fig. 167. Fig. 168. Fig. 169. Fig. 170. Upper molars (Ottolengui). Lower bicuspids. Hutchinson Teeth. — Attention was first called to, and an ade- quate explanation of the condition given by Jonathan Hutchinson, as to the effect of hereditary syphilis upon the permanent teeth. He observed in the children of syphilitic parents a malformation of the anterior ^ American Text-book of Operative Dentistry, MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 219 teeth, the incisors commonly and inconstantly the cuspids. The situ- ation of these malformations is such as to correspond to that period of Fig. 171. Fig. 172. Fig. 173. Abnormalities in teeth. Fig. 174. Fig. 175. Fig. 176. Fig. 177. development when the evidences of hereditary syphilis are noted in the infant. Confusion of description by dentists and faulty observation by medical practitioners as to both forms, have led to much confusion as to what particular forms of teeth are to be regarded as syphilitic. The teeth most frequently affected are the upper central incisors. It will be recalled, in this connection, that children of syphilitic parents have usually a tardy eruption of the deciduous teeth. The teeth have a dull, opaque color. The central or lateral incisors upper and lower, either, both, or any of them, have, instead of the normal angles and flattened curves of the labial faces, a roughly rounded and stunted ap- pearance ; the occlusal edge of the tooth is narrower than its neck. Over the tips of these stunted and conical teeth the enamel is irregularly and badly formed ; but there is a semblance of the three enamel-tubercles found normally. The middle tubercle appears to be of the most defec- tive enamel (Fig. 178), because it is soon lost by abrasion, leaving a notch in the tooth at its former site (Fig. 179). While Hutchinson regarded the central incisors as the diagnostic teeth of hereditary syphilis, all of the teeth undergoing amelification at the same time may exhibit deformities, one of the most frequent being the malformation of the cuspids. It has been noted that not all children who are the victims of hereditary syphilis present these dental appearances ; and, again, ap- 220 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. pearances said to be identical with them are observed in children said not to be syphilitic ; nevertheless the presence of such teeth is nsually regarded as a valuable diagnostic sign of hereditary syphilis. Thera- FiG. 178. Fig. 179. Syphilitic teeth in upper and lower jaws as they appear when recently erupted. The teeth of hereditary syphilis at maturity. peutic measures based upon this, as well as other doubtful indications, are followed by better results, perhaps, than when the general indication of the dental malformation is ignored. The existence of interstitial keratitis is accepted as additional diag- nostic sign of hereditary syphilis in the infant. Odontomes. — In rare cases dental masses of such irregular form as almost to defy classification make their appearance in the dental arch. They may appear instead of the teeth, in addition to them, or after them ; such masses may be grouped under the head of odontomes. In some instances they never make their appearance in the dental arch, but may remain imbedded in the substance of the jaw for lengthened periods ; here they may give rise to cyst- formations (called odontoceles); may excite no evident reaction, or may be the exciting cause of various morbid reactions. In some instances the fusion of two teeth may produce a mass of such irregularity of form as to give the appearance of a dental tumor, but critical examination rarely fails to demonstrate a fusion. Equally odd appearances may result from the fusion of supernumerary with the normal teeth (Fig. 180). The nature of these cases may usually be made out by the more or less Fig. 180. Fig. 181. , , , ^ orderly arrangement oi cemen- tum and enamel (Fig. 181). A specimen (Fig. 182) in the museum of the Academy of Stomatology of Philadelphia, shows two masses making their advent between the upper cen- tral incisor teeth, forcing these teeth aside. From the appearance of the surfaces of these masses they represent the results of a plication of the surface of the enamel-organ from A supernumerary tooth attached to the roots of an upper molar, the supernumerary tooth being inverted. (Smale and Colyer.) 3rAL FORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 221 which they derived their enamel. Clearly they are tlie results of the for- mation of two adventitious dental cords. Fig. 183 illustrates an odon- FiG. 182. Fio. 183. toma in which the dental nature of the growth is to be clearly made out; the enamel-forming organ from which the mass derived its enamel- cup was of anomalous form. Such specimens are known as warty teeth (Salter). Broca^ was the first to offer a systematic classification of tooth- tumors, although the connection between various tumor types and dental tissues had long before been made out. The discussion of the pathogenesis, clinical history, and treatment of odontomes which arise from some portion of the tooth-follicle in its embrj^onic state and cause the formation of exten- sive neoplastic growths which bear no resemlilance to tooth-forms, their only points of association being scattered histological appearances, belongs to the province of general surgical pathology, and their treatment to general or special surgery, so that they can be fitly dismissed from these pages with a brief mention. A developed tooth-follicle contains within it both epiblastic (epithelial) and mesoblastic (con- nective) tissue-elements. An aberrant, morbid tissue-development may, therefore, give rise to either epithelial or connective-tissue new forma- tions, the cellular elements of which may be of an embryonic (sarco- matous) or mature (fibromatous, osteomatous, etc.) type ; or may be the starting-point of either comparatively benign epithelial growths or even of carcinoma. The growth may contain the elements of several types ^ Recherches sur une nouveau groiipe de tnmeuvs designe sous le nom d' odontomes, 1867. Odontoma. (Garretson.) 222 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. combined. It appears that cyst-formation most commonly results from a continued collection of fluid between the epithelial coating of a tooth- follicle and the dentinal and enamel elements underlying, the accumula- tion of fluid causing the formation of a sac lined by the transformed epithelial wall. Odontomata of direct clinical interest to the dental practitioner are those connected with some portion of a tooth, showing an irreg- ular or anomalous growth of some one or more of the dental tissues. Fig. 184. Fig. 185. Fig. 186. Enamel excrescences. (Salter.) Results of hernia of a pulp. (Salter.) Many of these may be and have been classified under the head of mal- formations of the teeth. Many of the surgical odontomata exhibit but slight trace of any dental structure, but in the class under discussion it is Fig. 187. Fig. 186 magnified. evident that a continuous relationship has been kept between an enamel- organ, a dentinal pulp, and a cementoblastic structure, even though the aberrations of tooth-form and of limitations as to extent of growth MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 223 diverge widely from the normal. In some of these growths it is evident that tooth-development has })rogressed in an orderly manner to a varying degree before any aberration of development occurred ; in others it is evident that development has been aberrant from the beginning. The growth may be associated with enamel, dentin, or cementnm development ; and its tissue-elements as regards the dentin may remain normal, or may occasionally partially revert to other types, vaso- dentin, osteodentin, etc. Figs. 184 and 185 exhibit the results of activity of the enamel-organ continued after its normal formative period and in an irregular manner. The development of both enamel and dentin may proceed in an orderly manner for some time, when an irregular developmental impulse arises in the dentinal pulp, leading to its enlargement and extension beyond the enamel-organ, which latter structure suffers atrophy, and a growth of the following type results. The pulp outgrowth may not occur until both crown and root of the tooth have been formed in an orderly manner, when a hyper- trophic impulse causes this organ to extend far beyond its normal boundaries, still, however, en- closed in the follicular wall ; the pulp in its new relations deposits dentin, over which cementum is deposited (Figs. 188, 189, and 190). Fig. 188. Fig. 189. Figs. 18S auU isy.— Kesults of pulp-hernia. (Tomes.) Neither the enamel-organ nor dentin-pulp may assume its normal type, and yet the relationship between the epithelial tissue of the enamel-organ and a layer of odontoblastic cells in the underlying meso- blastic tissue is maintained, together with a general enclosure in a follicular wall, in which event an irregular mass (see Fig. 183, warty tooth) containing the dental elements is formed. Irregularity of growth is undoubtedly more frequently associated with the cementum than with any other dental tissue. It may assume the form of a generally excessive deposit, be in the form of a nodu]-? or nodules, or be a large irregular mass. Teeatment. — The treatment of these cases is that applied to all 224 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. removable tumors — radical extirpation. While in some cases this con- sists of the operation of tooth-extraction on a large scale^ in others the Fig. 190. A section of Fig. 189 through A B. removal of an odontome involves the performance of a surgical opera- tion of some magnitude. Anomalies of Number. — Although the dental series of man nor- mally consists of thirty-two members, cases are frequently observed where the number is in excess of or less than that number. Deficiency. — It is observed with some frequency that the upper lateral incisors of a denture never make their appearance, a condition traceable to the influence of heredity in some of the instances. The permanent cuspids erupt and occupy the lateral incisor space. The third molars may never appear ; instead of being represented by a rudi- mentary tooth, they are apparently never formed. There is no doubt that in some of the cases of apparent absence of the third molars that the teeth may be encysted in the maxillae ; but when none of them appear up to the age of forty years it is a fair inference that they have not been formed. The writer has seen an upper third molar erupting at the age of sixty. The cases of suppressed teeth next in point of fre- quency are those of the bicuspid teeth. If, however, the corresponding teeth are all present in the dental arch, a well-founded suspicion of impaction of the missing tooth may be entertained. The extreme of suppressed formation is represented in a case de- scribed by Guilford.^ A patient over fifty years old had never erupted any teeth, deciduous or permanent ; the alveolar arches revealed no evi- dences of enclosed teeth, but had the appearance of typical edentulous jaws ; the alveolar bone itself was primitive. The case appeared to be ^ American System of Dentistry^ vol. iii. MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 225 sporadically hereditary, a grandparent and an uncle exhibiting a like condition. The cases are interesting also because of additional evidences of faulty evolution of dermoid structures. In the first case cited no sudoriparous glands appear to have formed, and there was but a faint growth of hair on the cranium, and none on the face and body. The uncle was hairless and edentulous from birth. Guilford found in other members of the family an absence of the full complement of teeth. Excess. — The possible occurrence of a condition in some respects the reverse of the preceding has been much written of and discussed — /. e., the occurrence of a complete third denture. There can be but one con- clusion from an examination of all the evidence thus far presented, and that is that no clear and well-authenticated cases are made out. Isolated cases of the appearance of teeth subsequent to the loss of all of the sec- ond denture are not infrequent ; and, so far as clear records can be ob- tained, ai-e resolvable into cases of the eruption of supernumerary teeth. While these cases are, at least for the present, to be held as unproved in connection with elderly persons, a well-authenticated case of multiple den- tition in a child is recorded by Catching.^ Between the sixth and the sev- enth month the eruption of one set of teeth was complete ; within three months all of these had been lost. Between the eleventh and fifteenth months another period of dentition occurred, the teeth of this second denture being of such faulty structure as to crumble away quickly. At the age of two and one-half years a third dentition appeared, which caused the child such inconvenience that the teeth were extracted by the mother. At the age of eleven years a fourth series erupted, incom- plete through the absence of six teeth. At the age of fifteen these teeth were sound and firm. Fourth Molar. — The molar series of man, particularly in the lower negroid races, may consist of four instead of three members. "When the fourth molar appears in the white races it is usually as a stunted member, a conical or peg-like tooth, similar to that which oc- casionally replaces the third molar. There is rarely room posterior to the distal wall of the third molar for their eruption, so that they make their appearance in the region shown in the illustration. S. M. Hart- man,- L. D. S., of Victoria, B. C, has furnished the model (Fig. 191) of a case where the molar form of the fourth tooth is unusually well pronounced. Supernumerary Teeth. — Any teeth in excess of the normal thirty-two, although clearly cases of reversion of type in many in- stances,^ are included in the category of supernumerary teeth. Super- 1 Southern Dental Journal, Oct., 1886. ^ Dental CosviO!<, 1891. •^ A. H. Thompson, American System of Dentistry, vol. iii., and Kirk's Operative Dentistry. 15 226 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. uumeraiy teeth appear as simple unmodified cones, or as combinations of cones resembling the forms of teeth. The conical form is most common. Cases where these peg-like teeth appear around the third molars singly or in number are numerous. Their appearance in any Fig. 191. situation is evidence that the normal number of dental cords has been exceeded. They are perhaps all to be regarded as cases of long rever- sion, not alone because they increase the number of the dental series, Fig. 192. ( . but because they have primitive forms, a modification of the forms found among the reptiles and fishes. Guilford^ divides supernumerary teeth into those having typical anatomical forms and those having the conical form. ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. iii. MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 227 Supernumerary incisors in either jaw having typical forms are not uncommon. In the upper jaw supernumerary centrals and laterals both appear, the latter more frequently (Fig. 192). Supernumerary teeth may occupy any position relative to the dental arch, but are more frequently seen at its lingual side. The compound cone occasionally appears (Fig. 193). In addition to molars and incisors, supernumerary bicuspids are occasionally found ; super- numerary cuspids are very rare. Unless supernumerary teeth are a source of offence either through their positions or appearance, they need not be disturbed. If they are found to be so, they may be extracted. Malpositions of the Teeth. A tooth is said to be in malposition when it is not in normal relation with the dental arch to which it belongs and to its antagonizing teeth of the opposing arch. Teeth are found in abnormal positions as the result of a variety of causes. Some of these operate prior to, during, or immediately after eruption ; some long after the eruption of the teeth, and some because of non-eruption. Malpositions which are remediable through the application of me- chanical force applied by means of suitable apparatus belong to ope- rative dentistry, as has been stated. They are fully treated of in works upon operative dentistry ^ and orthodontia,^ so that their discussion in a treatise upon pathology might seem a work of supererogation ; the plan of the book, however, demands their brief mention. Malposed teeth may occupy any position relative to the dental arch, and anv teeth of the dental series mav be the offenders, although most commonly noted in connection with the incisors. So common is some degree of irregularity of the position of the lower incisors that its appear- ance is scarcely regarded as abnormal. The teeth may be inside or outside the dental arch, or have their transverse axes at any angle with the arch line — i. e., may be rotated in any manner. In the most ag- gravated cases an entire half denture may be malposed as regards its relations with the opposing or antagonizing half. Instead of having the upper teeth occluding outside the lower, they may occlude inside (Fig. 194). They may occlude squarely without incisor overlapping. Both of these abnormal conditions are, of course, due to lack of corre- spondence between the development of the lower and upper jaws. If one jaw has developed normally, the other has necessarily developed insufficiently or too much. ^ American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. ^Guilford, Orthodontia; Angle and others. 228 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Malpositions of entire groups of teeth are found attended by an insufficient development of the alveolar bone of that region. They may also be caused by an excessive development of some section of the alveolar bone. The underlying causes of these gross aberrations are Fig. 194. only imperfectly made out. The reasoning adopted in discussing their causes and the conclusions reached appear to be largely speculative, although some of them are plausible. (The reader is referred to mon- ographs upon orthodontia for the full discussion of these matters.) CAUSES OF MALPOSITIONS. The causes for the malpositions of individual teeth are frequently traceable with a reasonable degree of certainty. The upper lateral in- cisor has an inherent disposition to erupt inside the dental arch ; its crown during the formative stage lies slightly behind the crowns of the cuspid and central incisor ; again, the forms of the alveoli of the tem- porary teeth, if regarded as rounded triangles on section, have the bases of the triangles of cuspid and central incisor outward, while the base of the triangle of the lateral incisor is inward, hence a line inward to the arch is the direction the crown of the lateral incisor tends to follow. Erupting normally, this tooth has a disposition to cause outward dis- placement of the cuspid. The lower incisors, held in an arch by the nature of the occlusion of the upper teeth, and no doubt also by the tongue, have not the same freedom of alteration of position as have the upper teeth ; hence when the larger permanent teeth replace the smaller deciduous teeth they are crowded in the same arch-space and malposition results. It is evident that comparatively slight forces may deflect the direction of eruption of teeth, as they are only partially formed at the eruptive period, and are loosely enclosed. Effects of Extraction of Deciduous Teeth. — The effects of the extraction of the deciduous teeth largely depend upon the time at which MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 229 the extraction is done. The general effect of extraction of the tempo- rary teeth before their permanent snccessors are ready or nearly ready to occnpy their places is a lack of space for the accommodation of the permanent successor, causing a delay in its eruption. The extrac- tion of a temporary tooth interferes not only with those formative chano-es in the alveolar bone Avhich afford increased space for the suc- ceeding permanent tooth, but interferes also with the resorptive process which frees the permanent tooth from the roof of its cavity. An additional feature is the usual narrowing of the space from which the tooth has been removed. These conditions are more clearly observable in the case of the too early extraction of the temporary second molars. Not infrequently these teeth are extracted prior to the seventh year, or even earlier. Four vears or thereabouts must then elapse before the permanent successor makes its appearance. The crown of the latter lies in the base of the alveolar bone, covered upon all sides by bony walls, and its position is lo\ver than ^^*^- ^^'^• the roots of the adjoining teeth, the temporary first and permanent first molar. The normal tendency of the latter tooth is forward, and in the absence of the second molar it may attain a position imme- diately contiguous to the posterior surface of the first temporary molar. If the extraction occurs before the eruption of the ]ierraanent first molar, the condition described is almost certain to obtain. Effects of the premature 1 111 •li? i'l-j.! 1 loss of a deciduous hence when the period of eruption for the second second molar. bicuspid arrives, the tooth is compelled to take a direction inward or outward of the dental arch, or, as happens in some cases, the tooth does not eru])t at all, but remains impacted or encysted. Similar effects may be noted in connection with the remaining anterior teeth. The injury caused by extraction has been said to interfere with the normal formative processes occurring in the follicle of the corre- sponding permanent tooth. Such an effect is not at all improbable. Effects of Delayed Loss of Deciduous Teeth. — If the resorption of the roots of the temporary teeth does not keep pace with the advance of the permanent teeth, more or less deflection of the course of the latter is almost certain to ensue. Recognizing the positions of the crowns of erupting anterior permanent teeth in relation with the roots of the ante- rior temporary teeth, it is evident that the general teudency of faulty eruption in these cases is inward. Comparatively and actually slight forces may deflect the course of an erupting tooth, hence the lower incisors, erupting before the upper, even though inward of the arch, are frequently driven into the arch-line by the muscular force of the tongue ; the upper incisors, erupting later and iiiAvard, are imprisoned 230 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. by the lower incisors. It needs but the contact of slight occlusion to transform a slight into a marked malposition. A curious relationship is sometimes established through the long retention of a temporary molar : the alveolar process develops normally and carries with it bodily the retained temporary tooth to a higher level, to the same level occupied by adjoining teeth, so that the tooth is in correct occlusion, although raised far beyond its original level. The eruptive impulse of the permanent successor of such retained temporary teeth seems to exhaust itself without avail, and the temporary tooth remains as a permanent feature of the adult denture. Treatment. — When it is evident that the presence of a temporary tooth has deflected the line of eruption of its permanent successor it should be removed. When temporary teeth are retained beyond the normal period of eruption of their successors some operators advise that they should be extracted, a procedure said by them to hasten the appear- ance of the permanent successors. This rule is too sweeping, for erup- tion may be delayed from a variety of but partially understood causes, and the violence of extraction may disturb instead of aid eruption. However, when there is a pulpless temporary tooth in the arch, and all of the corresponding permanent teeth are in position, the indication is to extract the pulpless tooth. The process of resorption is faulty and in- complete in such cases, and it is probable that the extraction of the tooth removes a mechanical obstruction to the eruption of its successor. In the absence of an appearance of the crown of a permanent tooth, and with no evidences of loosening of the healthy temporary tooth, the forcible extraction of the latter is rarely advisable. It has happened that firm and sightly temporary teeth have been extracted, but no per- manent successor appeared. Effects of the Early Extraction of the Perma- nent First Molar. — The permanent first molar erupted from the sixth to the eighth year may suffer from dental caries, pulp-necrosis, or alveolar abscess before the tenth or eleventh year. If these teeth are extracted, a char- acteristic dental deformity follows. Recalling that the development of the jaw proceeds in such manner that the depth of the alveolar bone is constantly increasing until adult age, and that this development is only marked during and after the appearance of the second ^^ureiofsofTer- dentition, it is evident that the extraction of the per- manent first mo- manent first molar is followed by a lessenina: or cessation of development of the bone adjacent ; the formative pro- cess will not then deepen the lateral alveolar walls until the period of eruption of the bicuspids, not for three years or more. In the mean- MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 231 time the permanent incisors erupt and the alveolar bone deepens around them ; their occlusion is not limited in extent by a corre- sponding deepening of the posterior alveolar bone. The lower in- cisors, being without check to their action, come to strike the upper incisors at their cervico-palatine portions ; these latter teeth are gradu- ally driven from their vertical positions until they assume almost a hori- zontal direction. Treatment. — The treatment of this condition is i)reventative : the permanent first molars should not be extracted until the bicuspids have fully erupted, provided that their retention is possible. The perma- nent first molars, far from being, as was once held, the most worthless teeth of the dental series, are the most important. Their eruption at an early period is a distinct indication of the important influence their pres- ence exerts upon the normal development of the alveolar bone about and posterior to them. Their eruption is about synchronous with the com- pletion of the evolution of the alimentary canal and its appendages ; hence their office in the increased mastication, normal at this time, is clear ; their presence beyond a doubt determines the extent of the for- mative process which shall occur in the alveolar bone posterior to them. From the period of their eruption they should be carefully scrutinized ; and even though caries and subsequent disease-processes act to the ex- tent of alveolar abscess, the conditions are to be vigorously treated, so that the teeth may be retained until after the eruption of the second bicuspids. IMPACTED AND ENCYSTED TEETH. The extreme extent of dental malposition is reached when the perma- nent teeth do not erupt at all. Instead of presenting in the dental arch, they may be entirely imbedded in the substance of the bone, either re- maining there, with or without pathological manifestations, or erupting in some very unusual situation. In other cases a distinct cystic tumor forms about the enclosed tooth. Impacted Lo-wer Third Molars. — By far the most common dental impaction is that of the lower third molar. The extent of impaction varies from a partial eruption, or partial imprisonment of the tooth by its bony surroundings, to its entire imprisonment in any part of the maxilla. Many of the more severe cases treated of under the head of difficult eruption, if unrelieved would be included in the category of impacted teeth. In Fig. 197 is shown a lower third molar presenting the effects of a previous impaction. The irritation caused by the efforts of the tooth to disengage itself or to overcome the resistance to its eruption has caused an active formative reaction in the pericementum, resulting in a hyper- trophy of the cementum. 232 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. If the distance between the ]:)Osterior surface of the second molar and the cokunns of the coronoid process be very short, it is evident that upward eruption is impossible, so that the tooth may assume any direc- tion of movement, the most common being forward, the axis of the tooth Fig. 197. Right half of lower jaw, showing an impacted third molar. (.Cryer.) Fig. 198. Inner side of left half of same lower jaw. (Cryer.) changing its position until the tooth may lie in a liorizontal position or even become inverted. Fig. 198 is taken from the same jaw as Fig, 197, but shows the opposite side ; the impaction is pronounced. Fig. 199 shows another MALPOSITIOXS OF THE TEETH. 233 case with different aniitomical siirrountlings. In the first case there were evidences both in the tooth, in its bony surroundings, and in the exter- nal cortical bone, of the results of the irritation produced bv the efforts at eruption. The cementum was thickened ; the outer follicular wall, Fig. 199. (Cryer.) the tissue designed to form the alveolar periosteum, had exercised its formative osteogenetic function, and a capsule of bone liad formed al)out the tooth ; it lay in a bony chamber. The pressure exerted upon the distal wall of the second molar had rc-ulted in a pressure-resorption of its root until the pulp-chamber was encroached upon. In Fig. 199 the 234 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. root-development has caused impingement of the root-apex upon the inferior dental canal. These were both post-mortem cases, and no records of their clinical histories were obtainable. The symptoms produced could only be surmised by the nature of the anatomical rela- tions and the pathological evidences. There may have been a prolonged but mild periostitis, probably a continued pulp-irritation ; and in the last, neuralgia of any grade of severity. Fig. 201. Wisdom-teeth imbedded in the rami of the lower jaw. (Tomes.) Judging from post-mortem records, cases of impacted third molars are more common than generally believed. Instead of remaining in Fifi. 202. Wisdom.-tooth buried in the ramus. (Tomes, after Marshall.) the alveolar portion of the bone, the impacted tooth may come to oc- cupy a cavity in some portion of the body or the ramus of the bone (Figs. 201 and 202). The positions of the teeth in such cases tend to MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 235 confirm Tomes' theory of the development of the j;i\v. The jaw bein<^ lengtliened, and the ramus developing through eonjoined deposition and resorption of bone, the crown of the tooth appears to l)e either fixed in a bony nueleus and transported to some distant ])oint in the develop- mental progress of the jaw, or to be irregularly shifted about during jaw-growth. At later periods the pressure exercised by root-formati(^n disturbs the relations of tiie tooth with its earlier surroundings. These efforts at eruption may at late periods cause the apj)earancc of the tooth in odd situations (Fig. 203). The crown of the tooth in this Fig. 203. From a wax model in the museum of the London Odontological Society. (Tomes.) case made its way through the angle of the bone and through the muscles and skin. The opening in the skin healed upon extraction of the tooth. Impacted Upper Third Molars. — Some grades of imjmction of this tooth have been spoken of under the head of difficult dentition. The Fig. 204. Upper jaw, with the third molar directed forward, and impinsinc; upon the second molar. The small tooth situated high up in the anterior part of the jaw, was furced there by the spade of the grave-digger. The artist's accuracy in delineatiug all parts of the specimen has rendered this explanation necessary. (Tomes.) most common is imprisonment of the tooth and its subsequent partial eruption in a horizontal position, the crown pointing toward the cheek (Fig. 204). The crown of this tooth may in rare cases be directed 236 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Fig. 205. inward or b«(ckward, in the latter case being arrested by the pterygoid plates of the sphenoid bone. In a case recorded by Tomes (Fig. 205) the extraction of the second molar revealed the third molar in a reversed posi- tion, its roots occupying the depression between the roots of the second molar. Impacted Cuspids. — In point of frequency of impaction the upper cuspids stand next to the lower third molars. It will be recalled that the upper cuspids lie high up ; the floors of their crypts, in which they lie loosely, are at a higher level than those of the adjoining teeth ; they erupt at a much later period, and their crowns, as with the other anterior teeth, lie inside the roots of their predeces- sors. All of these are elements which might cause displacement of the developing cuspids. Should the advance of erup- tion not keep pace with the development of the alveolar bone, impris- onment is likely ; again, the dense bone immediately about the first bicuspid aud lateral incisor may offer a deflecting resistance. Exam- ining the texture of the bone about these parts, it is evident that the least resistance to the advance of a much-deflected crown is into the cancellated bone of the incisor portion of the alveolar process ; A second molar of the upper jaw, with the wisdom-tooth invert- ed and embraced with- in the roots. (Tomes.) Fig. 206. Abnormal jaw, showing impjacted cuspids. (Cryer.) hence it is most usual to find the crowns of these teeth lying with their cusp-point forward (Fig. 206). Several recorded cases have the posi- tions shown ; one or both of the teeth may be encysted. Impaction of Other Teeth. — AVhile impactions are most common MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 237 in connection with the teeth named, any other teeth of a denture mav be imprisoned. Fig. 207 shows an imprisoned bicuspid whose root-development has been normal as regards its length, but whose Fig. 207. Impacted bicuspid. (Salter.) curve has been modified by the resistance of surrounding tissues. Figs. 208 and 209 exhibit an impacted central incisor, whose retention was, Fig. 209. Fig. 208 Imprisoned central im. and Crver.^ no doubt, determined and malposition caused bv the development and presence of the brood of supernumerary teeth which surround its crown. 238 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. Symptoms. — The most common symptom attendant upon impaction of teeth, judging from the obtainable records of cases, is trifacial neur- algia of any degree, caused by impingement of the malposed tooth Fig. 210. Lower maxilla, in which the right second bicuspid is placed obliquely, the root being directed backward. The crown, though exposed, does not rise above the level of the alveolar margin.. (Tomes.) Fig. 211. Maxilla, in which the temporary cuspids (the sockets of which are shown by the dotted lines) were retained, and the permanent canines developed within the substance of the jaw. The bone has been removed on the one side to show the direction taken by the tooth, which has been twisted on its axis to the extent of a quarter of a turn. (Tomes.) Fig. 212. upon nerve-filaments or trunks. Cryer ^ records a case where a supra- maxillary neuralgia was traced to the presence of a central and lateral incisor, and a cuspid tooth in the anterior wall of the antrum ; they were only discovered by an exploratory operation (Fig. 212). A cure of the neuralgia was effected by their removal. Impacted third molars frequently give rise to heavy rheumatic pains about the side of the face and jaws, and no doubt in such cases as de- picted in Fig. 199 would cause intractable and diffuse maxillary neur- . Salter ^ records a case of long-standing and intractable neuralgia, Dental Cosmos, 1896. ^ Dental Pathology. algia MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 239 exhibiting a constant painful area upon the scalp, and in Avhicli heat and tenderness were noticed over a swelling upon the hard jmlate. Imme- diate and permanent cessation of the neuralgia followed removal of the teeth. Symptoms of maxillary periostitis — heavy, gnawing, and dull, throbbing pain, with more or less heat and engorgement of tissues — are noted as an accompaniment of impacted teeth. Such symptoms may herald the appearance of the tip of the tooth through its bony covering and gum. Cases of maxillary abscess, in the absence of their usual (dental) cause, may run a prolonged and painful course,^ involving neighboring structures, and after free venting be found to have arisen about an impacted tooth. Occasionally a circumscribed swelling is noted upon some aspect of a jaw, most frequently upon the palatal portion of the superior maxilla, which is attended by inflammatory symptoms, and an incision reveals an impacted tooth. Quickly forming cysts of the jaw upon receiving surgical treatment may be found to contain the crown of an entire tooth, this evidently being the centre of irritation from w^hich the cystic formation had its origin. Diag-nosis. — The first point of observance in cases of suspected tooth-encystment is an examination of the dental arches. Are all of the permanent teeth in position ? Given the absence of, particularly, a lower third molar from the dental arch, with a history of no eruption, and a persistent neuralgia, particularly if occasionally accompanied or alternated by heavy rheumatic, what are known as bone-pains, and find- ing no other evident cause of the neuralgia, the effects of an impacted tooth would be naturally diagnosed as the source of the disturbance. Impacted teeth which lie horizontally or nearly so along the palatal vault frequently cause a swelling. This, taken in conjunction with the absence of a tooth from the dental arch, points to a diagnosis of im- paction. In very many cases of impaction diagnosis has been a mere accident, discovery being made in the course of an exploratory surgical operation. Modern science solves with the .r-ray the difficulties attendant upon the diagnosis of impacted teeth. B. H. Catching^ was the first to prac- tically apply this diagnostic test for the location of an impacted tooth. The left upper central incisor of a female aged nineteen became loos- ened, and an exploration through its pulp-chamber revealed a hard body occupying a position part w^ay up the root, which had undergone ^ See Garretson' s Oral Surgery, and Salter's Dental Pathology. * Catching' s Compend, 1896. Fig. 213. 240 MALFORMATIONS AND MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. resorption to that point. The cuspid of the left side was absent from the arch. A skiagraph of the parts (Fig. 213) revealed the missing cuspid, whose crown had impinged upon and caused resorption of the root of the central incisor. Impacted teeth may become uncovered at some aspect late in life and the condition be discovered incidentally. Cases are recorded where the pressure of a plate has caused the resorption of tissues overlying an impacted tooth, thus revealing its presence. Fig. 214 illustrates a ease where the presence of an impacted cusj^id was revealed at the age of seventy years, through resorption of the alveolar bone and the gum- tissue covering the tooth. Beyond a doubt, the »-ray will be generally used in the future to determine the position of permanent teeth absent from the dental arch ; and will be used as a means of diagnosis when the presence of impacted teeth or an odontoma may be suspected. X-ray photograph, showing the malposed cuspid en- tirely embedded in the bone, and pointing on the central. Fig. 214. Treatment. — The treatment of cases of impaction is the removal of the oifending tooth. Whether or not this comes within the prov- ince of the dental operator depends upon the position of the tooth, and, incidentally, upon the usual range of practice of that par- ticular practitioner. When the tooth is imbedded deep in the sub- stance of the jaw, access to it involves the etherization of the patient and the removal of the bone which obstructs the path of extrac- tion ; this may be an operation of some magnitude, and is usually done by a special surgical practitioner. When, however, it is evident that the obstructions to the removal of the tooth consist of the soft tissues and but a lamina of bone, the operation for removal is clearly within the MALPOSITIONS OF THE TEETH. 241 province of the dental operator. For example, the presence of an im])acted ciis})id is determined lying horizontally along the lateral aspect of the roof of the mouth. The parts may be injected with a cocain or eucain solution, and a curved cut made with a sharp bistoury through the soft tissues at the dental side of the swelling to the bone. The flap thus outlined is raised from the bone, the flap including the periosteum. A large sharp bur is then employed to remove the covering bone. When the tooth is freely exposed it may be dislodged with forceps or elevator. The parts are then washed with a hydrogen dioxid solution, dried, the flap pressed back into place, and steresol (which see) painted over the parts. The treatment of such cases as Fig. 207 is the same. 16 SECTION III. AFFECTIONS OF ENAMEL AND DENTIN. CHAPTER XL AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. It has been repeatedly stated in the preceding pages that enamel plays an entirely passive part in disease-processes. Being cut off at the completion of its formation from all sources of nutrition, it is deprived of all defensive mechanism against agencies which may threaten its destruction. Furthermore, recognizing this absence of nutritive mech- anism, it is evident that enamel cannot be subject to the classes of dis- eases which affect vital tissues ; that is, degenerations and the causes of degenerations have no representatives in affections of the enamel. While the enamel may suffer loss of substance, it is not possible that constructive or retrogressive metamorphosis can take place. The enamel can be regarded only as an inert chemical substance, the exact chemical morphology and composition of which are but imper- fectly understood. It is acted upon by a variety of physical forces and chemical agencies which threaten the destruction of its substance, either through mechanical injury or chemical solution, and against which agencies it is incapable of any but mechanical and an unalterable chemical resistance. The disease-causes operating against the integ- rity of the enamel of the teeth are mechanical and chemical ; both of these cause a loss of substance, but in a different manner ; again, they may act together. The mechanical forces act as destructive agents, either by removing the enamel particle by particle by a process of abrasion, or by causing fracture, complete or incomplete, of masses of enamel. It appears in some cases that, in addition to direct mechanical violence, abnormal temperatures to which the enamel may be subjected cause linear fractures of enamel-plates. Enamel suffers from chemical solution both through the action of acids formed in the mouth during fermentative processes, and probably, by morbid acid secretions of glands, also through the action of acids present in food or taken as medicinal agents. 243 244 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. Mechanical Injury of Enamel. It was pointed out in Chapter VIII. that the resistance of enamel against crushing-forces is comparatively slight, and that its resistance in this direction is much modified according or not as the tissue is uni- formly and firmly supported by dentin. Masses of enamel, therefore, which are deprived of the normal support of underlying dentin are in danger of fracture. It is frequently noted that teeth which give no very apparent external indication of loss of dentin, the enamel contour being almost intact, may exhibit an extensive disorganization of the dentin, through a comparatively light stress causing fracture of the enamel. Biting upon a crust may be followed by crushing of the greater portion of the enamel-cap, revealing, as the underlying cause of the fracture, disappearance of dentin support. The enamel of teeth appears to differ in fragility, both as regards individuals and the several teeth of one denture. ^— Fracture of enamel en masse occurs more readily with pulpless teeth, those in which decomposition of the contents of the dentinal tubuli has taken plabe, than it does with teeth containing vital pulps. Its resist- ance is much greater in teeth in which the tooth-pulp has been devital- ized and removed and the canals filled under aseptic precautions, with absolute exclusion of saliva, than when the saliva has been permitted free entry into the interiors of the teeth. Through either lack of perfect adaptation or improper character of support, enamel-walls underlaid by gold or amalgam fillings are much more liable to fracture than if supported by zinc-phosphate cement. It should be remarked in this connection that the chief and most valuable use of zinc phosphate in dental practice is as a mechanical substitute for lost dentin. The accepted rule of operative dentistry, not to pack gold against unsupported enamel-walls, is a well-founded one. The danger of frac- ture is twofold : first, fracture during the operation of impaction ; sec- ondly, subsequent fracture due to improper support. Enamel (see Chapter VIII.) has lines of least mechanical resistance, which are in planes at right angles to the general direction of the en- amel-rods ; that is, enamel fractures most readily aU)ng the lines of the cementing-substance of the enamel. In addition to these uniform lines of low resistance there appear to be others which invite fracture along straight lines passing from the occlusal edges of the enamel to its cervi- cal border ; longitudinal fracture of the entire length of an enamel plate occurs. These lines may be observed in the enamel of persons who habitually break ice and other hard substances with their teeth. Iden- tical lines of fracture are found in enamel which patients deny having MECHANICAL INJURY OF ENAMEL. 245 subjected to such usage ; they have been attributed to the contact of excessively hot or excessively cold substances with the enamel, a reasonable hypothesis. ABRASION OF THE ENAMEL. Bv abrasion of the enamel is meant a wearing away of its substance through the friction of mastication when gritty substances are present. Some forms of abrasion have been attributed to the too vigorous use of hard tooth-brushes, ])articularly when gritty tooth-powders are em- ployed. There is no doubt that mechanical abrasion about the necks of teeth is produced in this manner, the gum-line receding beyond the enamel-border, exposing the cementum : but a careful examination will reveal the cementum, and next the underlying dentin to be affected ; the enamel is not abraded. These tooth-brush abrasions are quite charac- teristic (Fig. 215). In well-kept dentures the gums are seen to have receded from their normal line, but exhibit no evidences of turgescence ; the roots of the teeth, upper and lower, are exposed to a greater or less extent along their labial and buccal, but not along their lingual aspects ; and they are excavated to variable depths, upon the bicuspids and first molars more than upon the Fig. 215. other teeth, as here the greatest force of brushing is received. The depressions have a normal den- tin color, which in smokers may be periodically blackened by deposits of carbon. If caries super- venes, the abraded areas lose their normal color, and may be readily indented by sharp instruments, which they resist before the advent of caries. The bicuspids and molars particularly may be grooved in such manner as to require restoration by fillings. Abrasion of enamel-surfiices through the constant rubbing of metallic clasps of prosthetic appliances has been said to occur, but it is impossible to disassociate in this connection the effects of the acids of fermentation. Food-debris on the inner ^^^ ^ • surface of a clasp undergoes fermentative changes, and acids are formed which act as decalcifying agents upon the enamel ; so that the abrasion of the clasp is not upon normal enamel-surfoces, but upon partially decal- cified enamel. This fact becomes more evident when it is observed that the abraded surfaces are not smooth and polished, but are roughened. There is no doubt that the continued rubbing of a clasp upon a tooth will abrade enamel slightly, but the surface produced is polished. The abrading effect of clasps in contact with cementum or 246 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. dentin is unquestionable, but there is also in such cases the conjoined effect of acids of fermentation. By far the most common cause of the abrasions noted upon the occlusal surfaces of teeth is tobacco-chewing. The silex contained in tobacco-leaf acts as an irresistible abrading agent. The cases in which this form of abrasion is most marked are those in which there has been originally but little overbite of the upper teeth, or in which the teeth have a tip-to-tip occlusion. There appears to be a tendency with this type of occlusion for the occlusal surfaces of the teeth to abrade. There are always a free lateral movement of the mandible, and a type of sur- face-contact resembling that of the herbivora. Whether due to the type of occlusion itself or that with this type of occlusion the individual more frequently chews the siliceous stems of vegetables, it is with such patients that general abrasion is most common. It is also frequent in those cases presenting the first degree of prognathism. In all of these cases, after the abrasion has worn down the teeth to the cusp- bases, the occlusion tends to become of the tip-to-tip variety. When there is a more marked overbite occlusion, with a consequent lessening of lateral movement of the mandible, the teeth do not acquire flattened contact-surfaces, but their cusps increase in sharpness and pointedness. The effects of abrasion are to leave sharp enamel-edges standing, which when the dentin becomes exposed grow more sharp and more pointed. Being without direct dentin support and receiving stress in abnormal directions, the enamel tends to fracture. In the overbite cases the conjoined action of abrasion and of gradual molecular fracture of enamel creates curiosities of occlusion. The teeth of the upper and lower jaws may interlock their cusps in such a manner that the line of junction is almost invisible. The sharp enamel-edges produced not only increase the liability to enamel-fracture, but act as constant sources of irritation to soft tissues which come in contact with them, the most frequent result being abrasions upon the side of the tongue, producing ulcers of a sometimes chronic type which acquire indurated edges and simulate syphilitic sores or epithelioma. The causal relationship between sharp edges of the teeth and lingual epithelioma appears to be quite clear in some cases.^ Sores which have given evidence of malignancy and been diagnosed as malignant growths have been cured by rounding and polishing sharp and irritating enamel-edges of teeth. Treatment of Abrasion. — If seen early enough, the treatment of abrasion should be preventative. Abrasion has unquestionably been arrested by cessation of the tobacco-chewing habit. A difficult class of cases to treat is found in those highly nervous individuals who ^ Garretson's Oral Surgery. EROSIONS OF THE TEETH. 247 grit their teeth during sleep. It is probable and reasonable that this cause alone may serve to explain abrasions traceable to no other source. The cure of such cases as these could only be possible through the wearing at night of some modified form of interdental splint. The cases naturally indicate the medicinal use of a l^romid before retiring. It is rare that any remedial measures are adopted or, indeed, even advisable, unless the abrasion wears the teeth down far below the cusp- line, although the dentin exposed through the loss of enamel may become hypersensitive and require treatment. The mildest agent affording relief is carbolic acid. For the relief of periodical hypersensitivity the use of a mouth-wash of dilute phenol sodique is effective if con- tinued. Some spots of hypersensitiveness resist every measure ex- cept applications of strong mineral acid. The action of these acids, sulfuric, nitric, or hydrochloric, being chemically destructive, the spots of application must be subsequently excavated and filled. The radical relief of the condition is by the operation called " shoeing " the teeth. Each abraded tooth is to have built upon it sufficient gold- foil to receive the stress of mastication. The fillings must be of such thickness that the stress of mastication cannot alter their forms, and be built as solidly as molten gold ; to assure this they are made of heavy rolled foil. No. 30, No. 60, and for the final surfaces No. 120. In many cases it is advisable to use for this purpose platinum-gold foil, which resists attrition better than gold-foil itself. Cases of attrition of the oral teeth and of the bicuspids are fre- quently seen where the loss of several molar teeth has permitted the entire stress of mastication to come upon the anterior teeth. These cases are treated by adjusting bridge fixtures in appropriate spaces, whose occlusion shall raise the bite — /. e., separate the jaws to the proper extent ; hard-foil fillings are then inserted in the worn anterior teeth, restoring to them their original forms. In ease the abrasion is veiw deep upon all of the teeth, it is advisal)le to fit gold crowns of the barrel variety upon the posterior teeth and adjust porcelain-faced crowns over the anterior teeth. The pulps of the teeth need not necessarily be destroyed.^ Erosions of the Teeth. Erosion of the teeth is a term applied to the decalcification of the hard tissues of teeth in such a manner that broad, shallow excavations are made in the enamel, and in such situations that the acids of fermen- tation and mechanical abrasion are clearly excluded as exciting causes. The excavations occur upon surfiices Avhere fermentative processes are ^ See Avierican Text-book of Prosthetic Dentistry, chapter sxii. 248 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. in least degree and where attrition is nil. Figs. 217, 218, and 219 illustrate the characteristic appearance of areas of erosion. The labial faces of the anterior teeth are more frequently aifected than those of any of the other teeth. These surfaces appear as though sections Fig. 217. Fig. 218. (Darby.j (Darby.) had been bodily cut out of them. The enamel is affected to a greater extent than the dentin, forming shallow excavations in the teeth. When Fig. 219. A ease of erosion (drawn from the cast) : B, silhoutte from a perpendicular line through the left centrals, upper and lower, showing the loss of substance. (Black.) the destructive action lays bare the dentin, neither it nor the enamel presents any of the appearances of dental caries, the eroded surfaces being smooth and polished and of normal hardness. CAUSES. From the chemical composition of the enamel it is at once evident that the essential cause of the loss of structure must be an acid ; only acid substances can dissolve it. The question of mechanical abrasion may be set aside because erosion has been found upon the teeth of individuals who had never used a tooth-brush, and the situation of the areas precluded the idea of abrasion by mastication. It is evident that the acid must be of localized formation, because if of general distri- bution the lingual and occlusal faces of the teeth would be affected EROSIONS OF THE TEETH. 249 equally with the labial. It will be observed that the areas of erosion are in situations in which food-debris, fermentable material, collects in least amount, and where the acids of fermentation necessarily form in slight amount. This survey materially narrows the field of inquiry. What structures or substances can form acids or acid bodies about the labial faces of the teeth, excluding fermentative processes? The inquirer is of necessity driven to the belief that local acid secretion is the active cause. Secretion implies the existence of glandular tissue, and the only glands in close relationship with the labial faces of the teeth are the muciparous glands of the lips ; mucus-forming glands, called labial follicles. Edward C. Kirk ^ first pointed out the prob- ability of altered (acid) secretion of these glands being the active cause in the production of erosion. It has been recorded by those who have made a special study of the condition that females are more frequently affected than males ; that it rarely becomes evident before the age of thirty or later ; and, finally, that patients in whom it is noted are usually the victims of the condition indefinitely known as the gouty diathesis. The observations of Kirk, Darby, Jack, and myself have all had a singular unanimity of agree- ment in this direction. ^lost of the patients give a family history of gout, and very commonly a personal or contemporary family history of rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatism. Even when the existence of rheu- matoid or gouty affections is denied by both patient and medical attend- ant, it is rare that the patient does not complain of some general disorder, the usual ones being neuralgia of long standing, marked anaemia, or perhaps neurasthenia. Be the condition what it may, the essential disease-process is one which may be traced to the effects of suboxidation in the tissues. The researches of general pathologists as to the products of cell- oxidation but insufficiently explain the origin and significance, both chemical and pathological, of a series of bodies related to urea, un- questionably waste-products resulting from broken-down, oxidized albu- minous matter. These related products are uric acid, xanthin, and hypo- xanthin, which represent, chemically at least, degrees of albuminous oxidation — urea the most oxidized, hypoxanthin the least. While the writer is aware ^ that pathological chemists refuse to recognize uric acid as a midway product in urea-formation, yet it cannot be denied that uric acid will form in increased amount if the oxidizing function be below par ; all clinical and scientific reasoning appears to point to this end. Xote the conditions in which an increase of uric-acid formation is 1 Dental Coxmos, 1886. * See Levison on Uric Acid ; Luff, Croonian Lectures, 1897 ; Halliburton, Chcm. Physiol, and Pathology. 250 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. observed. It should be remarked parenthetically that uric acid cannot exist free as uric acid in the blood, but when formed combines imme- diately with sodium or magnesium, doubtless displacing the negative radical of compounds, and forming sodium or magnesium quad-urates. An excess of urates is formed whenever there is an excess of white blood-corpuscles, in conditions of anaemia, leukaemia, and so on. The significance of these conditions lies more in the deficiency of red cor- puscles than in the excess of white. Less red corpuscles, less haemo- globin, less oxygen carried, hence diminished oxidation in the cells. Again, in the opposite, the plethoric individual, who suffers from acute outbreaks of gout, large quantities of albuminous food are taken, amounts far in excess of that required to replace waste ; frequently, owing to glandular disturbances of the alimentary canal, the material is insufficiently elaborated, and the tissues of the body are drenched with an excess of material in unfit chemical state for cell-metabolism ; the amount of oxygen, actually large, relatively small, is insufficient to oxidize all of the material of which the cells of the body should rid themselves. Conjoined with this, the same individuals usually consume too much alcohol in one form or another, and alcohol notably lessens cell-oxidation. The relation between an excessive formation of urates and deficient oxidation may in a like manner be made out in many of the other con- ditions. A deficiency of oxidation or in the supply of oxygen is, of course, accompanied by retention of COg in cells, so that all of the waste-products of cells are but imperfectly removed. It should also be noted that the products of cell- waste are acid in reaction. " If the orbicularis oris muscles be dissected from the mucous mem- brane of the lip, the labial glands may be observed ; they are more numerous near the centre than at the extremities of the lip" ^ — i. e., the greater number overlie the labial faces of the incisors toward the necks of these teeth. " These are small racemose glands, their ducts lined with low granular epithelium ; in the alveoli the cells are larger and columnar and stain less readily with carmine." " Their secretion is composed of water, mucin, and inorganic salts, sodium phosphate pre- dominating, which gives the fluid its alkalinity under normal condi- tions. In conditions of irritation and consequent hypersemia the secretion becomes increased in amount and acid in reaction (Kirk). The nature of the acid is not clearly known. Brubaker^ suggested that it might arise as follows : In the condition known as the gouty diathesis there are evidences of widespread irritation ; the presence of an excess of waste-products appears to be the cause of the irritation. In consequence of the irrita- ^ Brubaker, International Dental Journal, Dec, 1894. ^ Ibid. EROSIOXS OF THE TEETH. 251 tion there is a vascular reaction about glands, as those under con- sideration, which results in increased secretion, and as the oxidizing function is imperfect the CO2 accumulates. " Given upon one side, the vascular side, of the cells the readily diffusible and alkaline salt sodium phosphate, Xa^HPO^, and in the cell an excess of COj, existing as H0CO3, or carbonic acid, when the sodium salt diffuses into the cell the following reaction occurs : Na^HPO, + H,C03 = XaH,PO, + NaHCOg/ That is, dihydrogen sodium phosphate (acid sodium phosphate) and acid sodium carbonate are formed. Dihydrogen sodium phosphate, being acid in reaction, is capable of effecting the decomposition of the calcium phosphate of the teeth after the following manner : XaH^PO, + Ca3(PO,), = NaCaPO, + 2HCaPO,. " The acid sodium phosphate formed in the gland-cells and given off by them attacks the calciimi salts of the enamel, as above expressed, a double decomposition occurring, sodium calcium phosphate and acid calcium phosphate being formed. The latter, acted upon by additional molecules of the dihydrogen sodium phosphate, XaH,PO, + 2CaHPO, = XaCaPO, + Ca(H,PO,)2 and the freely soluble diacid calcic phosphate is formed. In this way the calcium phosphate of the teeth undergoes decomposition into, first, mono, and, second, the diacid calcic phosphate." Brubaker immersed a tooth for a week in a solution of acid sodium phosphate, subjecting it daily to tooth-brush friction, and at the end of that time spots and grooves resembling areas of erosion made their appearance. AVhile admitting the probability that dihydrogen sodium j)hosphate is the decalcifving agent, Kirk maintains - that the reaction between the hypothetical substance, carbonic acid, H.COo, and sodium phosphate is a chemical im]')0ssibility, as the reaction given involves the production of acid sodium carbonate in the presence of acid sodium phosphate, which cannot occur. He suggests that the probable origin of the acid sodium salt is from the reaction occurring between hydrogen disodium phosphate, Na^HPO^, and uric acid, C^H^N^Og, citing from Hammersten that uric acid, soluble in a warm solution of hydrogen disodium phosphate, HXaoPO^, in an ' It is to be understood that Brubaker advances this explanation hypothetically, not as an assured demonstration, as he says there are no present tests by which such small amounts of the acid substance can be detected. ^ Private communication. 252 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. excess of the acid, a double decomposition or atomic interchange occurs as follows : HNa^PO, + CsH.N.Og = H^NaPO, + C^HgNANa, resulting in the formation of sodium biurate and the acid sodium phos- phate, HgNaPO^, which may act as a decalcifying agent after the manner described by Brubaker. The uric acid involved in the reaction is to be regarded as a conse- quence of faulty oxidation in the glandular tissues. The sodium biurate found in the reaction given above may act as an irritant and induce a continuation of the glandular affection. Kirk has pointed out that the contents of the labial glands in cases of erosion gave an acid reaction — i. e., reddened blue litmus paper — in all of the cases tested by him. It appears to be almost self-evident that there must be some modifying factor causing the peculiar forms of the eroded areas, and that it must be an abrasive. In many of the cases where the ero- sions are in the form of transverse grooves or pits there is no doubt that the action of the tooth-brush upon the decalcified parts removes the latter ; the areas of erosion may be oval, circular, or irregular patches ; again, decalcification may appear to occur over the entire labial surfaces of teeth uniformly ; moreover, as stated, erosions in grooves may occur upon the teeth of persons who do not use a tooth-brush. It is evident then that in these cases the mechanical factor must be sought in the muscular movements of the lips and tongue. The greatest effect of lip-movement would be upon the entire labial faces of the central incisors, as the maximum force of contact of lips with teeth is at and near the median line, when the lips are alternately raised and depressed. The action of the tongue upon the labial faces of the teeth would be in a curved line passing across the labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth, beginning at the occluso- buccal portions of the first molars, and having its highest point at the necks of the central incisors. In the light of present knowledge, odd and isolated situations of areas of erosion can only be referred to localized gland affections ; the glands overlying the spots of erosion being alone affected. MORBID ANATOMY. It is evident that we have to do with a chemical solution of calcium salts as the only distinctive feature of this disorder ; the progress of the affection is essentially different from that of dental caries, in which chemical solution is but one fea*ture. It is difficult to reconcile two apparently contradictory conditions in connection with erosion. It is EROSIONS OF THE TEETH. 253 believed that only an acid snbstance can cause the decalcification, the molecular destruction of the enamel and dentin, and yet it is recognized that the application of an acid produces roughening of the tooth-sur- faces ; in erosion the surfaces are frequently highly polished. Fig. 220. Miller ' states that " eroded teeth preserve their polish upon calcining, which shows that the polish pertains to the inorganic constitu- ents of dentin." The general progress of the decalcification is as shown in Fig. 220. The enamel is first cupped out, usually in a transverse groove, which maintains its general form, increasing in depth and width until the dentin is ex- posed ; if the carious process be not grafted Fig. 221. General direction of stria? of Retzius. Cases of erosion of the lower anterior teeth (drawn from a cast prepared by E. D. Swain, of Chicago) : B, sil- houettes representing the loss of substance in five of the affected teeth : 1, right lateral incisor ; 2, right cen- tral; 3, left central; 4, left lateral; 5, left cuspid. The lines a, a, a, a, a show the po- sition of the margin of the gum. A line is drawn also to show the original form of the tooth. (Black.) upon erosion, the excavation does not mate- rially alter in form. The dentin when exposed is usually firm and polished, and in many cases assumes a translucent appearance, indicative of structural changes. The shape of the excavation in the enamel appears to bear a somewhat close relationship with the striae of Retzius. These striae (see Chapter VII.) are lines in the enamel which appear to represent an orderly, regular, and periodical deposit of pigment in the forming tissue, and their distribu- tion is of such character as to mark the size of the enamel-cap at different periods of its formation (Fig. 221). The presence of the pigmentary material, whatever it may be, leads to the inference that these lines in the enamel differ in some degree in chemical composition from the other portions of the tissue ; there is possibly, or probably, some degree of difference in the comparative solubilities of the pigmented and non- 1 Dental Cosmos, 1894, p. 269. 254 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. pigmented enamel. Color is lent this view if a careful examination be made of the form of the excavation in the early stages of a typical case .of erosion. The base of the eroded cavity appears to lie upon suc- cessive striae of the enamel. The decalcification appears to proceed inward until one of these striae is met, which, furnishing, an increased chemical resistance to the action of the decalcifying agent, causes the process of decalcification to proceed more rapidly along the lines between, the striae. Williams ^ has shown that the decalcification of enamel in caries finds lines of greatest chemical resistance in lines of enamel-strati- fication. It is possible that some of these lines irregularly situated may govern the direction which the erosive process may take ; but characteris- tically they appear first to be checked and directed by the striae. SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF EROSION. So far as the enamel is concerned, erosion can, of course, present no symptoms ; it can only exhibit signs, which are the excavations them- selves, their forms, and the characters of their walls. When the dentin becomes exposed an annoying hypersensitivity is occasionally observed. An examination of the lip will usually reveal the labial follicles to be enlarged ; and if the mucous membrane be dried, a strip of blue litmus paper laid over it, and the lip pressed, the contents of the follicles will be forced out. " If the test be made in the morning, before break- fast, the litmus will be reddened. This acid reaction is not marked during the day."^ The existence of erosion has become a valuable diagnostic sign for the general practitioner in his search for the nature of masked mala- dies from which patients frequently suffer. Obscure gout has been pointed out through dental indications alone, where the practitioner had before been baffled in his diagnosis. TREATMENT OF EROSION. The treatment of erosion divides itself under two heads : prophy- lactic and restorative ; the prophylactic is again divided into local and general treatment. The problem of eradicating the cause of the dis- order lies in a correction of the morbid glandular secretion. It is evident that if the irritation and altered secretion of these glands be due to some systemic cause, a disease of suboxidation, notably an affec- tion of the gout order, a cure of the local disturbance involves the cure of the underlying systemic cause. The eifect of an anti-gout regimen and anti-gout therapeusis upon the advance of the erosion has not been sufficiently tested or observed to furnish reliable data in this connection ; but so far as tests have gone ^ Dental Cosmos, 1897. ^ Truman. ENA3IEL-STAINS. 255 such treatment appears to lessen the formation of acid substances by the hibial glands. Brubaker (supra) has suggested tlie advisability of destroying these glands by means of the electrocautery, as a radical cure of the progress of erosion. Next in importance to the prevention of acid formation, is its neutralization. This implies the application of alkalies or the use of alkaline mouth-washes. The greatest production of acid occurring during the night, applications of adhesive masses of alkaline substances are made to the teeth at night. The principal of these is prepared chalk, calcium carbonate ; it is rubbed over the labial faces of the teeth and between them, before retiring. It remains in sufficient amount to neutralize any acid substances coming in contact with it. Excellent results as to the checking of the progress of the decal- cification are obtained from the use of magnesium hydrate ^ — pre- cipitated magnesium hydrate held in suspension in water, milk of magnesia. Kirk found that three hours after the use of a teaspoonful of the milk of magnesia that the saliva maintained an alkaline reaction. It is deposited in a film over the surfaces of the teeth, making an alkaline coating. It should be used freely before retiring at night. If the patient care to take sufficient trouble, it is an excellent practice to dry the labial faces of the teeth each evening and paint them with a solution of amber in chloroform. Restorative Treatment. — If the cavities of erosion are treated as cavities of decay, excavated and filled, it is found that the erosive process goes on around the edges of the fillings, leaving the latter projecting as metallic islands from the surfaces of the teeth. Many operators, deeming the insertion of gold fillings unwarrantable under the conditions, advocate and insert zinc-phospate fillings, replacing them as often as necessary. The filling-material itself undergoes a decomposition similar to that of the enamel, so that it becomes cupped out. Such fillings should be well polished and varnished. If the cavi- ties are of proper form, porcelain or glass inlays^ may be used with advantage. Like other fillings, they must be renewed when necessary. About the necks of the lower teeth the restorations are usually made with amalgam. Enamel-stains. Stains of the enamel are not to be confounded with deposits of deeply colored calculi, although there is no doubt some similarity in the chemi- cal conditions which bring about the discoloration in both instances. The nature and differences between these pigmentary deposits were first set forth by Miller,'^ but the questions involved are still sub judice. ^ Kirk, Dental Cosmos, 1893. ' See American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. 3 Denial Cosmos, 1894. 256 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. METALLIC STAINS. Copper. — Miller found that " workers in copper, brass, or bronze all presented a green stain upon the upper teeth, showing every shade of green and bluish-green up to bluish-purple. The latter color pre- dominated in rooms where phosphor-bronze was worked." Attention is called to the fact that " trumpeters very often show a discoloration of the teeth." Similar discolorations are sometimes noted in proximity to copper-amalgam fillings. The presence of copper was demonstrated in scrapings from some of the stained teeth, imparting a characteristic green color to a Bunsen flame. Iron. — " Workers in iron presented stains of a brownish color." As pointed out, " the green salts of iron under the conditions found in the mouth would become oxidized and brownish in color." The administra- tion of iron salts medicinally is believed to produce black discolorations, iron sulfid being formed. " Iron deposits are usual in the border-line between carious and normal dentin." It is usually believed that the brownish spots frequently seen in connection with incipient or arrested caries of the underlying enamel are due to the formation of iron salts. Manganese. — Manganese was found in the dark-colored deposits upon the teeth of herbivorous animals, but as yet not upon those of man. The investigators state " that alkaline saliva may be necessary to the production of these deposits." Mercury. — In cases of prolonged mercurial administration the deposits (black) upon the teeth may give the reaction for mercury. " If mercury and potassium iodid are given together, the green iodid of mer- cury might be present upon the teeth." It is probable in these cases that another discolorfng substance may form. There is in mercurialism more or less gingivitis ; the gums are swollen and spongy, bleeding readily. " More or less putrefactive decomposition of the albuminous matter present upon the teeth occurs, and hydrogen sulfid is formed. Reacting upon the oxyhsemoglobin of the blood, sulfo-methsemoglobin is formed — greenish-red in concentrated, green in dilute solutions." Miller ascribes the discoloration found in conditions of gingivitis from various causes, with lack of hygienic care, to a probable reaction between hydrogen sulfid and oxyhsemoglobin. Lead. — Hirt (quoted by Miller) found in cases of lead-poisoning dis- colorations upon the teeth : dark brown at the necks, light brown on the crowns, with sometimes a trace of yellowish-green. Miller's tests (limited in number) showed no lead reaction from the dental deposits in lead-poisoning. Nickel. — Some of the salts of nickel are green. " Metallic nickel attacked by fluids of the mouth and mixtures of bread and saliva pro- ENAMEL-STAINS. 257 duce greenish salts. The writer has seen the entire root of a tooth ^ con- taining a nickel rctaining-screw stained a uniform apple-green." Silver. — The dentin of pulpless teeth containing amalgam fillings is sometimes stained black, owing to the formation of silver sulfid, but as yet no silver deposits upon enamel have been detected. GREEN STAIN. This most common of green deposits upon enamel occurs upon both the temporary and the permanent teeth of young persons. The de])Osits usually have a crescentic form, are mainly upon the labial faces of the anterior teeth, and may be but a narrow line or may cover one-half the labial face. It is unusual for the deposits to extend far into the inter- proximal spaces, their tendency being to follow the edges of the proxi- mal surfaces. While green stain undoubtedly does form upon adult teeth (Figs. 222 and 223) where clearly the enamel-cuticle has long been Fig. 222. Fig. 223. Extension of green stain on the approximal sur- Extension of green stain on the lingual surface face of the incisors. (Miller.) of incisors. (Miller.) absent, it is only very common upon young teeth where remnants of Nasmyth's membrane persist about their necks. The color of these deposits varies from light green to greenish-black. If an instrument be passed over the portion of enamel affected, more or less roughness of the surface is evident. If the deposits are subjected to friction with abrasives, they disappear slowly and the enamel beneath is found roughened. This has led to the belief that these deposits cause decalcification of the enamel. It is found upon adult teeth that when an area of cervico-labial enamel has become roughened through slight decalcification, that green stain is likely to form upon the rough surface, if proper hygienic care be not exercised. It is also found that if the stain be removed by means of abrasives, the roughened enamel may be readily polished — /. e., the decalcification is very superficial. If cases be observed early enough in childhood, it will be noted that green stain is usually preceded by a lack of oral hygiene ; collections ^ Specimen in possession of E. C. Kirk. 17 258 AFFECTIONS OF THE ENAMEL. of food-debris are not removed from about the necks of the teeth, which implies that prior to the formation of green stain the affected enamel-surfaces have been subjected to the action of fermenting food- debris — that is, to acids. These facts have led to a general acceptance of the view that the roughness or decalcification has preceded the green deposits. " If teeth be placed in a 10 per cent, solution of hydrochloric acid, in from two to four minutes the enamel-cuticle begins to loosen, and in from five to ten minutes is isolated. It is found that the entire stain comes away with the cuticle." ^ Nature of Coloring'-inatter. — The coloring-matter is found to be insoluble in water, glycerin, alcohol, ether, chloroform, and oil of tur- pentine. Mineral acids, hydrochloric, nitric and nitro-hydrochloric, act but slowly upon the coloring-matter ; even hydrochloric acid requires some hours to completely destroy it. Tincture of iodin, commonly be- lieved to act as a solvent of green stain, was found to affect it but slightly. Both chlorin and nascent oxygen destroy the coloring-matter rapidly, the cuticles being bleached in a few minutes by a 10 per cent. solution of hydrogen dioxid. Thick, dark-green deposits were incom- pletely bleached after eight hours' immersion in the 10 per cent. HjOg solution, pointing to a lack of uniformity in the comjDosition of the stain. The belief that the green coloring-matter is chlorophyll is contra- dicted by the fact that it is not soluble in ether. So far as present evidence is possessed, the association of the green discoloration with sulfo-methsemoglobin, or some allied substance, is the most probable explanation. Furthermore, there is no evidence that green deposits stand in causative relation to enamel decalcification ; as pointed out, they are more probably deposits, following upon limited decalci- fication. Treatment of Enamel-stains. — The general modes of treating stain- ing of the dentin - are not of general application in the treatment of enamel-stains. The problem in the removal of metallic stains is to transform an insoluble metallic salt into a soluble one. The most fre- quent and most practicable course in dealing with metallic stains of the dentin is to form soluble chlorids through the action of nascent chlorin. Copper, nickel, and iron stains should be treated hx repeated and con- tinued washings with chlorin-water ; silver the same, or be acted upon by iodin tincture, forming soluble iodid, and so on ; but as all of these deposits, including green stain, are very superficial, the rational course of treatment is their mechanical removal by means of abrasives. A mixture of powdered pumice-stone and glycerin is used in conjunction ^ Miller, Ibid. ^ American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. ENAMEL SOLUTION. 259 with rapidly revolving; leather wheels, brushes, and rubber cups, until every vestige of the deposit has disappeared and the enamel surface is polished. Enamel Solution. Usually the first stage of dental caries consists of a solution of the calcium basis of the enamel ; the decalcification is a distinctive phase of dental caries, and will be discussed under that head. CHAPTER XII. DISEASES OF THE DENTIN. The dentin, as shown in Chapters VII. and VIII., is made up of a matrix of calcified tissue traversed by innumerable filaments or pro- cesses, which are vital protoplasmic prolongations of the peripheral cells of the pulp. The matrix of the dentin contains two distinct substances, one forming a thick and uniform coating about each tubule, so that the dentin is traversed by as many of the coatings or sheaths of Neumann as there are odontoblastic processes. In addition, the enclosing sheaths are united laterally with one another by a material akin to or identical with that forming the sheaths of Neumann. It is believed that the substance of these sheaths is a transitional product which, when fully calcified, becomes the basis-substance of dentin. Subjected to the action of acids, the material of Neumann's sheaths is foimd much more resistant than the basis-substance of dentin. The relation of dentin to the odontoblasts is that of a formed product. So far as disease-processes are concerned, the formed material of the dentin must play a passive part ; although this may and probably does not apply to the transitional substance, the sheaths of Neumann, as being but a partially formed tissue it is susceptible of constructive change. Disorders which involve constructive nutritive changes in the dentin can evidently be only associated with its vital parts, which are the dentinal filaments, prolongations of the peripheral cells of the pulp. It follows, therefore, that all nutritional changes which occur in the dentin are directly the result of a physiological or pathological process in the pulp ; and associated disease-conditions are not diseases of dentin, strictly speaking, but are diseases of the pulp. Classification. — What are termed diseases of the dentin, meaning diseases in which the structure of the dentin undergoes changes, are divisible into two classes — constructive diseases and destructive dis- eases. The constructive diseases in an accurate classification can only be those conditions in which formative structural changes occur about the dentinal tubuli. As transitional material exists, no doubt, also about the transverse as well as the longitudinal processes, and as partially calcified tissue probably occupies many of the interglobular spaces, at least the possibility must be assumed of a change which could affect all of this 260 SECONDARY DEPOSITS. 261 material — i. e., transform it from a partially to a completely calcified material. The formation of adventitious deposits of dentin or modified dentin on the surface or in the substance of the dental pulp is clearly a pro- cess to be included under the diseases of the pulp proper. The destructive diseases of the dentin are divisible, according to their causation, into, first, those due primarily to chemical action — erosion and caries ; secondly, those due to physical forces — abrasion ; thirdly, those due to vital causes — a resorption. In all of these the basis-substance of the dentin must be regarded as playing a passive part — it is a formed material being acted upon. Abrasion of the Dentin. The nature and character of abrasion of the teeth have been discussed under the head of affections of the enamel. Its progress is more rapid than is that of enamel abrasion. It is usually attended, particularly in cases of abrasion about the necks of the teeth, by an increase in the sensitivity of the dentinal fibrillse, and pulp reaction. Erosion of Dentin. The solution or destruction of dentin in the progress of erosion ap- pears to be much slower than its progress in enamel ; as in abrasion, a heightened sensitivity of the dentinal fibrillse is common. Secondary Deposits. It is noted in both abrasion and erosion, particularly if the progress of the affections be slow, that the dentin undergoes changes in appear- ance which are quite characteristic ; instead of having the semi-opaque- ness of the dentin, this tissue acquires a horn-like translucency. When the teeth are broken open it is common to find the pulp has receded from its position opposite the abrasion or erosion, the area of w^ithdrawal being occupied by a deposit of dentinal substance upon the wall of the pulp-cliamber. In cases of coronal abrasion the deposit may be uniform, reducing the size of the pulp-chamber at all aspects. It is the change from opacity to translucency which is the notable feature. This change is also noted normally in the dentin of aged persons. It has been emphasized by Miller^ that the opacity of the dentin is due to the differences between the light refractive index of the basis-substance of the dentin and that of the dentinal tubuli. Were both of these of uniform composition, the dentin would be translucent. It is a rational inference, therefore, that the nearer to a uniform composition the dentin attains the more translucent it becomes. Now, as it is ^ Micro-oryanisms of the Human Mouth. 262 DISEASES OF THE DENTINE. physiologically out of the question that the basis-substance or formed dentin should become identical with the contents of the dentinal tubuli, there is but one inference, which is, that the tubuli acquire the nature of the formed dentin. It is stated, in objection to this opinion, that if the dentin be acted upon by dilute acids, it becomes translucent. In this immediate connection Miller ^ noted that the zone of translucency (see Chapter XIV.) in dental caries was not caused by decalcification, as that portion of the dentin contained an excess of calcium salts. These facts are in themselves sufficient to indicate that the appearance of trans- lucency in dentin is due to changes which obliterate the dentinal tubuli ; inferentially which cause calcification in the sheaths of Neumann and a recession of the odontoblastic processes. As a matter of fact, the den- tinal tubuli certainly do normally decrease in calibre with age. Positive data are wanting as to the direct causes of the appearance of translucency and as to exactly how the translucent dentin differs from ordinary dentin in anatomical and chemical composition. From the examples cited, however, the evidence points to a constructive reac- tion of the protoplasmic portions of the dentin, to a continued stim- ulus ; it is a physiological defence of the pulp. It is an expression of cell-stimulation which evinces itself in a heightened functional activity — /. e., increased dentin-formation ; the hypersensitivity of the dentin is another evidence of increased functional activity. A similar or identical process is noted in connection with what is called the spon- taneous arrest of dental caries (see Chapter XIV.). Resorption of Dentin. Some of the features of this process will be discussed under the head of diseases of the pericementum, " resorption of the roots of permanent teeth." The normal resorption of the roots of the temporary teeth and the resorptions which occur upon the root-surfaces of implanted, replanted, or transplanted teeth, are a species of phagocytosis ; the tooth-tissue being removed piecemeal through the action of cells — odonto- clasts — which are in all probability modified leucocytes. A similar pro- cess is sometimes noted when the tissues about the gum-margin and the marginal pericementum are in a state of localized irritation or inflam- mation.^ In interdental spaces where large fragments of wooden tooth- picks have been broken off, there has been observed a deep erosion in the cementum and in the dentin of the tooth, the enamel apparently being unaffected. The appearances in no wise resemble those of caries. In one case such an accident as cited resulted in resorption of the lateral neck-walls of an upper cuspid and bicuspid, exposing the pulp-chamber in a few weeks. ^ Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth. ^ American Sijstem of Dentistry, vol. i. RESORPTION OF PULP-CHAMBER WALLS. 263 Black ^ speaks of the process as resulting from mild irritation of the soft tissues, stating that as soon as pus has formed the absorptive process ceases. These absorptions have been noted when the evidences of trau- matic injury were marked, there being, however, no evidences of pus- formation. These Avere, in all probability, cases of phagocytic reaction in which the dental tissues were secondarily involved. The exact nature of the solvent formed by the cell, which brings about the solution of hard tissues, is not known. Krause has suggested that it may be lactic acid. So far as the nature of the process can be made out, it is due to the action of multinucleated phagocytes, which attach themselves to any substance to be removed, bone, dentin, etc., and resorption follows. Resorption of Pulp-chamber Walls. GaskelP has reported a case where a central incisor entirely free from caries exhibited on its palatal aspect a pinkish tinge, which increased in depth until the enamel overlying crushed in, revealing the pulp of the tooth lying immediately beneath ; there had been a resorption of a large mass of the dentin lying between the pulp and the enamel. The pulp was removed and the tooth filled. No history is given as to the condition of the root, whether resorption had occurred there or not. Shortly after, the adjoining central incisor exhibited a like pink coloration, which increased, leading to the infer- ence that resorption was in progress in this tooth also. At the sugges- tion of E. C. Kirk the patient received continued doses of arsenic iodid and the compound syrup of the hypophosphites, in the hope of inducing a general and local constructive metamorphosis. This treatment was followed by a gradual disappearance of the pink coloration, an evidence of a redeposition of dentin. In the absence of histological data it is impossible to state just what was the nature of the repair-tissue in this case. ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, Phila., 1895. CHAPTER XII. (Continued). DENTAL CARIES. The last member of the group of destructive diseases of dentin is the all-important one of dental caries, the most universal of all diseases, and one from which but few civilized persons are entirely exempt. Definition. — Dental caries may be defined as a progressive molecu- lar destruction of the calcic tissues of the teeth, the first stage of which is a solution of the calcium salts by lactic acid ; the second, the dissolution of the organic matrix through the agency of saprophytic fungi. Defini- tions have varied according to the contemporary knowledge of the etiology and pathology of the disease ; the above is a pathological definition. History. — Examinations of crania show the disease to be certainly as old as semi-civilization, and when more data are obtainable it will, no doubt, be found even older. The skull of a mummy in the British Museum, dating 2800 B. C, exhibits well-marked caries and other dental diseases. Caries appears in the teeth of the skulls of all peoples, no matter what their degree of civilization, provided their dietary included cooked starchy foods. The explanations as to the nature of dental caries have undergone changes parallel with the advances of the. collateral sciences of surgery. In each age or generation theories as to the origin and natural history of dental caries have reflected the contemporary state and condition of the science of pathology ; with a modification of the theories of path- ology have come changes of conception as to the essential nature of the dental disorder. At the present time the etiology — at least the direct etiology — of dental caries constitutes one of the best examples in all medicine, of absolutely demonstrable scientific facts. In its indirect etiology, and in some features of its pathology and morbid anatomy, there is much left to be discovered ; although Miller has settled beyond doubt the question of its direct causation. Mil- ler's discoveries and demonstrations were, as all great discoveries in any field of science, the outcome, or an evolution from all that had gone before. Theories were partially formulated and set forth by pre- vious investigators, but it was he who furnished what science rigorously exacts from all her workers — direct and complete demonstration sub- stantiating a formulated theory. Investigations and opinions prior to the writings of John Hunter, interesting though many of them be, are necessarily purely speculative 264 HISTORY. 265 in nature, for the reason that before Hunter pathology bore but a faint resemblance to a science, as science is now understood. Hunter,^ while apparently inclined to classify dental caries with inflammatory disturb- ances, had sufficient doubt of such a position to note that caries began upon the outsides of teeth. The next English writers upon odon- tography, Fox and Bell, both regarded dental caries as an inflammatory- disturbance, Fox believing that the disease attacked first the " lining membrane " of the pulp-chamber, and that the dentin deprived of its source of nutrition died and disintegrated. BelF vigorously combated the theories of his predecessors, and set forth positively that caries always began upon the periphery of the dentin, maintaining that the white and colored spots upon enamel arose secondarily, and were evi- dences of underlying carious dentin. Also, that caries was dental gan- grene, and proceeded from the periphery toward the pulp. He believed that as soon as the pulp and crown were destroyed the caries ceased, and that the roots became of the nature of foreign bodies and were cast oflP. Until 1830 nearly all writers subscribed to a greater or less extent to the inflammatory theory of caries, which received its final blow in the observation that the natural crowns of teeth which had been mounted on plates decayed. The only vestige remaining at the present of a belief in the inflammatory theories of dental caries is the writings of Bodecker and Abbott, although their opinions have a broader founda- tion than those of the older observers mentioned. These theories may all be set aside, since it is recognized that dental caries proceeds in teeth whose dentin has been deprived of its source of nutrition. It occurs in pulpless teeth ; in human and other teeth mounted upon plates ; and, moreover, may be artificially produced out- side of the mouth. The next theory was radically different from the foregoing. In 1835 Robertson, of Birmingliam, England, advanced the opinion, based upon his observations, that it " is to chemical and not to inflammatory action that the destruction of the teeth must be attributed." The author points out forcibly the errors and fallacies of previous writers. He states that ^ " Particles of food retained in fissures and imperfections of the teeth and in the spaces between the teeth undergo a process of decomposition and acquire the property of corroding, disuniting, and therefore destroying the earthy and animal substances of which the teeth are composed." John Tomes, a little later, was the first to record microscopic exam- inations of carious dentin. He described the transparent zone lying ^ Practical Treatise on Diseases of the Teeth, 1778. 2 Bell on The Teeth, Phila., 1830. * Robertson, A Practical Treatise on the Human Teeth, 2d ed., Phila., 1839. 266 DENTAL CARIES. between the carious and non-carious dentin, and observed and pointed out also the dentinal fibrillse. He announced the very significant fact in relation to caries, that^ if blue litmus paper be applied to a carious cavity it is at once reddened, which furnishes evidence of the presence of an agent capable, if unresisted by the vitality of the dentin, of depriving the tissue of its earthy constituents, leaving the " gelatin to undergo a gradual decomposition favored by the heat and moisture of the mouth." Tomes first established the essentially chemical character of some features of caries. The character of the acid and its localization were, however, not ascertained. The electro-chemical theory of Bridgeman was the next hypothesis advanced ; from observation he noted that caries was more frequent in moist than in dry mouths, and that caries occurred more readily about some types of fillings than others. He believed that the tissues of the gum acted as the negative pole of a battery, the enamel of the tooth- crown as the positive element, and the fluid in which they were bathed as an electrolytic fluid. The difference in the electric potentiality of soft tissues and the tissues of the tooth-crown was deemed sufficient to supply the conditions of a battery. Acid substances being set free at the positive pole, acted as decalcifying agents. The source of the acid was not held to be from the electrolytic fluid, but formed by acid radicals set free from their combination with the calcium salts of the enamel. It will be seen that this theory is substantially the basis of the com- patibility theory of recurring caries. It has been maintained, principally by S. B. Palmer, that the cause of the recurrence of dental caries about dental fillings is due to the establishment of artificial electro-chemical relations ; the readiness with which the tooth-walls succumbed being governed by the extent of dif- ference of electric potentiality between filling-material and dentin. Recurrence of decay appeared to occur most readily about gold fillings, less so about tin, and least about gutta-percha, the explanation given being that the difference of electric potentiality is greatest between gold and dentin, and least between dentin and gutta-percha. The fluids of dentin, called of poor structure, were regarded as electrolytic in a bat- tery of which one element was the filling and the other the dentin ; the moisture of the dentin being electrically decomposed, oxygen (and acids) were set free, Avhich acted as the destructive agents. These opin- ions, set forth by Palmer in 1874, were reiterated by him in 1894.^ Miller'^ examined these assumptions, and reported a long series of experiments relative thereto. He states that as dentin is a non- conductor it cannot form an element of a battery ; the fluid with 1 Dental Surgery, 1859. ^ Dental Cosmos, Nov., 1894. =* Tbid., 1881. HISTORY. 267 which dentin is permeated is, however, a conductor. " It is always possible to produce an electric current by means of two liquids and one metal, provided that both liquids are conductors, communicate freely with one another, and act differently upon the metal. Hence, an amalgam or tin filling in a tooth with the saliva upon one side and the fluids of the dentin upon the other would produce a stronger current than with gold." " Living dentin is a better conductor than dead ; hence in such case metal fillings should fiiil sooner in contact with vital than with dead dentin." " Assuming that for the production of an electric element it is only necessary that one of them be more easily acted upon chemically than the other; enamel and dentin, dentin and cementum, are such substances ; hence a tooth is a galvanic battery when in contact with saliva." Pieces of ivory and dentin, having the different filling materials inserted in them, were suspended in dilute acid for periods of weeks, and at the end of that time all were found aflFected by the acid in about equal degree ; had electrolytic currents been generated between the metals and dentin the latter would have been acted upon more vigor- ously in some cases than in others. Prior to this time the chemical theory of dental caries had received general acceptance, the question of the origin of the acids being still in doubt. Before 1868 ^George Watt had advanced the mineral-acid theory : that decay is caused by the action of mineral acids (nitric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric), generated in the mouth, upon the calcic tissues of the teeth. Watt, using the older chemical nomenclature, ascribes the origin of sulfuric acid to be from H^S generated in putre- factive processes ; it is acted upon by oxygen ; sulfur is set free, which in a nascent state combines with oxygen, forming sulfur dioxid, in the pres- ence of the watery saliva becoming SO3 (old nomenclature), sulfuric acid. " Hydrochloric acid may be free in the mouth, or may result from the decomposition of chlorids. Chlorin is set free, which, combining with hydrogen, forms HCl." ^ Nitric acid was held to be formed from the ammonia produced in the process of organic decomposition ; decomposed by the action of oxygen, nitrogen oxids are formed, one of them being nitric acid. The physical appearance of the carious dentin was held to be due to the offending acid ; if " sulfuric acid, black decay was produced ; if nitric, white decay ; hydrochloric acid producing the yellow and brown decay." ^ It is natural that in the country of Pasteur the organic acids and the sources of their origin in fermentation should be advanced as the possible causes of tooth-decalcification. Magitot pointed out that the 1 Chemical Essays, 1868. ^ Ibid. » Ibid. 268 DENTAL CARIES. essential phenomena of caries, as they were then understood, were the same in natural teeth mounted upon plates as in the natural organs in situ ; proving that caries is intrinsically independent of the existence of vitality. By immersing teeth in solutions of sugar undergoing fer- mentative changes he found that decalcification occurred. Teeth immersed in solutions of sugar in which fermentation had been pre- vented by boiling the solution and sealing, or by additions of sufficient carbolic acid, remained unaffected. Leber and Rottenstein, in 1867, first called attention to the probable causative association of bacteria with some phases of dental caries. By staining carious dentin with iodin the dilated dentinal tubules were shown to be filled with granular bodies, which they recognized as bacteria, identifying but one of the many forms of oral bacteria — the leptothrix. They deemed an initial exposure of dentin a necessary pre- liminary to the invasion and growth of the leptothrix, which in condi- tions of lessened resistance gained access to the tubules and in some undescribed manner caused their dilatation. The question of the recognition of the presence of bacteria directly resolves itself into the subject of special staining. Prior to the work of Koch, presented in 1881, no means of isolating specific bacteria by special cultures and staining were known, and it is remarkable that in the same year the essential features of dental caries were first made out with some degree of clearness. Milles and Underwood (World's Medical Congress, 1881) point out clearly and at length the different appearances produced by simple decalcification of dentin and those by dental caries. Speaking of Magitot's experiments, they say : " We assume that two factors have always been in operation : (1) the action of acids, and (2) the action of germs. When caries occurs in mouths it is always under circumstances more favorable to the action of germs than to the action of acids." They believed that the acids necessary for the decalcification were excreted by the germs, which utilized the dentinal fibrill* as a food-supply. It will be seen that the invasion and multiplication of organisms in the tubuli were held as the antecedent of the process of decalcification. The deductions of these gentlemen were drawn from data not derived from the methods of modern bacteriology- — i. e., special stains and special cultures. Moreover, they were made before the physiological chemistry of bacteria was even partially understood. In 1882 W. D. Miller, of Berlin, announced as the results of experi- ments conducted by him that he believed the first stage of dental caries to consist of a decalcification of the tissues of the teeth by acids which are for the greater part generated in the mouth by fermentation. This, it will be seen, is a position in agreement with that of Leber and Rotten- HISTORY. 269 stein, rather than with that of Milles and Underwood. Miller's experi- ments^ carry conviction with them. Experiment 1. — Fresh saliva, mixed with starch (1 :40) and kept at blood-temperatnre, invariably became acid in from four to five hours. Experiment 2. — A glass tube, 2 cm. long and 3 mm. wide, was filled with starch and fastened to a molar tooth on going to bed ; the next morning the contents of the tube had a strong acid reaction. Experiment 3. — When mixture was heated for half an hour at 100° C. and placed in an incubator it did not become acid in twenty-four hours. Experiment 4. — AVhen the starch alone was heated to 150° before mixing, the solution became sour ; hence the ferment exists in the saliva, and not in the starch. Experiment 6. — Carbolic acid was added to saliva and starch mix- ture to ^ per cent, strength, and put in an incubator : when tested in a few hours no acid was found, but sugar was in solution. Expjeriment 7. — A mixture of saliva and grape-sugar was subjected to a temperature of 67° C for twenty minutes (which destroys ptyalin, but cannot destroy organized ferments), and placed in an incubator for twenty hours : the solution became acid, hence the fermentation was caused by an organized ferment. Experiment 8. — Several drops of a solution of starch and saliva (1 : 40) were put in each of several sterilized test-tubes and sterilized. One tube was used as a control. One tube was infected with carious dentin : in twenty hours the solution was acid. From this tube a second tube was infected ; from the second a third, and so on : each became acid — /. e., an organized and reproductive ferment, producing acid, was contained in deep layers of carious dentin. Other experiments demonstrated the fungus to be independent of the free access of oxygen for its development. Infections by saliva of the above named mixture made before and after a vigorous cleansing of the teeth showed that the amount of acid produced after cleansing was often not more than one-fourth that produced by the saliva before cleans- ing the teeth. Cultures from the deeply infected dentin showed the growth of organisms (Fig. 224) identical in form with the bacillus acidi lactici. Grown upon carbohydrates, acid solutions were produced ; grown upon beef-extracts without carbohydrates, no acid reaction took place. Sections of sound dentin were placed in 5 c.c. of a neutralized 2 per cent, solution of beef-extract. In a second test-tube similar sections were placed in the same solution with the addition of 0.2 per cent, of cane-sugar ; both were sterilized, and then infected with a pure culture of the fungus under discussion. After weeks the first tube gave no acid ^ Independent Practitioner, 1884-'8o. 270 DENTAL CARIES. Fig. 224. Fungi from carious dentin. (Miller reaction, and the dentin sections gave no evidence of softening. In the second tube, that containing the cane-sugar, all of the sections were entirely softened within three weeks, and stained sections, mounted, showed the tubes to be invaded by organisms and dilated, in some places the walls being broken down, forming caverns. By inducing and checking fermen- tation after a mixture of saliva and starch had acquired an acid reaction, filtering, and accumulating the filtered acid solution until a litre had been obtained. Miller sought to determine the nature of the acid present. Its volume was reduced over a water- bath to 75 c.c. ; a few drops placed in a dilute solution of methyl-violet produced no change — i. e., the acid is organic. Concentrated over the bath to 40 c.c, the solution was next shaken with one and one-half to two litres of ether, and allowed to stand until the ether became trans- parent ; this was then distilled until the volume was reduced to 50 c.c. The filtered solution was further reduced over the water-bath. An ex- cess of freshly prepared zinc oxid was added, the solution boiled, and water added until the reaction became neutral. Filtered again, the solution was set aside until crystallization occurred ; a drop placed upon a slide under the microscope showed the forms (Fig. 225) of crystals of zinc lactate. By testing the molec- ular weight of the washed and dried crystals it was determined clearly that the substance was zinc lactate. Miller obtained lactic acid from carious dentin directly. The carious dentin of seve- ral freshly extracted teeth was freed from food-debris, cut in fine pieces, placed in a test- tube with 1 c.c. of water, and 2 drops of a 10 per cent, solution of hydrochloric acid added. Twenty-five c.c. of ether were then added and after some minutes the ether holding the lactic acid present in solu- tion was poured off and left standing in a test-tube twenty-four to forty- eight hours, until the solution was clear. Filtered and evaporated, a few drops of distilled water and zinc oxid were added : crystals recognizable as those of zinc lactate formed. The character of the infecting organisms is shown in the following Fig. 225. HISTORY. 271 manner "a beef-sugar extract is infected from the deep layers of carious dentin ; the solution is kept free from extraneous organisms and at a temperature of 37° C. The solution clouds in a few hours ; in fifteen hours the fermentation will have reached its most active state ; the solu- tion soon after begins to clear, and a flocculent colorless precipitate collects as a sediment upon the bottom of the vessel. The sediment consists of cocci and micrococci, single or in chains (Fig. 226)." These Fig. 226. / *_ /) /I n V \^ " '^ '^0>., fungi cause the direct splitting up of sugar without the formation of carbon dioxid, CgHigOg, a molecule of glucose, forming 2C3H6O3, or two molecules of lactic acid. The fungi have the power of inducing hydration of non-fermentable cane-sugar, converting it into fermentable levulose and dextrose — Cane-sugar. Levulose. Dextrose. Miller at this time deduced from his studies that the nature of the carious process is as follows : " Whenever solutions of sugar (nearly always present in the human mouth) stagnate in fissures between the teeth, etc., they must become acid. The acids gaining access to the dentin decalcify a portion of that tissue ; the tubules of the decalcified dentin take up the solutions of sugar and organisms which develop independent of the access of air. Flourishing they produce lactic acid within the tubules. As each layer of dentin becomes softened in time, the micro- organisms follow after, continually producing new acid." The same observer has added much to this basal doctrine since his original publication, which matter is considered under appropriate heads. The discoveries set forth are the demonstrations which con- vinced the dental fraternity that the essential character of the carious process had at last been made out. There are matters relative to the 272 DENTAL CARIES. etiology, pathology, and clinical history of caries which still require elucidation. Williams ^ has supplied a missing link in the pathology and mor- bid anatomy of caries by demonstrating the details of caries of enamel. Black ^ has exploded several fallacious ideas previously held as to the etiology and clinical history of caries, and paved the way for a better understanding of the predisposing causes and variations of the active causes of dental caries. Some of the features of the morbid anatomy of dental caries, as shown by Miller, have been expounded by Heitzmann, Bodecker, and Abbott, who represent the contemporary school of believers in the in- flammatory origin of dental Caries. The substance of the opinions of these gentlemen is that dental caries consists in a return of the dentin to its embryonic condition. The observation that dental caries may be artificially produced and occurs in dead dentin, exhibiting the same features as ordinary carious dentin, is, of course, the death-blow to this, inflammatory theory. 1 Dental Cosmos, 1897. ^ Ibid., 1895. CHAPTER XIII. DENTAL CARIES: ITS CAUSES AND CLINICAL HISTORY. The causes of deutal caries are both predisposino^ and exciting. Each of these again may be subdivided into general and local. Exciting Causes. Although it is usual to discuss the predisposing causes of a particu- lar disease before passing to a description of its exciting causes, the predisposing causes of dental caries are made more clear when the nature of its exciting causes is first understood. It has been demonstrated (see Chapter XII.) beyond reasonable doubt that the direct exciting cause of dental caries is lactic acid. A discussion of the exciting causes, therefore, involves the full consid- eration of the conditions of lactic fermentation in the human mouth. This includes two factors : first, the substances out of which lactic acid is formed ; and, second, the organisms which cause the trans- formation. Lactic acid is formed out of — /. e., requires for its production the presence of — substances identical with, or which are under the conditions of the mouth converted into, glucose, C^I{^2^^^' These are the three groups of carbohydrates — glucoses, CgHjaOg, saccharoses, CigHjjOn, and amyloses, CgH,,,©,. Those most common in the human dietary are grape-sugar or dextrose, and fruit-sugar or levulose, in the glucose group ; cane-sugar in the saccharose group ; starch, cellulose, and gum in the amylose group. Cane-sugar becomes converted by hydration into the two fermentable carbohydrates levulose and dextrose, both having the same composition, CgHigOg. This hydration is brought about by the action of organized ferments, such as ptyalin and amylopsin, which convert starch into glucose, CgH,A^H,0 = CgH,A- starch Glucose. In order to effect the localized and persistent fermentation of car- bohydrates necessary for the production of dental caries, the question of lodgement of ferments and fermentable materials is all important. 18 273 274 DENTAL CARIES. Given points of lodgement (see Predisposing Causes of Caries) with the presence of fermentable material, the next factor is the existence and proliferation of the ferment. Soluble carbohydrates, as cane-sugar (saccharose), lactose, and glucose, soluble in saliva, have their solutions carried into all spaces in and about the teeth ; and if ferments be pres- ent, organized ferments as bacteria, the solutions furnish a food-supply to these organisms. Insoluble or but partially soluble carbohydrates, on the other hand, alter the conditions. The eifects of the general oral dis- tribution of soluble carbohydrates may be seen in the mouths of con- fectioners, who work amid sugar, in which evidences of general fer- mentation — the widespread decalcification of enamel and dentin — are observed. The same eifects are apparent in children who are allowed to use sugars unstintedly. Perfectly soluble carbohydrates are, however, in the majority of cases washed away by currents of saliva, and are in all proba- bility removed almost entirely from about the teeth under normal conditions. On the contrary, insoluble carbohydrates, as solid sub- stances, are not washed away, except mechanically, unless they are transformed into soluble substances and are in situations where they can be subjected to the irrigating force of the saliva. It is with these substances that the process of caries is probably most directly asso- ciated. Caries, as has been pointed out, is not entirely a disease of civiliza- tion ; some savage and barbarous races are aifected, and ancient races have also been affected. It is, however, largely a disease of civilization and semi-civilization ; so that the causes of its prevalence are to be sought for in the artificial environment of civilization. A notable difference between civilized and uncivilized races is in food-habit ; in this connection, the food-habit as regards carbohydrates is referred to. Judging from the data thus far presented by dental ethnologists, the barbarous and semi-civilized races which suffer from dental caries appear to be those whose dietary includes cooked starches. Starches in a raw state, in uncooked vegetables, are combined with fibrous vegetable tissue, the starch being enclosed iu capsules of cellu- lose. The starch is not in condition to agglutinate ; its containing structures crushed by the teeth, set free some of the starch-particles, which are mechanically separated from one another ; these particles, acted upon by the ptyalin of the saliva, are hydrated, becoming glucose. The masses are in large part or wholly washed away by the saliva and mechanically carried away by the vegetable cellulose of plant-skins, etc. By cooking, the cellulose-coverings of the starch-particles are burst ; the starch-particles are set free and collect in glutinous masses, which when taken as food are in condition to collect and remain in spaces. PREDISPOSINO CAUSES. 275 fissures, etc., where, being acted upon by ptyuliu, glucose is formed, furnisliing localized fermentable masses. There is another important consideration in this connection : many food-substances, notably fats, are taken at a temperature at which they are wholly or nearly fluid ; when taken into the mouth the reduction of temperature and other conditions lead to their collection on, around, and between the teeth, which collections not only undergo changes themselves, but servx' as a retaining medium for other debris. The second factor in fermentation, the first being the fermentable material, is the ferment itself. The conditions of the human mouth, under normal circumstances containing food-debris, an abundance of water, dead tissue, and a constant temperature, are such as to permit the growtli of numerous micro-organisms. Variations in the conditions present favor or deter the development of some forms. Until the physiology of all the oral bacteria is clearly made out, the nature of the conditions favorable or deterrent to the active growth of definite forms can be but partially understood. One essential to the growth of the lactic ferment or ferments is of tolerably constant presence in the mouth, and yet the extent, nature, and rajiidity of progress of dental caries vary widely in diiferent individuals and apparently in different teeth of the same individual, and at different times in the same person. This leads to the inference that there are conditions which fiivor the growth of lactic ferments, and others which check it. Noting the association of the rapid progress of dental caries with general disease-states, it is inferred that these latter establish oral conditions which modifv the growth of the lactic ferment. Again, in the absence of evident general disturbances, it is believed that local oral conditions which favor growth are established and disappear. Predisposing Causes. Conditions are noted which appear to bear a constant relationship to the progress of dental caries ; when these conditions exist caries is liable to occur, and when they are absent it is usually slight or ab- sent. These conditions are both general and local. Many of them, as just pointed out, are veiled in obscurity, and we have at present no means or data for determining the scope of their action. For example, why a denture almost free from caries for thirty years or more should suddenly fall a victim to the disease, in the absence of any change in the food-habit or any local anatomical changes, and with no ap]>arent alteration in general nutrition, is beyond our knowledge. It is rational, however, to infer that conditions are present which favor the unusual development of the lactic ferment. The problem is one which belongs in the category of pathological chemistry of the cells of the entire body. 276 DENTAL CARIES. GENERAL PREDISPOSING CAUSES. There are certain conditions in which caries is almost certain to increase. The most constant of these is pregnancy. Not only does' caries increase in extent during gestation, but the rapidity of its prog- ress is markedly increased. In many of the cases there is a notable change in the dietary of the individual and commonly a lack of the usual hygienic care, which serve to explain the increase of caries. In the absence of these causes, it is evident that the explanation must be found in one of two conditions, or in a combination of them. Either attack must be increased, or resistance lessened, or both occur con- currently. The question of resistance is the resistance of the tissues of the teeth. It has been stated and maintained that during gestation there is a lessening of the calcium salts of the teeth, the reason being that calcium salts are robbed from the tissues of the mother to suj)ply the tissues of the foetus, and that the dentin suffered as do the bones of the body. The enamel being a non-vital tissue, of course could not be affected, although even decalcification of this tissue has been held to occur as part of the inverted nutrition. The mechanism through which resorption occurs is not set forth by believers in this doctrine. This process might act in one of two ways ; vital cells, of course, being a necessity for the hypothetical process. The odontoblasts upon their surfaces and in their filaments must be the medium through which the retrograde metamorphosis is accomplished, or else the usual resorptive cells must be the active agents — multinucleated odontoclasts. I^s^ow, as it is never maintained that the matrix itself loses its form, it is evident that the cells must then cause resorption through the dentin-substance. A solvent must be formed capable of abstracting the calcium salts from the dentin, and capable of acting through the thickness of the trans- formed matrix. The calcium salts taken up by the odontoblasts, or odontoclasts, must pass through them, to be taken up by the veins. It was also held that after the period of lactation a redeposition of cal- cium salts occurred which restored the original composition of the dentin The mode of formation of dentin and the character of its nutrition are in themselves sufficient to set aside any such hypothesis as the above. In addition, Black has shown ' that there is no evidence to support a belief in the lessening of the amounts of calcium salts of the teeth during pregnancy, so that the matter of calcium resorption during pregnancy meets the fate of the inflammatory theory of caries. It may be mentioned, in addition, that pulpless teeth appear to break down rapidly in the caries of pregnancy, and as there could not by any ^ Denial Co,^mo% 1895. PREDISPOSING CAUSES. 277 possibility be a retrograde metamorphosis of dead dentin, the amount of calcium salts in the tissue could not be a factor. The remaining factor for consideration is the condition of the vital parts of the dentin. To what extent the condition of tlie dentinal filament is an element modifying the progress of dental caries is not made out. Do variations in the physiological condition of these proto- plasmic filaments influence and modify the progress of dental caries? In many or most of the cases of outbreaks of caries it is difficult or impossible to disassociate an increase in the local causes of caries. In pregnancy, in such debilitating diseases as typhoid fever and tuberculosis, and in other wasting disorders, there is unquestionably an increase of dental caries, with an increased rapidity of progress. It is this element of the comparative rapidity of the carious process which leads to the inference that the condition of the vital parts of the dentin is a govern- ing or modifying factor. Caries not being solely a chemical process, the solution of the calcium salts being but one phase of it, and the disorganization of the dentin-matrix another, it remains to be deter- mined what rdle the dentinal protoplasm plays. It succumbs during the progress of caries, and probably, like all protoplasm, offers its vital resistance to the action of irritants. Since it, as other proto- plasm, is profoundly aifected by the conditions of general nutrition, does it offer a lessened resistance to the carious process? 'Clinical records appear to indicate that it does. Being at the extreme peripheral nutritive zone, its power of resistance would be likely to be much less than that of more freely nourished parts, those having a vascular system. Similar conditions appear to prevail in the aneemic and leukfemic states. It is notorious that caries runs a riotous course in diabetic patients (glycosuria); the formation of lactic acid in the mouths of these patients is abundant and widespread. Among the important general predisposing causes of dental caries must be placed heredity. Unquestionably the children of parents whose teeth have succumbed readily to dental caries are prone to be aflFected in a similar manner. Moreover, in many of these cases local conditions (environment) are not sufficient to account for the lessened resistance ; the evidence points to a general condition underlying the dental vulnerability. LOCAL PREDISPOSING CAUSES. What are termed the local predisposing causes of dental caries are much more evident than the general ; they include, first, variations in the structure, arrangement, and forms of the teeth, together with other local anatomical and physiological variations ; they are not actual causes, 278 DENTAL CARIES. but favoring conditions. The variations of structure are macroscopic and microscopic, and, no doubt, variations in the chemical organization of the dental tissues also have a part. Any variation of structure which furnishes a space in which fermentable material can find lodge- ment is included under this head. The first of these includes fissures of the enamel ; these are lines of faulty enamel-formation, marking the bases of the cusp-segments of the teeth. Their capability of acting as elements of predisposition is in proportion to their depth and extent. They are most marked, as a rule, in the lower molars, next in the upper molars and bicuspids ; next in the lower bicuspids. Pits are another favorable lodgement-place for debris ; these are found most frequently at the bases of the enamel-girders of the upper incisors, at the ex- tremities of the sulci of bicusjDids, and at the bases of the anterior cusps of the upper molars, and marking the extremity of the buccal sulci of the lower molars. Many of these enamel-defects are so slight as to require the use of high-poAver objectives to discover them,^ and yet are sufficiently large to furnish lodgement for masses of bacteria. There is another feature which calls for consideration : for some time after the full eruption of the teeth, fragments of the partially calcified structure known as Nasmyth's membrane are attached to the teeth and occupy the depths of pits and sulci ; they, no doubt, furnish lodgement for ferments and fermentable material. If gross or even minute defects in enamel leave the dentin exposed at some point or points, the carious process is correspondingly favored. There are differences in the structure of the dentin which influence the rapidity and nature of the carious process. The existence of intra- globular spaces permits the quick progress of the disease. Differences of anatomical organization of the dentin itself also appear to affect the resistance offered by this tissue. Chemical analysis of the calcium constituents of dentin, enamel, ce- mentum, and bone shows the mineral basis of these tissues to be prob- ably a phosphato-carbonate of calcium (P04)6Ca,oC03 or 3((P04)2Ca3)- CaCOg; that is, saturated calcium phosphat-carbonate in a combina- tion which corresponds to apatite (P04)gCaiori2.^ This mineral sub- stance and dentin and enamel, all show different rates of solubility in dilute acids, the mineral substance being most soluble. In animal tissues the calcium salts are combined with an albuminous bases ; the nature of the union and the chemical composition of the "calcium albuminate" have not been made out. Williams^ has shown that in the enamel there are two substances which differ in relative solubilities ; hence it is a natural inference that although both may have the same 1 Williams, Dental Cosmos, 1897. ^ Miller. ^ Dental Cosmos, 1895. PEEDISPOSING CAUSES. 279 chemical composition they differ as to the molecular arrangement of their constituents. The human teeth, as shown by Black/ do not exhibit sufficient vari- ations in chemical composition to account for the differences observed in their decalcification during dental caries. As emphasized, " the variations in the amounts of salts in the deutin are not enough to explain their variations in hardness." ^ The hardness and solubility of dentin not being governed by the amount of calcium salts present, the differences of solubility must be looked for in the nature of the union between the calcium salts and the albuminous base ; that is, it is a question of anatomical organization of the formed product of the dental tissues. " In the case of a chemical union between the organic and inorganic constituents of a tooth we should expect to find the dentin hard or soft according as the union is firm or unstable." ^ The hardness or softness of teeth, the amount of calcium salts they contain, or even their anatomical alterations, cannot, as shown by Black, prevent the advent or progress of dental caries, although they undoubtedly do modify its character and rate of progress. The forces of attack being equal, a poorly organized and badly formed tooth will succumb sooner than one perfectly formed and of com- pletely organized tissues ; this law is constant in all biology. Of course, such gross malformations as areas of dentin marred by lack of enamel-formation — honeycombed teeth — offer an inviting field for dental caries ; and yet in some cases such spaces may permanently escape caries. If the active causes of dental caries fail to assert them- selves, the predisposing causes signify little or nothing. However, as the active causes of dental caries are of almost universal distribution, it is rare that such tissue as described escapes. Faults of Form. — The outward forms of the teeth determine in a marked degree their vulnerability to dental caries, viewed both as to the separate forms, a lesser consideration, and, secondly, to the influ- ence that form exercises upon the contact relationships of the teeth. Teeth of faultless histological structure may invite the carious pro- cess if the pits and depressions which lie between the cusps are of un- usual depth. Teeth of this description are, as a rule, broad upon the occlusal faces as compared with their cervical widths ; hence in the dental arch, if the arrangement be normal, each tooth is separated from its fellow at the neck by a V-shaped interspace. Provided such teeth do not acquire roughened enamel-surfaces from the action of acids, locally generated, or administered medicinally, these spaces are generally kept free by the fluids of the mouth, which flow freely between the buccal and lingual cavities. If, however, the molar teeth are cuboidal 1 Dental Cosmos, 1897. ^ ]\iiiier. 3 Miller. 280 DENTAL CARIES. in fornij the bicuspids laterally flattened cylinders, and the incisors and cuspids rectangular in section, the approximal spaces have not the V-shaped and natural self-cleansing forms, but exhibit broad contact- surfaces, between which debris collects and is not removed by the saliva and the movements of the lips, cheeks, and tongue. The fibrous stems of vegetables and meat-fibres also tend to free the teeth from foreign matters ; raw vegetables, such as celery, and tough, fibrous meats per- form a useful service in this direction. Arrangement of the Teeth. — No matter what the forms and struc- ture of the teeth, if they be arranged in such a manner that uncleansible spaces are formed between adjoining teeth, a predisposition to caries is created. When, through the loss of a tooth, adjoining teeth so alter their positions that the natural cleansing agencies of the mouth are inactive, predisposition to caries is established. Teeth which have lost their antagonists are particularly prone to accumulate debris. This is marked in cases where several teeth, as the lower molars, have been lost ; their antagonists become the seat of food-debris deposit and of salivary calculi, and sooner or later suiFer from degeneration of the pericementum. Other Local Predisposing Causes. — The relative position of the anterior borders of the masseter muscle with the teeth, is in some indi- viduals far forward, forming about the buccal surfaces of both upper and lower third molars a cavity partially marked oif from the gen- eral buccal cavity. These spaces are but little affected by the irriga- tion of the saliva, and are out of reach of the tip of the tongue ; hence food-ddbris is likely to collect along the cervico-buccal margins of the teeth. If the frsenum of the tongue has its attachment abnormally near the tip, the organ is limited in its normal office ; its sweep is not sufficiently free, so that not only is there difficulty in mastication, but a lessening of tongue-cleansing of the teeth, a double cause for the accumulation of debris. Alterations in the character of the salivary and oral secretions may predispose to caries. It is questionable whether the saliva itself, as contained in the acini of the salivary glands, is ever of acid reaction, but it is certain that it is usually acid in reaction as found in the oral and buccal cavities. The mucous glands of the lips in condi- tions of irritation produce an acid secretion. The general distribution of acid in the fluids of the mouth would first exercise an influence as a general decalcifying agent, producing roughness or at least loss of polish of the enamel-surfaces, which would invite caries by affording lodgement for food-debris. In mouths showing an acid reaction of the saliva it is common to find a ropy appearance of the fluid, particu- CLINICAL HISTORY OF CARIES. 281 larly on the floor of the mouth. Mucin is precipitated by lactic acid, presumably the offending substance in acid saliva, and while no doubt the part played by the coagulated or partially coagulated mucin is in the formation of calculous deposits, yet coagula aid in the retention of food-debris. In the same manner, catarrhal conditions of the mouth have a part in the production of caries. In these cases there is an increased secretion of mucin, which acts when coagulated in the manner stated. Clinical History of Caries. The clinical history of dental caries records the observable phenomena associated with its inception, progress, and termination. INCEPTIOX OF caries. Caries usually begins upon the occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth, because here are usually found those defects of structure named under the head of predisposing causes of caries. In general terms, caries begins in situations which afford the most marked predisposition to it. Fig. 227. Fig. 228. Fig. 229. Fig. 230. Fig. 231. Fig. 232. Fig. 233. Fig. 234. Fig. 235. Fig. 236. Fig. 237. Fig. 238. Fig. 239. Fig. 240. *' The situations in which caries appears are conveniently divided under four heads : (1) pits, grooves, and fissures of the enamel ; (2) proximal surfaces ; (3) smooth surfaces which from any cause are habitually unclean ; (4) necks of the teeth, at or near the junction of tlie cement or enamel " (Black). Caries appears more frequently in the permanent first molars than in any other teeth. Erupted at the ages of from five and one-half to seven and one-half years, these teeth are in position before any of the temporary teeth are lost ; they are longer subjected to the attacks of 282 DENTAL CARIES. caries-producing conditions, are present before the patient has learned to vohintarilj care for the teeth, and, in addition, usually present enamel-faults or configurations which aid in the retention of food-debris. At this period it is unusual for the dietary to contain the substances- ■which act as mechanical cleansers, or for the child to masticate with sufficient vigor to aid this end. The lower first molars are usually affected before the upper, the latter showing caries at a later period (Figs. 227 and 228). The upper incisor teeth, erupted next, do not, as a rule, exhibit marked evidences of caries so soon as the permanent second molars, erupted years after, although they are usually affected before the bicus- pids. The lower anterior teeth are the last of all to be affected, and it is common to see the six lower anterior teeth free from caries years after all of the other teeth have been lost. This is attributable to the constant washing these teeth receive from the saliva and 'to the mechanical effects of tongue- and lip-movement and mastication. If a deep basilar pit exist, as it frequently does, upon the lingual sur- face of the upper lateral incisor (Fig. 238), it marks this tooth for an early victim. The approximal surfaces of the incisors offer inviting condi- tions. It will be remembered that the disto-approximal Myalls of the upper incisors are much more rounded than the mesio-approximal walls ; hence these flattened surfaces afford a more ready lodgement for d6bri& than the others. In the upper lateral incisors the mesial wall has fre- quently a depressed form, inviting the beginning of caries (Fig, 240). The upper bicuspid teeth are next in point of vulnerability. If enamel-fissures exist upon the occlusal surfaces, they become the seat of the disease (Fig. 231) ; the pits marking the sulci-extremities of these teeth usually exhibit caries first. Even in the absence of these defects, the upper bicuspids are affected next in point of frequency, the nature of the contact between the bicuspids, and between bicuspids and first molars furnishing the lodgement for debris. It is usual to find caries affect the distal surface of the upper central incisor some time after the disease makes its appearance on the mesial surface of the adjoining lateral incisor (Figs. 235 and 236). For a period the rounded surface is kept clean, but rarely escapes infection for long. The mesial walls of the first molars are affected next in point of fre- quency, particularly if the distal wall of the second bicuspid have pre- viously become carious. If the occlusal faces of the lower bicuspids have defects of structure — pits, or in the second bicuspids fissures — they become affected (Fig. 232) ; but in point of usual occurrence the mesial surfaces of the cuspids appear to succumb next. The somewhat flattened surface in contact with the rounded distal wall of the lateral incisor may invite the condition, or infection may occur after the appearance of caries in the CLISICAL HISTORY OF CARIES. 283 Fig. 241. \^ -->. o n S >2 « O ■■.% '" (V 3rd. OLj^R ^ ^ 2Na. Molar ~s /^ M ST. OLAR -s /- 2nd. Bicuspid ■^ z' 1st. Bicuspid -V /.- Cuspid ■'s /^ Lateral Incisor -N Central Incisor "s execs H jij 1^ 1 '^ 1 MESIAL BUCCAL CRINUINQ PALATINE DISTAL mesial BUCCAL GRINDING PALATINE DISTAL MESIAL BUCCAL GRINDING PALATINE DISTAL MESIAL BUCCAL GRINDING PALATINE DISTAL MESIAL BUCCAL INCISIVE PALATINE DISTAL MESIAL BUCCAL INCISIVE PALATINE DISTAL MESIAL BUCCAL INCISIVE PALATINL DISTAL _j ^,^i S^Al^^ - X \ -: .^ -^ — \ -^ ■ — : ; [ -^— - — . — i "" ''' r; -: -— :M- ^ ^. .„_ 1 j~i~r — - i ' f t i - i - \ X" - 1 ■' 1 ^ \ i ' ^nX I, i 1 - ; -^ ^ «U " " i ; i , i K^; ■ i c r— 1 . ; 1 \ ! - , u — •■ n \ -^ H ^- 1 :- i 1 - \ - i 1 z ! 1 ' ? 1 _1 1 - -' i i \ \ 5 -- J - i ' .___ \ » i ! ■ 1 j= : ! 1 1 ~ i r 1 1 1 ' 1 i 1 . , ? z 1 1 i ; i S 1 { ! ; 1 1 i ! 1 j £ 1 1 1 1 1 ' s ' : 1 ; ? i 1 1 ' : 1 1 z 1 "* 1 U- ? "^ DESCRIPTION OF CHARTS. These charts represent the number of carious cavities observed in one hundred persons, and the position of these cavities on the individual surfaces of the teeth. There are five columns of squares devoted to each tooth of one side of the mouth, representing the five surfaces as shown on the left hand. The number of cavities in the surface represented is shown by the number of squares dark- ened, so that the effect of the diagram as a whole gives a striking picture of the frequency of decay- in the individual surfaces of the several teeth. On the right the percentage, or the number per hundred persons, is given in figures calculated to the first decimal point. On the left the percent- age of cavities in the individual teeth for all surfaces is given in the same way. The cavities 284 DENTAL CARIES. Fig. 242. o r X % »• <- 2 19 /- 3rd. MCLAR ■^ ^ M 2nd. OLAR -^ /- 1st. Molar ~N /•• 2no. Bicuspid -N ^ 1st. Bicuspid ■^ ^ Cuspid -s /^ Lateral Incisor ■^ /- Central Incisor ~\ g > r z o c > CI z 2 o o > s > > c > z c o > 2 > I- g > z o > z f 2 > g > a z 2 > 2 > g > z > o z g o c i r 2 > r > z D > 2 g < 1 2 > ^ z a c > 2 < i 2 > i 2 O > S > 2 > \0 % - =L '_. — 1 ' i - 1 ^^ 1 . =- : ' — — ^^ -~ - 1 — i , ■,§ := 1 - - - ' ~ ^_i 1 1 ^^ ^ m - F'" 1 1 ~-\ __. -, — ^! <^ --- 1 - -J 1 1 ~ , - - - - - ^^ s, I 1 o ^ L ! LJ i c; i - - -J .. M ^>j §.^ ,^ ^fl t*, O 1*1 bbC,6o-t,cobbC, O O ^^ to <^ o b bo ~~) b ■-J b p o _'\) fo o o Lu C, C, 6o b C, occurring on one side of the mouth only are represented. And only one decay In an individual surface is counted : that is, if two or more pits are found decayed in the grinding surface of a molar, but one is counted ; and the same rule is followed with all of the surfaces. Charts No. 1 and 2 (upper and lower jaw) are made up from my records of fillings for 628 per- sons of all ages, and therefore represent what is seen in practice rather than the actual number that may occur. Charts No. 3 and 4 (upper and lower jaw) are made from 100 of my own patients between the ages of ten and twenty-five years, for whom I have filled all cavities and know the condition at present. They represent the actual number of cases in which the individual surfaces have decayed in these 100 persons. (Black.) CLINICAL HISTORY OF CARIES. 285 Fig. 243. O c X 1 * I? 3rd. Molar -N 2nd. Molar -s /- M ST- OLAR ~\ ^ 2no. Bicuspid -N /' 1st Bicuspid ~\ /— Cuspid ■^ ^ Lateral Incisor ~s /^ Central Incisor > n > > 2 O z > 2 > D H > f- > > H 2 O z z c > 2 > o H > > > 2 a z z D 01 c > 3 > > > > H o z z o 3 > O H > > > H 2 o z c > 2 > g > > > H 2 m > 2 > > > > 2 z c 2 j r, < 1 *■ m 1 ■" 2 > > > > 2 Z < c o > 2 > ^ ' 1 . -- "L-^ !_-, -r - - :' - ' - '- - . ^ J_i.._, - "" ^ i 1 ' 1 ._■-. - 1 - — ,- ! t - .,. 1 i ., .i 1 I J 1 1 "■ 1 i -- ., •- 1 1 1 ~ :: :- - - '.J ^ ^ ^ -- - - .__ -~ 1 bbC>CbC,bO,Ci '<:::>'<::> b^*^bbbbC»»Oi bbC,bC,C>bbbC, bbO»CtC»0,bC>C, c 2*6 LESIAL CABLES. Fig. 244. o ^ z i? ^^^ 3rb. 2'.;. L-A-EnAL Central KC,5CR lt>C;£OR E r £ E s > c - 5 > c ^ c tr 2 > c ? 5 f — <- c c c »- c c H z H ^ - c z S > ; 2 > ^ - 5 g s 2 i £ I i > c = 5 > > C S Sr > CLINICAL HISTORY OF CARIES. 287 latter tooth. When the approximal face of one tooth becomes affected by caries it is usual to find the adjoining tooth also affected after a period, a natural inference when the etiology of caries is remembered. It is unusual for the third molars, upper or lower, to be free from caries many years after their eruption. Although the teeth are usually affected in about the order given, it is to be remembered that peculiari- ties of structure, form, position, and personal habits modify the occur- rence and progress of caries. The preceding charts represent records made by Black as to the relative frequency of dental caries. " First molars, being extracted in larger proportion than other teeth, the numbers given for these teeth in the tables are too low." RAPIDITY OF PROGRESS. All other conditions being equal, caries progresses most rapidlv in situations where the persistent lodgement of food-debris and bacteria is Fig. 245. Section of human bicuspid, showing commencement of caries: a a.\\Aa>, appearances caused in enamel and dentin by the acid of decay ; b and Ifi, shreds of a felt-like mass of bacteria raised from tlie surface of the enamel ; c, a cavity. X 12. (Williams.) assured. Hence, it progresses most rapidly when deep fissures of molars have invited its beginnings, in deep pits, in approximal cav- ities when the tooth-M'alls are much flattened, and upon surfoces which are partially overlaid by the soft tissues in such manner that 288 DENTAL CARIES. the surfaces are not irrigated. Cases are frequently observed where the only external evidence of caries in a molar or bicuspid tooth is- a blue-black line marking the fissure, and yet almost the entire dentin of the crown may be decalcified. Fig. 245 shows a bicuspid tooth from the mouth of a woman, aged thirty-five years, presenting no external evidence of caries, yet histological examination showed that decalcification had proceeded deeply into the substance of the dentin.'^ '•' There is no doubt that many cases of so-called soft teeth have their softness caused by conditions similar to this." ^ While, as a result, the extent of dentinal invasion bears some rela- tionship to the extent of enamel-loss, the above examples are sufficient in themselves to show that any preconceived opinions as to the extent of carious progress based upon the size of the external orifice are delusive. In point of fact, the most extensive decalcifications are usually associated with limited enamel-loss (Fig, 246, A). The physical appearance of the carious cavity affords some indication of the depth of decalcification. A cavity having slightly discolored ragged enamel-edges, but filled with soft debris, will usually be found to be deeply affected. On the contrary, cavities with broad mouths, but little debris, and with discolored walls, are usually associated with limited decalcification (Fig. 246, B). Approximal cavities in bicuspids and molars are more likely to be deep and extensive before discovery, than are approximal cavities in the incisors : the reason is obvious. While, as a rule, caries is a regularly progressive disease, going deeper and deeper until all of the tooth-crown is destroyed, conditions occur which modify its progress. If the cavity-walls be broken away in such manner as to permit a free circulation Fig. 246. of saliva in the cavity and the tendency to ddbris-accumulation is thus lessened (Fig. 246, B), the progress of the disease may be re- tarded. In some cases, indeed, it is per- manently checked. The latter phenomenon, however, is rarely observable except in teeth of a high grade of organization. Again, caries may progress rapidly for a period, and then receive a check to its progress. Teeth previously free from the disease may sud- denly fall victims to its rapid and widespread progress. No doubt, in many of these cases there are removed from or added to the local oral conditions constitutional influences which deter or favor the local devel- opment of caries-producing bacteria. While caries appears at all ages from childhood to old age, its rav- 1 Williams. ' Black. CLINICAL HISTORY OF CARIES. 289 ages are most pronounced and its progress most rapid during tlie period of adolescence and early maturity. Its effects are most marked between the ages of eight and twenty-five years. As a rule, a denture which remains for twenty-five years unaffected by caries remains unaffected or but slightly affected to an indefinite age. To be sure, this im- plies two conditions : first, that the active causes of caries have been in but slight evidence ; and, secondly, that the denture is of the highest order. The classes of denture which escape are, perfectly formed and symmetrically arranged teeth, in the mouths of patients who lead sanitary lives, who masticate vigorously, and who escape other diseases. Caries beginning at the junction of the cemcntum and enamel of the teeth has a somewhat different clinical history from that noted when its occurrence is in other situations. Its progress is subject to great variations. In any of the catarrhal conditions or atrophic conditions of the gum which lie bare the neck-cementum caries usually occurs. It occurs also as a process secondary to mechanical abrasion and erosion of the teeth. Teeth afffected by erosion, however, as has been pointed out, are commonly exempt from dental caries. 19 CHAPTEE XIV. DENTAL CARIES : PATHOLOGY AND MORBID ANATOMY. The pathology of dental caries deals with the modus operandi of the agencies which bring about the dissolution of the calcic tissues of the teeth. The morbid anatomy describes the changes of structure which these tissues undergo in the course of the dissolution. The pathology of the disease varies according to the method of at- tack. If a break or exposure in the enamel permits access of the Fig. 247. Sections of normal human enamel, showing thick, felt-like mass of micro-organisms slightly raised from the surface of the tissue by jjressure of the cover-glass in mounting. X 350. (Williams.) active causes of caries to the dentin, the phenomena of dentinal caries begin at once ; if, however, the dentin is completely sheathed by un- broken enamel, dissolution of the enamel must occur before caries of the dentin begins. AVhile the essential nature of enamel and dentinal 290 CARIES OF THE ENAMEL. 291 caries is nearly alike, there are distinctive diiferences in the modes in wliich their dissolution is brought about ; it should also be noted that caries of cementum exhibits anatomical peculiarities. Caries of the Enamel. For a clear understandino- of caries of the enamel it is necessary to recall the mode of enamel-formation and its composition, which were Fig. 248. Section of carious enamel : bacterid removed to show action of acid on enamel-rods. (Williams.) X550. discovered and set forth by J. L. Williams, who furnished also the first accurate descri[)tion of the early and later phenomena of enamel caries.^ The enamel is composed of two different substances, cementing-sub- ' It is but just to state in this connection that Miller's descriptions of the phenom- ena and pathology and morbid anatomy of dental caries {Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth) were as complete and full as the contemporary knowledge of dental histology could make them ; even more, his observations, correctly interpreted, anticipated some of the discoveries of Williams. Miller's descriptions of caries of the enamel given before 1S90 would answer, with a few modifications, for a description of our present knowledge of the subject. This in no way belittles the work of Williams, which must stand as a permanent monument to his acumen, patience, and skill in histological technique. 292 DENTAL CARIES. stance and globules of uniform size, which are built upon one another until rod-like forms, the enamel-prisms, are produced. Each of these globules and each rod are bound together by calcified cement-substance. Acted upon by dilute acids, the cementing-substance is seen to be more soluble than the globular bodies. "Williams has shown that felt-like adherent masses of bacteria may find lodgement in the remains of Nasmyth's membrane, in such situa- FiG. 249. Section of human enamel, approximal surface of incisor, showing micro-organisms of decay- attached to the surface and marlced effect upon tissue caused by penetration of acid excreted by the bacteria. X 250. (Williams.) tious as the approximal surfaces of the teeth (Fig. 247). " Lining the cavities or covering the surface where decay has commenced there is always to be seen a thick, felt-like mass of acid-forming micro-organ- isms. This mass of fungi is so dense and adhesive as to make it highly improbable that the enamel is affected, except in rare or special instances, by any acid other than that which is being excreted by the bacteria at the very point where they are attached to the enamel. This thick, glutinous-like CARIES OF THE ENAMEL. 293 mass of fungi also prevents the excreted acid from being washed away, so that it exerts its full chemical power upon calcific tissue." "When viewed in sections, the appearances produced by the action of dilute lactic acid upon the enamel are similar whether the decalcification be artificial or due to the progress of caries. The cement-substance, being more soluble than the calcified globules, is dissolved first, which Fig. 250. ,^ Sectiou of human enamel, approximal surface of molar, showing decay temporarily arrested by a line of stratification ; micro-organisms deeply stained. X 150. (Williams.) forms an irregular, roughened surface at the point of attack. The gradual dis.solution of the cement-substance brings into relief the struc- ture of the enamel-rods (Fig. 248). The gradual loss of cement- substance unbinds the enamel -globules, which are in turn dissolved and washed away, leaving a depression or cavity. It is common to find in the early stages of enamel-caries and cavity- formation a discoloration of the affected tissue in those cases where the disease progresses very slowly. "Whether this discoloration is caused by 294 DENTAL CARIES. the formation of a sulfid/ or is due to the action of chromogenic bacteria, has not been made out. In Fig. 249 it is seen that the advance of decalcification has brought into bold relief the normal pigmented lines of the enamel (the strise of Retzius), with the apparent indication that these lines offer territories of increased resistance to decalcification (see Erosion). Lines of Fig. 251. Section of carious tooth, sliowing appearances of decay in enamel and dentin at the line of union of these tissues ; the dark spots shown in the enamel and dentin at a and b are masses of micro- organisms. X 250. (Williams.) enamel-stratification- may temporarily arrest the direct progress of enamel-dissolution (Fig. 250). Decalcification may proceed to compara- tively great depth before cavity-formation occurs. In fact, the decal- cification may penetrate the entire thickness of the enamel and dentin before there is breaking down of the enamel-walls. When the entire thickness of the enamel is penetrated and the dentin attacked there is a change in the mode of progress of the decalcification. It will be recalled that the first deposited layers of enamel are made in a layer of cement-substance next to the dentin ; this sheet of material appears 1 Black. CARIES OF THE ENAMEL. 295 to offer less resistance to decalcificatiou than other portions of tlie enamel. If the carious process begin in a fissure or pit, there is little or no tissue-loss necessary before the beginning of this secondary phase of enamelH3aries. The solution of this interzonal layer of enamel occurs promptly, and decalcification proceeds along the enamel-rods from the dentin side with increased rapidity (Fig. 251j. Bacteria growing in the Cover-glass preparation from scrapings of white, opaque decaying enamel : the cement-substance between the rods is seen to be dissolved away, and the crevasses thus formed are filled with round and oval forms of micrococci and bacteria. Stained by the Gram method. > 450. (Williams.) spaces from which interprismatic cement-substance has disappeared cause detachment of masses of partially decalcified rods (Fig. 252). In the ultimate breaking down of the enamel the rods first separate ; the outlines of the several globules of which the rods are composed are brought into plain view ; next, the calcified plasmic strings noted in enamel-formation become evident ; and finally the bead-like masses upon these strings are left as the ultimate granular detritus of the enamel. 296 DENTAL CARIES. In cases of rapid enamel-dissolution Williams found streptococci almost invariably present ; and suggests tentatively that the variety of Fig. 253. ,-<•■ ■''V •.; \ .^'' A form of streptococcus found abundantly in mouths where very rapid decay of the teeth is in progress. X V'oO. (Williams.) Fig. 254. t •^- >./ "~^- ■ ^'-^ — ' Various forms of micrococci and bacteria from decaying enamel. Photographed hy Mr. Andrew Pringle from Williams' cover-glass preparation. X 1000. (Williams.) organisms may be the factor governing the rapidity of dissolution (Figs. CARIES OF THE ENAMEL. Fig. 255. 297 Cover-glass preparation of scrapings from decay of enamel : shows leptothrix buccalis maxima and bacillus buccalis maximus of Miller. Stained by Gram method. X 850. (Williams.) Fig. 256. Scrapings of micro-organisms from the approximal surface of a decaying tooth : shows the lepto- thrix buccalis maxima and tlie bacillus buccalis maximus of Miller, x 1500. (Williams.) 298 DENTAL CARIES. 253 and 254). The large cocci and diplococci shown in Fig. 252 were always found in the backward decay of enamel. " In the direct caries of enamel the cavities are lined with leptothrix and thread-like forms " (Fig. 255). "" The leptothrix buccalis maxima and the bacillus buccalis maximus of Miller are nearly always found, the latter more sparingly" (Fig. 256). " Beneath the felt-like masses of thread-forms and lying in contact with the decomposing enamel in direct decay, and also in deep cracks and fissures in backward decay, there is invariably found a short, thick bacillus, usually constricted in the centre." Caries of Dentin. Sections of carious dentin show the evidences of several processes — chemical, physiological, and pathological — in operation at the same time (Fig. 257). First, the enamel is broken down about a fissure, as shown in the illustration, or is dissolved from a portion of one of the tooth- walls (also shown). The margins of the mouth of the cavity consist of decalcified and discolored enamel. Between the floor of this cavity and the pulp-chamber are several distinct zones, each having a definite pathological significance. The outermost zones are soft and discolored, but lying beyond them next to the pulp is a translucent field, named, from the investigator who first called attention to it, the transparent zone of Tomes. In the illustration it Avill be noted that the trans- parent zone is continuous with the projection of a secondary deposit upon a portion of the pulp-chamber wall. Upon gross examination it will be seen that for some distance from the mouth of the cavity and in the dentin beneath the enamel, decalcifica- tion has occurred, and that the formerly hard tissue has now but a carti- laginous density ; it is soft to cutting-instruments. After washing the cavity the fluid which can be squeezed out of the dentin is invariably acid in reaction. The more rapid destruction of dentin causes an under- mining of the enamel, which, being deprived of its normal support, suffers more or less fracture about its margins. " Sections made of carious dentin parallel with the direction of the dentinal tubuli, and stained with fuchsin, show that the superficial layers of the softened dentin are filled with bacterial forms ; the deeper layers of decalcified dentin are not infected. The decalcification pre- cedes the invasion of the bacteria themselves into the dentinal tubuli."^ How long the protoplasmic processes in the dentin retain their vitality when the dentin about them has been decalcified has not been determined. It would appear, however, from clinical tests that they do maintain their vitality for some time. Softened dentin is 1 Miller. CARIES OF DENTIN. 299 often exquisitely sensitive to touch ; \vhether clue to direct contact of the instrument witli the dentinal processes, or due to the press- ure exerted being- transmitted to the vital processes beyond, is not Fig. 257. Longitudinal ground-section through the crown of an inferior molar of the negro : E, enamel ; D, dentin ; C, cement ; p. pulp-chamber; a, large decay, from the grinding surface ; b, small decay, from the mesial surface ; cs, cone of septic invasion and discoloration ; e, partially decalcified and discolored enamel around the carious cavity; z, dark cones; z', clearer cones ; z'p, oldest cones where putrefaction of the tooth cartilage begins: c, outer transparent zone, or zone of Tomes ; sd, secondary dentin, caused by irritation ; s'd'. secondary dentin deposited by normal physiological process, recession of the pulp. This figure is drawn from a ground and polished section mounted in Canada balsam. (Gysi.) known. Upon this point depends whether a dentin-matrix which has once undergone any degree of decalcification can ever be the seat of reconstructive activity. Certainly, in the absence of live protoplasm 300 DENTAL CARIES. in it, softened dentin must remain soft. Clinical records appear to indicate that softened dentin has, after a long period of perfect protec- tion, regained its hardness. This change can only be brought about through the agency of the odontoblastic processes, and very probably cannot extend beyond the boundaries of the sheaths of Neumann. Histological data are wanting in this connection. It is clearly shown that the primary ferment in dental caries per- forms one office : it causes removal of the calcium salts of the dentin in advance of the organisms. What effect it may have upon the organic structures remaining after complete decalcification, is question- able. It may or may not produce alterations in the gelatinous matrix which are a necessary preliminary to its future dissolution. Subsequent to decalcification is the destruction of the organic matrix, which is broken down through the agency of peptonizing bacteria. It will be observed that the peptonizing ferment which causes this dissolution acts in the presence of an acid. The invasion of organisms takes place via the dentinal tubuli. In the deeper portions of tubules micrococci appear to predominate over the rod-forms, which are also present ; although one tubule may be filled with cocci and its neighbor with rod-forms (Fig. 258). It is only in the more superficial layers that the thread-forms are found in numbers. The invasion of the tubules is followed by their dilatation. This change is more plainly seen in sections cut at right angles to the axes of the tubules ; they are distended to several times their usual size, until there is an entire disappearance of the intertubular tissue (Fig. 259). The walls of the sheaths of Neumann undergo thickening, this structure maintaining Fig. 258. 'If ^ Wf^M- Fig. 259. BS #^- Decayed dentin, showing a mixed infection with cocci and bacilli. X 400. (Miller.) its form to the last stage of caries appearance described by Tomes. Cross-section of decayed dentin : the tubules through recip- rocal pressure have assumed the shape of 5-6 sided prisms. (Miller.) and acquiring the tobacco-stem CARIES OF DENTIN. 301 Miller points out " that the thickening of the sheath is not a vital process, since it may be clearly observed in specimens of artificial decay. In the progress of caries the thickened tubes dilate ; a contraction of the lumen is only found when it has occurred before softening began. The tubes dilate before losing their identity as tubes — i. e., they undergo softening. Regarding the sheaths of Neumann as transitional material, numerous data point to the conclusion that the calcium salts contained in them are held in looser bonds — i. e., are more soluble than the calcium salts impregnating the intertubular dentin. It was pointed out by Rose^ (see Chapter A^III.) that what are called the transverse processes of the dentinal tubuli react to stains like the sheaths of Neumann. Williams^ has shown that dentin is probably built up of globular bodies. Assuming that the process of calcification of dentin resembles that of enamel, and that both globules and an inter- globular substance are deposited in a fibrillated matrix, the appearance of these transverse markings would be explained as interglobular sub- stance becoming marked by a partial decalcification, and exhibiting a higher degree of solubility than the globular bodies. Rose,^ by the use of the combined Koch^ and Golgi methods of staining, found that these transverse branches of Neumann's sheaths do not contain proto- plasmic offshoots from odontoblastic processes ; they stain as solid masses. Therefore, the name transverse tubules is a misnomer, and some explanation other than tubule penetration must be found for the invasion of micro-organisms along these paths. TUBE-CASTS. In the zone of decalcification in advance of bacterial invasion of the tubes are found rod-shaped bodies, first described by J. Tomes. They occur in both natural and artificial decay ; hence it must be inferred that their presence is independent of vitality in the dentin — /. e., they are not caused by a vital formative process. " The rods do not dissolve in organic acids ; neither alco- hol nor chloroform has any effect upon them ; but the addition of dilute sulfuric acid causes their quick dissolution. In some cases loose fragments of these rods may be found surrounded by cocci, the rods probably having been formed before dilatation of the tubes and left loose in the tubules by the dilatation. The rods are brittle." These fea- tures indicated calcic formations, but the quantity of mineral was so small that the formation of calcium sulfate crystals could not be made out.^ ^ Den ta/ Cosmo.?, 1893. '' Ibi'd., 1896. * Ibid. « Ibid. '= Miller. 302 DENTAL CARIES. THE TEAXSPAEENT ZONE. Far in advance of the zone of decalcification the dentin acquires a translucent appearance resembling senile dentin, and having a similar appearance to the dentin in some cases of abrasion and erosion. Mil- ler's studies indicate positively that the translucent zone does not appear in caries of dead dentin, in artificial caries, nor in caries of human teeth mounted upon plates. Tomes and Magitot both regarded the transparency as an attempt made bv nature to impede the progress of caries. Walkhoif regards it as evidence of stimulation of a formative activity, causing the production of intercellular substance at the expense of the cells and primarily their offshoots.^ Miller showed that there is rather an increase than diminu- tion of the calcium salts in the transparent zone. It will be noted that in Fig. 257 the transparent zone is continuous with a new dentin-formation upon the wall of the pulp-chamber. These evidences point to the truth of WalkhoiF's explanation of the process, and indicate that the transparent appearance is the result of a vital reac- tion. The protoplasmic processes of the dentin being subjected to that degree of stimulation productive of formative activity, respond, and sec- ondary deposits occur. While this may be, and no doubt is, a protective mechanism of nature, to assert that it is a specific provision for the arrest of caries is perhaps overstating the degree of cell-differentiation involved. Clinical experience indicates, however, that transparent den- tin does offer increased resistance to the progress of caries. Cavities in which caries has ceased spontaneously exhibit frequently the smooth, shining appearance noted in connection with mechanical abrasion ; probably the sclerotic process noted above is the cause of the altered texture and appearance. Caries of Cementum. Decalcification appears to affect first the calcified rods known as Sharpey's fibres ; the saprophytic fungi, following these paths, invade the cementum in a manner similar to dentin invasion. The bacteria invade the sites of cement-corpuscles and their offshoots. Pigmentation in Caries. In the more slowly progressing cases of caries more or less discoloration of dentin and surrounding enamel occurs. The colors range from yellow to jet-black. " The intensity of the discoloration is- in inverse proportion to the rapidity of the progress of the disease" The discolorations follow upon and do not precede the carious process. In limited, outlined areas 1 Miller. CARIES OF DEXTIX. 303 of enamel where the primary stage of enamel-caries has begun, dis- coloration may occur, and the carious process be checked. Whether there is any connection between the pigmentation and the cessation of caries is not known, although in many instances this would seem to be the case. The chemical nature of these discolorations has not been made out ; in the cases of deep enamel-staining they appear to be due to the deposit of ijrecipitates upon the area of decalcification. The discolorations of carious dentin may be due to the action of chromogenic bacteria. Miller isolated from the mouth an organism which he named bacillus fuscans, and " which, cultivated on the surface of nutritive agar-agar, imparts to the medium in a few weeks a yellowish- brown color, which gradually darkens and extends deeper into the sub- stratum as the age of the culture increases." The discolorations of dentin in teeth having vital pulps are probably not at all of similar origin to the discolorations (blue-black) of the dentin of pulpless teeth. CHAPTER XV. DENTAL CARIES: DIAGNOSIS, SYMPTOMS, AND PROGNOSIS. The diagnosis of dental caries is made through objective signs and subjective symptoms. The signs are the existence of cavities and of softened areas, directly visible or made evident through instrumental means. The symptoms are pains of several degrees of intensity. The nature and intensity of the pains furnish a guide to the depth of the carious invasion, and but an indirect indication of the location of the disease. Diagnosis by Objective Signs. Caries is to be sought for in those situations where experience, as recorded in the clinical history of the disease, teaches the operator to examine. Many cavities, particularly those of large size, are evident at first glance ; others require only the light of the mouth-mirror to show them plainly, but many require instrumental aid in the search. The enamel of the teeth should exhibit a hard, smooth, unbroken surface, and any part of its surface which will admit the point of a sharp exploring-instrument is defective, usually by reason of the jDresence of caries. The search for caries should be made systemati- cally ; and to insure thoroughness of record every discovered cavity should at the time of examination be recorded upon a suitable diagram. Mouth-mirrors are required to reflect light upon surfaces of the teeth, large ones being used for this purpose, and smaller ones to reflect the images of invisible tooth -surfaces. Exploring-instruments of vari- ous forms are used, having sharp points and shafts bent in such manner that all of the surfaces of every tooth can be traversed by the instru- ment-points. Floss-silk is required to pass between the teeth to detect areas of roughness. Wedging-appliances are also used to press apart contiguous teeth sufficiently to admit the exploring-instruments. A general survey of each tooth is made, aided by reflected light, and any evident cavities are recorded. In the absence of any directly visible cavities, an indication of their presence and depth may be secured by having the patient take a mouthful of cool — not cold — water, and, closing the mouth, to distend the cheeks ; if there be cavities of any depth, the presence of the water will usually cause pain, indefinitely located. If pain be elicited, direct 304 HYPERSENSITIVITY OF DEXTIX. 305 search should be made in the approximal spaces of the side to Avhich the pain is referred. In the suhsequent examination two systematic methods are pursued. In one method, the occhisal faces of all the teeth are first examined in one survey, then the interproximal spaces, and, lastly, the cervices of the teeth, and the margins of fillings, if there be any. In the other method, every portion of each tooth is examined, beginning with a central incisor or terminal molar, before passing to the adjoining tooth. The first method is more commonly followed. Fissures and pits in thti occlusal, buccal, or labial surfaces of the teeth which will admit and " catch " the points of fine exploring-instru- ments are defective ; when present in the teeth of youth and young adults, thev usually overlie carious dentin. Found in the teeth of mid- dle-aged patients they may have little or no clinical significance. The basilar pits of the upper incisors require examination also. Approximal surfaces are first explored Avith exploriug-points, which detect the presence of caries by catching the margin of a cavity or sinking into areas of softening. In the absence of evident cavities, some force should be applied to detect soft spots. Many spaces will not admit even fine exploring-instruments, in which cases waxed floss-silk may be passed between the teeth and drawn backward and forward ; if it " frays," it indicates the existence of an area requiring attention. The use of wedges, immediate or slow, may be required for further exami- nation of such spaces. The necks of the teeth should be examined with sharp points to note any softness of the tooth-tissues. The margins, particularly the cervical and neighboring margins, of every filling should be explored to test the integrity of the junction of filling and tooth. Subjective Symptoms of Caries. hypersensitr'ity of dentin. The exposure of dentin to external agencies is so commonly followed by an increase in the normal sensitivity that the condition requires description in itself. It is a general condition attendant upon abrasion, erosion, and caries, and has a therapeutics of its own. The term sensitive dentin applied to this condition is a misnomer ; all vital dentin is sensitive, and its degree of sensitivity differs markedly in individuals ; it is only when hypersensitivity is observed that the condition becomes pathological. Hypersensitivity of dentin may be defined as such a degree of sensitiveness as interferes with the proper excavation and shaping of a carious cavity ; or which, in the absence of dental ministrations, causes painful symptoms, as a rule reflected about neighboring parts. 20 306 DENTAL CARIES. Causes. — Normally the protoplasmic filaments of the dentin are completely protected from contact with external sources of irritation by the non-conducting layer of enamel which sheaths the crown of a tooth ; it receives and, in all probability, notes stimuli due to changes in the temperature of the enamel which are induced by the introduction of hot or cold substances into the mouth. In general terms, the range of temperature of substances introduced into the mouth should be between about 50° F., the temperature of spring water, and 105° F. or slightly higher, the temperature of cooked foods. It is a common practice among the majority of persons to use ice water at a temperature of 32° to 35° F., and to have certain food-materials served very hot, at say 130° F. It is evident that the pulps of teeth and their terminals, the odontoblastic processes in the dentin, subjected to these ab- normal stimuli must suffer according to the degree of the frequency and extent of the temperature-change — i. e., the irritability of the parts is increased. It is beyond doubt that individuals differ as to the degree of normal dentinal sensitivity ; the dentin of one person may be cut freely without evidence of marked pain ; in another, the touch of an instrument to the newly exposed dentin is productive of a paroxysm of pain. The differ- ence in degree of irritability is manifested in another manner : if a mild sedative — for example, oil of cloves — be applied to the hypersensitive dentin of one person, it may remove the distressing symptoms, but with others it may be necessary to employ the most extreme measures to re- duce in any degree the hypersensitivity. As soon as an area of dentin loses its normal protective covering — the enamel, it is subjected to altered conditions, to sources of irritation from which it is normally free. In the majority of cases the exposure is brought about by the solution of overlying enamel by lactic acid. In others a fissure, a pit, or other malformation of the enamel may lay the dentin bare ; or, as is frequently noted, the recession of the gum- margin may expose the thin layer of cementum covering the neck of a tooth, and this removed by abrasion exposes the surface of the dentin beneath. Mechanical abrasion of the occluding faces of the teeth also exposes normally protected dentin to abnormal conditions. Again, solution of the enamel by the process known as erosion exposes the dentin to external sources of irritation. Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. — While it is true beyond ques- tion that the dentin is not, cannot be, the seat of inflammation, having no vascular system, its vital parts, the so-called dentinal fibrillse, may give evidence of heightened irritability, and in all probability behave as any other formative tissue when subjected to stimulation and irritation, increasing the functional activity ; giving rise, first, to hypersensitivity, HYPERSENSITIVITY OF DEXTIX. 307 and then to constructive action, or the formation of dentin at the expense of the living portions, the tubuli becoming more attenuated. Certain it is that some molecular change must occur in the vital parts as the consequence of contact with a novel environment. Symptoms. — The pain accompanying hypersensitivity of dentin is not localized to the point of alfection, for the same reason that the sensations of the pulp, except that of throbbing, are rarely localized ; the filaments do not possess the true tactile sense, a sense of location. The sensation of pain is elicited by contact of the dentinal filaments with acid substances ; that is, acid substances are markedly irritating to the dentinal filaments ; indeed, it is probable that this fact has much to do with the develop- ment of hypersensitivity of dentin, the acid of caries (lactic acid) subjecting these filaments to a constant source of irritation. The introduction of an acid substance into the mouth of a person who may have vital dentin exposed, is followed by a wave of gnawing pain, reflected usually along the course of contiguous nerve-filaments. The introduction of salt and very sweet substances is also followed by a similar though less marked reaction. The pressure of an instrument upon the dentin is attended by a flash of sharp pain, which continues for a time ; but lessens if the contact be maintained. In this test the pain is localized in the affected tooth, the touch of the instrument being followed by a recognition of position by the tactile organ of the tooth, the pericementum. The response of such teeth to thermal applications is increased, the absence of the non-conducting layer of enamel permit- ting a more rapid reduction of dentinal temperature, so that the reaction of the pulp is correspondingly increased. Diag-nosis. — The only dental pain with which dental hypersensitivity may be confounded is pulp-pain proper. The diagnostic feature of pulp-pain is the reaction to changes of temperature. It is quite possible for marked pulp-irritation, followed by active hypersemia of that organ, to occur without the presence of caries in a tooth. In diagnosing the condition under discussion the guide is the sensation of the patient, search being first made in the region descril)ed by the patient as the seat of pain. The first observation is directed to the finding of carious cavities ; in the event of these being found, it is judged from the depth of the carious invasion whether there is a probability of pulp-disturb- ance. A differential test is made by contact of an instrument with the dentin, which, if hypersensitive, responds promptly. A drop of cool water is next dropped from a syringe into the cavity, when, if the pulp be in abnormal condition, there will be a sharp twinge of ])ain. In progressive caries this latter response is of increasing promptness and severity, until when the pulp is in a state of active hypersemia or inflammation the application of a drop of cold water 308 DENTAL CARIES. is immediately followed by a paroxysm of throbbing pain. Obser- vation is made to determine the presence of abraded surfaces ex- posing the dentin, and test by touch made. It is next noted whether points at the necks of the teeth respond promptly to the same test. Attention is directed to fissures and pits which may be present and expose the dentin. Hypersemia of the pulp, in the absence of caries, is indicated by a sharp paroxysm of pain produced by the application of cold to the enamel of the tooth. Therapeutics. — The methods of treatment which have been followed for the relief of hypersensitivity of dentin, and the induction of such a degree of analgesia as will permit the necessary cutting of dentin, may be divided into general and local. The general means of preventing pain may be placed under three heads : first, the administration of agents which lessen the function of the pain-perceptive centres of the brain — that is, abolish perception ; secondly, the administration of remedies or the adoption of means to prevent the conveyance of painful impressions from the receptive end- organs to the pain-centres, or interference with transmission ; thirdly, the prevention of the reception of abnormal stimuli. The first group includes general ansesthetics and general anodynes. The inhalation of a few whiifs of chloroform or ethylic ether lessens the perception of pain. Chloroform is avoided in this connection on account of its dangers when used in the sitting position. Slight etheriz- ation, the inhalation being carried only to the benumbing-point, affords marked relief of the pain incidental to the cutting of hypersensitive dentin. The administration of general anodynes, particularly the combina- tion of morphia and atropia, has been found useful in this field : ^. Morphise sulph., gr. ^ ; Atropise sulph., gr. y^Q-. M. et ft. pil. No. 1. S. To be taken one-half hour before operation. The coal-tar derivatives, phenacetin, acetanilid, and others, are occa- sionally efficient. The preparations known as antikamnia (said to be a combination of acetanilid, caflTein citrate, and sodium bicarbonate) and ammonol (acetanilid and ammonium carbonate, equal parts ?) are to be preferred in this connection. The dose of the latter is gr. 10, adminis- tered one-half hour before operation. The induction of the hypnotic state belongs in the category of means acting upon the nerve-centres. HYPERSENSITIVITY OF DENTIN. 309 Use of Alkalies. — Ever since a belief in the chemical nature of dental caries has been accepted, writers upon dental pathology have ascribed the hypersensitivity of dentin in caries to be due to the action of an acid, and have advised the use of alkalies to lessen the sensitivity. Those generally recommended are lime-water, prepared chalk, and sodium bicarbonate. These agents are commonly employed in cases of hypersensitive dentin at the necks of teeth ; the powder is rubbed on and between the necks of the teeth before retiring at night. An effective agent of the same class is phenol sodique (sodium phenate). Used (diluted) as a frequent wash, it notably lessens the sensitivity of den- tinal filaments. It is particularly useful for children. Local Applications. — The usual method of treating the hyper- sensitivity is by the local application of analgesic agents. There are numerous remedies and agents which have been thus employed, and for convenience they may be grouped under the following headings : 1. Dryness and heat. 2. Cold. 3. Those which chemically destroy the protoplasm of the dentin. 4. Those which temporarily benumb and abolish the function of the receptive apparatus. Heat and dryness are generally applied in conjunction, dryness being secured by means of blasts of hot air. Dentin, which protests against even the touch of an instrument while wet, has its sensitivity so lessened after the application of a rubber-dam and drying that it may be cut freely, in many cases without the aid of medicinal agents. So well is this recognized that isolation and drying of teeth are regarded as a necessary preliminary to cavity-preparation. The degree of insensi- tivity induced is in proportion to the dryness. The drying probably deprives the dentinal protoplasm of a portion of its water and inhibits the transmission of sensation. Refrigeration, a well-knoM'n means of inducing local anaesthesia, finds application in this field. The temperature of the dentin of the tooth, which has been isolated by a rubber-dam, is reduced by sprays of highly volatile fluids ; ether and chloroform, formerly employed, have been displaced by the more volatile substances, ethyl chlorid and methyl chlorid. These agents are contained in glass tubes having a minute ori- fice of exit ; the cap of the vial being removed, the heat of the hand causes vaporization of the agent, which emerges as a fine but forcible spray. The full contact of the spray with the dentin should be made gradually to avoid painful response of the pulp. Agents which chemically destroy the dentinal protoplasm form the most extensive group of dentinal obtundents. They include salts of metals, such as zinc chlorid and silver nitrate ; carbolic acid and its 310 DENTAL CARIES. derivatives and like bodies ; the cresols, etc. ; mineral acids, notably sulfuric, chromic, and nitric ; organic acids — trichloracetic and lactic acids (full strength), tannic acid ; alkalies — sodium and potassium hydrates and carbonates. Zinc chlorid, silver nitrate, and carbolic acid, all cause coagulation of the protoplasmic processes of the dentin. The mineral and organic acids chemically decompose both protoplasm and the calcified tissues. The concentrated alkalies mentioned chemically destroy protoplasm and bring about its quick dissolution. Like all active chemical sub- stances, the extent of their action depends upon the freedom with which they are applied. The caustic alkalies are used in connection with carbolic acid (Robinson's remedy) : !^. Potassium hydrate or^ Sodium hydrate, > da. — M. Acid, carbolic, J Reduce the gelatinous mass formed with alcohol. The application of any of these agents — metallic salts (coagulants), mineral or organic acids, and caustic alkalies — nearly always causes pain, the degree of suffering being usually in proportion to the depth of the cavity. The cessation of the pain is an indication of proto- plasmic destruction. All of these agents are to be used in small amount and very concentrated ; dilute solutions are ineffective. Car- bolic acid and allied substances have an analgesic, instead of the primary irritating effect. They are paralyzants as well as coagulants, although less active than the other agents mentioned. Arsenic trioxid, arsenious acid, the agent used for the purpose of devitalizing the dental pulp, affects the protoplasm of the dentin profoundly, the effect being trans- mitted to the pulp, leading to the inevitable death of that organ. The local analgesics proper include the essential oils and the sedative alkaloids ; the oils of cinnamon, cloves, gaultheria, thyme. These exhibit the best effects in close proximity to the pulp. Thymol is the most powerful member of this group, and in addition is a strong anti- septic. The alkaloids Avhich have been used are morphia, atropia, veratria, aconitia, and cocain. To be at all effective, these alkaloids must be used in concentrated form, so that the possible danger of poisoning by such powerfully toxic substances as aconitia, veratria, and atropia, contraindicates their general use ; moreover, they are unneces- sary. Morphia is ineffective. Cocain, the chief of all local anaesthetics, has but little effect upon hypersensitive dentinal filaments, although made into paste with glycerin it appears to be effective in some cases. HYPERSENSITIVITY OF DENTIN. 311 Absorption of the drug by the dentinal filaments does not occur, so that supplementary means are necessary to carry it into the filaments. This is accomplished through the agency of a galvanic current. The tooth-pulp is excessively intolerant of changes of electric tension. If a tooth be perfectly isolated from its surroundings by means of a rubber-dam, and a very mild galvanic current be passed through the tooth, the positive electrode in the tooth-cavity, and the negative attached to the Avrist or elsewhere, the pulp will respond promptly. If the current be continued, the response lessens, and finally ceases. Now, if the tension be iucreased by a considerable fraction of a volt, the pulp again protests ; but if the increase be only a minute fraction of a volt, the pulp does not take cognizance of it ; the voltage may thus, by imperceptible gradations, be raised from five volts to forty. The amount of electrical resistance offered by the tissues being extremely high, but a trifling amperage of current can pass through the tooth, even with forty volts pressure. If the dentin become dry, the resist- ance is much increased, as the only conducting-paths through the dentin are the dentinal tubuli when wet. Apparatus has been devised which permits the raising of current-tension by minute gradations, Avhich has rendered available the cataphoretic use of medicaments in vital teeth. Cataphoresis (Greek hata, down, and phoreo, I bear or bring) is, in technical parlance, the transfereuce of substances from the anodal or positive pole of a battery toward the cathodal or negative pole. Cata- phoresis, is to be distinguished from electrolysis, by which substances are decomposed and their elements carried from positive to negative, or from negative to positive poles, according to their polarity. In cata- phoresis a substance is carried unchanged from the positive toward the negative pole after the manner of granules in protoplasm acted upon by the same force (see Chapter I.). If a tooth be insulated from its surroundings and a pellet of cotton moistened with a strong (10 per cent, to 24 per cent.) solution of cocain hydrochlorid and a platinum anode be placed against it, the cathode being attached to the wrist, the cocain will, by a current of gradually increasing tension, be carried along the protoplasm of the dentinal tubuli and induce local paralysis of the sensory function. If the action be continued with an increased voltage, the entire pulp becomes completely anesthetic. The volume of current necessary to the cataphoresis of the cocain ranges from one- quarter to four milliamperes.^ The current-strength required ranges from five to thirty volts. Caution must be exercised to keep the cotton always wet, as dryness means greatly increased resistance and heat. The time necessary for the induction of dentinal anaesthesia ranges from about ^ See American Text-book of Operative Dentistry, 312 DENTAL CARIES. eight to twenty minutes. J. A. Woodward ^ suggests the use of the galvanic current as a diagnostic means of determining the vitality of a pulp. A pulpless tooth does not respond when currents of comparatively high tension are passed through it. It is customary to test the milder obtundents before resorting to cataphoresis. Certain general rules should be observed in the treatment of hyper- sensitive dentin : First. The most powerful agents, such as mineral acids, zinc chlorid, concentrated alkalies, etc., should never be used except in superficial cavities. With increase of cavity-depth milder agents may be sub- stituted, until, when the pulp is nearly exposed, no more active agent than thymol should be employed. Second. Resort should not be had to the active chemical agents until milder agents have proved inefficient. For example, zinc chlorid or sulfuric acid should never be the first agent used. Third. All cavities should be isolated and dried before using obtund- ing agents. Fourth. Arsenic should never be used unless destruction of the pulp is intended. Fifth. None but new and perfectly sharpened instruments should be used to cut hypersensitive dentin, and the cutting should be accomplished with quick, light touches. Prognosis of Caries. The prognosis of dental caries is governed almost entirely by the thoroughness with which the indicated therapeusis is applied. In the absence of treatment, the disease, except in very rare cases, is con- tinuously progressive until the greater portion of the tooth is dis- integrated. Under proper and sufficient treatment the disease may be arrested at any stage of its progress, in any individual tooth ; but the arrest of the process in toto can only be secured by a removal of its causes, both exciting and predisposing. If the exciting causes can be checked or removed, the predisposing causes will be in abeyance. Caries will persist or recur so long as the exciting causes of the disease are present. ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, Phila., 1896. CHAPTER XVI Fro. 261. f)ENTAL CARIES: THERAPEUTICS AND PROPHYLAXIS. It is customary to divide the course of caries into a number of degrees or stages, each of which represents a more or less definite extent of invasion in the direction of the pulp, and in each of which the indicated therapeusis must be modified in accordance with the con- ditions. The first stage or grade, called superficial caries, represents the lesser degrees of softening and invasion of den- tin, those cases in which as yet no evi- dences of any disturbance of the pulp have appeared. The second degree or stage is that in which pulp-protection forms a necessary part of the treatment. The third stage is that in which the depth of infection has endangered the functions or structure of the pulp. The fourth stage includes the cases of either actual invasion of the pulp by micro-organisms, or those which exhibit evidences of fiital structural changes in the vessels of the pulp. The general therapeutic principle in the treatment of dental caries is the removal of all softened and infected tissue and the restoration of the original tooth-form by means of filling-materials. This general therapeutic principle is modified according to the depth of carious inva- sion — i. e., the condition of the tissues involved. figures reprLbcnt the four degrees of carious invasion. Filling-materials as Therapeutic Agents. Regarding as therapeutic agents all materials which by their physical or chemical properties affect the vital processes of tissues with which they may be brought into contact, it is evident that filling-materials themselves must be classed as therapeutic agents. The theoretically perfect filling-material is one which possesses all of the physical properties of dentin and enamel, but is not, like these substances, soluble in lactic acid. The first essential of a permanent filling-material is, that it must hermetically seal a cavity in which it is placed, and undergo no physical or chemical change which may bring 313 314 DENTAL CARIES. about a failure of the hermetical sealing ; that is, it must neither con- tract nor expand, and must be insoluble in organic acids, the solvents formed in the human mouth. It must be sufficiently hard and rigid to remain unaffected by the stress brought to bear upon it in mastication. It must be susceptible of a high polish, possess a harmonious color, and have a low rate of thermal conductivity. Not one of the filling- materials in present use possesses, in itself, all of these properties, although combinations of them, by adding together the individual virtues of single materials, remove several deficiencies of individual materials. Gold, skilfully manipulated, may be made to hermetically seal a cavity. It remains chemically and physically unaltered in the condi- tions surrounding it ; properly inserted, it withstands the stress of mastication, and is susceptible of a high polish, but its rate of conduc- tivity is high, and its color is objectionable, although less so than that of amalgam. Amalgams, as found commercially, expand or contract in setting or hardening, so that they do not permanently seal in their hardened state a cavity which they exactly filled while plastic. Under the stress of mastication amalgam flows, so that changes in the shape of a filling occur. They are insoluble in the organic acids of the mouth, but are acted upon by sulfur compounds and probably by oxygen, so that their color, primarily not so harmonious as that of gold, becomes more objec- tionable. They have a lower rate of conductivity than gold. By precise formulae, properly treated^ they may be made to remain stable as to contraction and expansion ; but except copper be added to the alloy, the flow of amalgam-fillings cannot be entirely checked, in which event discolorations are more likely. Color may be improved by the addition of zinc and gold to a basal alloy of silver and tin. To insure stability of an amalgam-filling the primary alloy must contain not less than 65 per cent, of silver.^ The value of all filling-materials depends primarily upon the skill and care with which they are manip- ulated. It is still asserted by some homoeopathic practitioners that amalgam- fillings, in consequence of the free mercury contained in them, are instrumental in perpetuating diseases of the buccal and pharyngeal mucous membrane, and that obscure general disturbances are also due to this cause. A hardened amalgam-filling contains no free mercury ; all of this metal present is in chemicial combination with the metals of the alloy. Metallic mercury is unaffected at ordinary temperatures by any chemical agencies found in the mouth, with the exception of sulfur ^ See American Text-hook of Operative Dentistry. ^ Black, Dental Cosmos, 1896. THERAPEUTICS OF SUPERFICIAL CARIES. 315 coinpuiinds ; the statement that it is the " vapor of mercury " is absurd ; mercury vaporizes only at a temperature of over 600° F. Amalgam-fillino;s in contact with dentin in which putrefaction is in progress are frequently discolored by the formation of presumably black sulfid of silver and perhaps salts of mercury, the dentin being stained black. Gutta-percha possesses the advantageous properties of entire non- conductivity, an agreeable color, comparative unchangeability in the fluids of the mouth, and hermetical sealing, but it is too soft to resist" attrition and the stress of mastication. Zinc oxychlorid in paste (ZnO + ZnCl^ + H^O = 2ZnClHO) is irritating to the dentinal filaments, the promptness of painful response being directly proportionate to the cavity-depth ; it is antiseptic during setting and for some time subsequently ; it is a non-conductor, is white, and when fully set is not sufficiently hard to bear the stress of mastica- tion ; its great drawback is its ready solubility in lactic acid. More- over, it shrinks in hardening. Zinc phosphate has an acceptable color ; its rate of conductivity is higher than that of zinc oxychlorid ; it does not contract in hardening, and is adhesive ; but its hardness is not sufficient to permanently resist the stress of mastication, and it is also soluble in lactic acid, although less so than zinc oxychlorid. The properties of zinc-phosphate cements are governed by the chemical composition of particular specimens and in large part by their mode of manipulation. Therapeutics of Superficial Caries. The therapeutics of the first stage or superficial dental caries consists in the thorough removal of all softened tissue, including all enamel which has suffered from the action of lactic acid and all dentin which has become secondarily affected. In cases of enamel caries, affecting the approximal surfaces of teeth, the practice has been advocated of filing away the affected enamel, when evident softening has not penetrated the entire thickness of the enamel, and polishing the cut surface, leaving, if possible, a space so shaped that the fluids of the mouth can wash freelj^ through. Were it certain that all of the decalcified enamel could be removed by such means, and after operation a perfectly polished and properly shaped surface of unaffected enamel be left, no valid objection could be urged against the judicious following of the method ; but, as Williams' ^ studies have shown, the advance of enamel caries is usually far in advance of the visible evidences of the decalcification ; the practice of filing leaves practically unchanged the pathological conditions, and ^ Dental Cosmos, 1897. 316 DENTAL GABIES. further progress of enamel decalcification at the original site is very likely to occur. In the light of the same discoveries, the prudent therapeusis is to excavate such spots of softening to the extreme margin of the softening. Whether or not the dentin is as yet affected, the excavation must be continued until sufficient dentin is invaded by the cutting-instruments to afford firm anchorage and support of the filling which is to restore the original contour. It will be observed that the physical and chemical properties of gold indicate it as the proper filling- material in these cases. In similar cases at a later stage, when the dentin is invaded, the softened dentin is to be entirely removed, and with it all of the enamel overlying such dentin, until the cavity formed is bounded upon all sides by normal dentin and enamel. The removal of all softened dentin renders unnecessary the use of gemicides to the dentin, as softening is in advance of infection. In case of dentinal hypersensitivity in these cases it is usual to apply carbolic acid as the first obtunding agent ; in which event, the same agent answers as a germicide also, but, as above noted, germicides are unnecessary in this stage, if excavation be thorough. In some cases, particularly those in which it is necessary to apply zinc chlorid, or even sulfuric acid, to obtund the hypersensitivity of the dentin, or cases in which the cataphoretic application of cocain must be made, the prepared dentin may become inordinately sensitive ; moreover, the pulp responds with dangerous promptitude to changes of tempera- ture. It is frequently advisable in these cases to treat the dentin as a wounded surface : procure surgical rest for a period ; after touching the cavity-walls with one of the obtundent oils, insert a perfectly neutral and non-conducting filling-material — gutta-percha — for a period of some weeks. The alternative is to apply carbolic acid to the dentinal walls, dry perfectly, and coat the cavity-walls with a non-conducting varnish, such as that called Kristalline, or Cavitine, a solution of tri-nitro-cellu- lose in methyl alcohol. When evaporation has left a non-conducting film covering the cavity-walls a gold filling may be inserted. A tooth in which thermal response is markedly increased through the presence of metallic fillings, is always to be regarded as one whose pulp is in danger of future disease and degeneration. The presence of a metallic filling in a tooth is almost certain to increase thermal response in some degree, but the extent and promptness should be reduced through the use of an intermediate non-conductor. Superficial caries beginning in fissures or pits of the enamel is fre- quently of much greater extent than is evident from the orifice of the cavity. If the seat be a fissure, this should always be freely and broadly opened from one extremity to the other, and usually it is necessary to cut into communicating fissures. The excavating instruments should THERAPEUTICS OF THE SECOND STAGE OF CARIES. 317 follow every spot of softening until it is certain sound dentin has been reached in all directions, and, in addition, the enamel must be cut away until it is supported at all of the cavity-margins by healthy dentin. Cavities beginning in fissures are very deceptive as to their extent ; a slight fissure may communicate with such a mass of softened dentin that the case belongs in the second class of cavities — deep-seated instead of superficial caries. Therapeutics of the Second Stage of Caries. In this stage of caries there is usually, although by no means always, an easily discoverable cavity of size. After the removal of ragged and overhanging enamel-margins, and of loose debris in the cavity, it is noted that the response to thermal impulse is painful and prompt. In washing such cavities, water at a temperature of about 100° F. should always be used ; cold or very hot water being only employed in cavity- irrigation to test the promptitude of response upon the part of the pulp. In treating hypersensitivity of dentin in such cases the strong agents zinc chlorid and the mineral acids are eschewed, the strongest agent admissible being carbolic acid, and even the use of this agent, acting as it does as a coagulant, is of doubtful propriety. A perfectly safe thera- peusis does not admit of a stronger agent than an essential oil ; for example, a saturated solution of thymol in glycerin or alcohol. It may be necessary to seal this agent in the cavity for twenty-four hours. Cocain cataphoresis is, however, regarded as admissible in all stages of caries. The removal of the softened dentin in these cases forms a cavity of such magnitude that proximity to the pulp is evident. The softening has proceeded for a distance beneath the enamel, so that when all softened dentin is cut away from beneath the enamel the latter tissue overhangs, unsupported, the general cavity. These overhanging walls are cut away until the region of normal enamel is reached, and then it may be that the walls still overhang the general cavity. It is usually not necessary nor advisable to remove this portion of enamel. At the com- pletion of excavation, the pulp is found to respond immediately to even a current of cool air, so that protection of that organ against thermal impulses is an imperative demand. It is in this connection that zinc phosphate finds its greatest and most useful field of application. It is used to replace the greater bulk of the lost dentin after the following manner : the dentinal walls are sterilized by an application of 25 per cent, pyrozone (25 per cent, solution of hydrogen dioxid in ether), are dried, and given a coating of non-conducting varnish. The varnish answers a double purpose ; it lessens the moderate conductivity of the zinc phosphate and effectually prevents the action upon the dentinal walls 318 DENTAL CARIES. of any acid impurities in the cement. Many cement-fluids contain, as impurity, the acid sodium (dihydrogen sodium) phosphate, NaH2P04. This, when present in a cement-filling, causes the persistent acid reaction noted in some cements ; this is not only irritating to the dentinal fila- ments, but may cause superficial softening. Zinc phosphate, mixed stiff, is carefully packed against all of the cavity-walls until it is exactly flush with the enamel-margins and fills the cavity to near the dentin periphery ; the cavity in the cement is given a retentive form to hold the veneer filling of metal which is afterward to be inserted. Treatment of the Third Stage op Caries. In the third stage of caries complaint is made that for some time the presence of cool or of hot fluids in the mouth is productive of a parox- ysm of pain. After removing frail enamel-walls and the greater mass of softened dentin, including all of that underlying enamel, all of the decalcified peripheral dentin, it is found that further excavation would probably expose the pulp, which responds by painful paroxysm to even gentle currents of cool air. As a primary measure, even in the treat- ment of these conditions, irrespective of the filling operation, it is essen- tial that the tooth and its neighbors be placed under a rubber-dam, where this device can be applied. This applies with equal force to operations for more extensive disease ; the rubber-dam is used not only because it is impossible to effect perfect sterilization without it ; but, in addition, it is only through the dryness and clear view obtained that therapeutic measures can be applied with that delicacy and precision necessary to their successful use. The dentin-covering of the pulp is markedly softened, and the extent of bacterial invasion in the tubules is doubtful. The question arises, Shall excavation be made thorough, at the expense of probable pulp- exposure, or should it cease, and the softened dentin be permitted to remain ? General clinical experience speaks for the latter course. The cavity in its present condition is washed out with a 5 per cent, solution of sodium dioxid, which neutralizes any acid present and is antiseptic. It is evident that sterilization of the layer of dentin and pulp must be thoroughly effected to assure a probable success, for even under a perfect filling anaerobic organisms may make their way to the pulp and excite acute disease in that organ, which is already suffering from some degree of debility. Miller^ demonstrated that the thorough steriliza- tion of carious dentin requires much more time than is usually given to it. For example, to effect the complete sterilization of a very thin layer of dentin requires hours' immersion in strong carbolic acid. Bac- teria w^ere found in teeth which had lain in concentrated carbolic acid ^Dental Cosmos, 1891. TREATMENT OF THE FOURTH STAGE OF CARIES. 319 for nearly two hours. Watery solutions of antiseptics were found to penetrate the dentin more rapidly than essential oils ; but the agents ^vhich eifected prompt and complete sterilization, such as mercuric chlorid in 1-5 per cent, solution, zinc chlorid solutions, and others, are of questionable utility, owing to their probable deleterious action upon the pulp. It is preferable, therefore, to permit a harmless antiseptic to act for a longer period ; for example, sealing a solution of thymol in the cavity over night. The application of a pledget of cotton moistened with a 25 per cent, solution of pyrozone promptly sterilizes very thin layers of dentin. After sterilization and drying, a cavity-lining of zinc oxychlorid is indicated. Clinical records show that a layer of zinc oxychlorid placed over layers of decalcified or semi-decalcified dentin covering a pulp, are more frequently followed by favorable results than ^vith any other material. In the light of present knowledge these benefits are attributed to the antiseptic property maintained by the material for some time. A paste of the cement is made, and a portion carried into the cavity, ^vhere it is immediately compressed against the cavity-walls by means of balls of bibulous paper which have been prepared for this pur- pose. All of the dentinal walls are covered to a depth of about one- sixteenth inch. As soon as the material has nearly set, usually in five to ten minutes, zinc phosphate is prepared and packed into the oxy- chlorid matrix, and brought flush with the cavity-margins. The surface-filling is then made of metal. Treatment of the Fourth Stage of Caries. The fourth stage of caries is that in which the pulp of the tooth is exposed before all of the decalcified dentin is removed. It is that stage of caries wliich includes in its treatment the operation of pulp- capping. A pulp which has been uncovered through the loss of overlying dentin and has been directly exposed to the fluids of the mouth, is almost certainly infected with micro-organisms ; but as decal- cification precedes bacterial invasion in caries, it is quite possible that the dentin covering a pulp may be decalcified before direct invasion of the pulp occurs. The pathologico-anatomical condition of the dental pulp is clinically judged by the symptomatology of the organ (see Chapter XVII.), and if the history of the case and the symptoms elicited at the time of examination ffive no evidence of disease of the organ, it is adjudged healthy, although the judgment formed may, in many cases, be no doubt erroneous. What is usually taken as })re- sumptive evidence that a pulp has not undergone serious anatomical degeneration, acute or chronic, is that it has never been the seat of acute paroxysmal pain, and that it responds promptly to a current of 320 DENTAL CABIES. cold air. As will be shown in the chapter on Diseases of the Pulp, if paroxysms of pain have occurred, and if response to cool air is delayed^ absent, or productive of prolonged pain, it is probable that serious anatomical degeneration has occurred in the pulp. The details of cavity-preparation are the same as in the previous case, except that even the slightest. pressure must be avoided in operat- ing close to the pulp. That organ is very intolerant of even the slight- est pressure. The free use of hydrogen dioxid in solutions of neutral reaction should replace other antiseptics. The use of strong caustic or coagulating antiseptics, even carbolic acid, is necessarily productive of injury to the pulp-tissue ; the aim is to maintain the pulp in as nearly a^ normal condition as possible, not to establish an abnormal one. Exposed Pulp. An exposed pulp, even with the probability that it is non-infected and has suiFered no serious anatomical alteration, is a condition requir- ing description and treatment in itself. Diagnosis. — Clinically, pulp-exposure is divided into, first, cases in which the carious process has directly exposed the organ ; secondly, those in which it is exposed through the removal of softened dentin covering it ; thirdly, those in which it has been exposed by carelessness or by accident in excavating. If the exposure be direct, it is detected visually. After isolation of the tooth, washing with tepid water, and drying, direct vision or a re- flected image in the mouth-mirror may reveal the area of exposure as a round space occupied by a pinkish-red body. If the exposure be large, pulsation of the red body may usually be observed. The exposure may be so slight that it is invisible, the depth of the cavity, however, indi- cating that exposure probably exists. Truman ^ advises in these cases that finely carded cotton be gently passed over the cavity-walls, exposure being detected by the momentary pain produced when the fibres pass over the area of exposure. A burnisher passed gently over the walls of a cavity in cases of suspected pulp-exposure will usually elicit a quick start upon the part of the patient when the exposed spot is touched. The previous existence or presence of subjective symptoms, of course, is a diagnostic sign. Prognosis. — Even presuming the absence of any history of active pulp-disturbance, the prognoses of the three classes of cases differ ; prog- nosis is favorable in the reverse order of the conditions given. Again, the prognosis of exposed pulp is governed in great measure by the portion of pulp exposed ; if a cornu of the organ be the site of exposure, the prog- nosis is more favorable than if the body of the organ be exposed. The ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. PULP-CAPPING. 321 most favorable prognosis, all other eonditions being alike, would asso- ciate with accidental exposure of a cornu of a pulp ; the most unfavor- able witli direct exposure by carious invasion of the pulp, at or beyond, the neck of a tooth. Treatment. — Pulp-capping. — It is more desirable that a pulp- capping should be absolutely neutral, than that it should possess active therapeutic properties. Theoretically it would be desirable to induce the pulp to form a plate of secondary dentin which should exactly repair the area of exposure ; but as there is no means of exactly governing any stimulation which may be induced, it is preferable to use a substance entirely neutral therapeutically. A great number of substances have been recommended as pulp-cappers, but at present only two of them have general endorsement ; these are a cement of zinc oxysidfate and a paste of one of the essential oils with zinc oxid. Solutions of gutta-percha in chloroform, disks of softened gutta-percha, and zinc-oxychlorid cement are also used, but not to the extent that the first mentioned are. Zinc oxy- chlorid, even when the fluid is dilute, may induce irritation, but in some cases it has proved an admirable material. Gutta-percha preparations, bland as they are, do not appear to serve so well as the cement of zinc oxysulfate or the zinc oxid and oil paste. Whatever material be used, it is essential that not the slightest press- ure be exercised in its application. The capping-paste is best and most accurately carried into place through the medium of a concave metal disk. The oil and oxid paste is made by adding zinc oxid (cement powder) to a drop of oil of cloves until a moderately thick paste is made. The fluid of the oxysulfate cement is a saturated solution of zinc sulfate in water ; the powder is chemically pure, zinc oxid, uncalcined. If the powder contain traces of arsenic, pulp-devitalization may ensue. Fluid and powder are made into a thin paste. The cement hardens very quickly into a white porous body of about the hardness of plaster of Paris. Whichever paste is used, the concave disk is filled with it, the disk being of a size to set firmly on the dentin all around the exposure. It is caught upon one side in the jaws of a delicate pair of pliers and carried quickly to the cavity ; it is not set squarely over the exposure, but one edge is laid down first, and the disk delicately lowered until it rests upon the dentin and covers the exposure ; the excess of cement oozes from the side of the disk last .to touch the dentin. No sensation should be caused by the operation. If zinc oxysulfate has been used, the surplus paste is to remain ; if the oil of cloves, the surplus is wiped away. The cap is retained in place and non-conductivity assured by lining the cavity with a layer of zinc phosphate, so thin that it will flow. It is the usual practice to complete the filling with zinc phos- 21 322 DENTAL CARIES. phate or gutta-percha, and if, at the end of six months, no evidences of disturbance have occurred and the pulp respond normally to applica- tions of cold, a permanent filling is inserted. Statistics regarding the success or failure of efforts at the conserva- tion of the dental pulp have been presented in such manner as to make their value extremely doubtful. One reports the capping of all cases of exposure and gives the percentage of success. Another condemns the operation in toto, and states that exposure always indicates imme- diate devitalization of the pulp, and yet in both cases the probable morbid anatomical conditions which are deemed to warrant either course are not set forth. The clinical records of those who practise the ope- ration after the method and under the conditions here set forth warrant the judicious practice of pulp-capping. No modern path- ologist or well-informed practitioner ever questions the great advantage of having vital and normal pulps in teeth ; pulpless teeth are less strong ; they are liable to discolorations, and prone to pericementitis, even when skilfully treated. Capped pulps may give almost immediate evidences of subjective disturbances, or the latter may not appear for years ; but if the pulp remain quiescent for a year, a successful issue is accepted. Exaggera- tions or alterations in the mode of reaction to thermal impulses indicate an unfavorable issue, as do also pains referred to the region of the treated tooth. Prophylaxis op Caries. The prophylaxis or prevention of dental caries implies the removal of its exciting and, as far as possible, its predisposing causes. The removal of the exciting causes implies the destruction of ferments and the removal of fermentable material. For the growth of the active causes of caries two conditions appear to be essential — that necessary for the life of all organisms, a food- supply, fermentable material ; and, secondly, some undetermined bodily conditions which favor or deter their growth. The manner in which the constitutional condition reacts upon the secretions and tissues of the mouth, so that favorable or unfavorable conditions exist for the growth of lactic ferments, is purely conjectural ; but it may be assumed that in a perfectly healthy individual, one having entirely normal oral con- ditions, the soil for the growth of organisms is most unsuitable. It is freely conceded that bodily states react upon the oral tissues and alter their physiological relation, but the chief oral disturbances are, no doubt, of purely local origin. While it is unquestionably true that the correction of morbid conditions in other parts of the body may be fol- lowed by a cessation of oral disturbances, the extent of the changes thus PROPHYLAXIS OF CARIES. 323 brought about are not comparable, in point of extent, with the changes induced by rational local therapeusis. In general terms the prevention of dental caries begins with the correction of morbid physiology in all parts of the body. If general disease-causes — disorders of food-metabolism, of the blood- making organs, the blood-distributing apparatus, and the excretory organs — be in operation, a lowered vitality is present everywhere, including the mouth, and, no doubt, in the vital tissues of the teeth; Assumiuff that such causes and morbid conditions have been remedied, are irremediable, or not treated, the local measures are all-important. These are physiological, mechanical, and medicinal. The physiological and mechanical features both have to do with the removal of ferment- able material. Normally the movements of mastication subject the teeth to friction, through the medium of food-stuffs ; they cause an increased flow of saliva, which is pumped between the teeth and carried around and over them in currents. If the movements of mastication are lessened, not only is the extent of mechanical rubbing lessened, but the excretion of saliva is diminished, and after a time becomes altered in character. The coarser fibrous foods require more mastication and leave less debris than the soft, pulpy foods. Normal physiological use is, then, an important feature in the prevention of caries. If the indi- vidual can be persuaded to lessen the amount of cooked starches, pastry, etc., in the dietary, and substitute food requiring more mastication, the amount of fermentable debris is correspondingly reduced. The presence of debris between the teeth and about their necks affords not only in itself the material for the generation of lactic acid, but furnishes a medium in which soluble sugars may be retained, which undergo transformation into lactic acid. The importance of freeing the teeth from food-deposits, inspissated mucus, calculi, etc., is generally recognized, it having been noted that caries is markedly lessened in well-kept dentures. The means of accomplishing this cleansing are largely mechanical — by the use of tooth-picks, brushes, and floss-silk. The tooth-pick and floss-silk are used to partially (they cannot com- pletely) remove debris from the approximal surfaces of the teeth ; the tooth-brush removes those from the occlusal, buccal, labial, and lingual surfaces. Were it possible through such means to thoroughly remove all debris, caries might be reduced to the position of an unusual disease ; but it is because of their comparative inefficiency that painstaking cleans- ing, while lessening, does not prevent caries. DENTIFRICES. To aid the mechanical action of the tooth-brush it is usual to charge the brush with cleansing agents — dentifrices ; these are in the form of 324 DENTAL CARIES. powders, pastes, and soaps. The powder should not be gritty ; if it contain sharp particles, as charcoal, pumice, etc., the powder remains in the small spaces between the gums and teeth and acts as an irritant. The usual basis of all powders is calcium carbonate, in the form of pre- cipitated chalk ; this serves as a mild abrasive and neutralizes any free acids with which it is brought in contact. Magnesium carbonate or hydrate is to be preferred, as its particles are smoother and have less tendency to collect between the teeth. It is customary to combine with the chalk or magnesium from one-third to one-half its bulk of orris- powder for the supposed tonic influence of the latter upon the soft tissues. To this basal powder are added flavoring-substances and sugar, to render the dentifrice more agreeable. Oils of lemon, gaultheria, rose, etc., are used for flavoring, and .sugar to sweeten the powder. Sugar, however, should be always omitted from dentifrices ; it but adds to the ferment- able material present in the mouth. To sweeten dentifrices saccharin should be used, of which but a minute portion is required ; it is also an antiseptic. Tooth-pastes contain about the same ingredients as an ordinary tooth-powder, made into a paste with honey and glycerin ; their use is deprecated for this reason. Tooth-soaps have the great advantage of saponifying and removing the fatty deposits from the surfaces of the teeth, large areas of retention which are but partially cleansed by powders. They are made by adding about one-third by volume of powdered castile soap to ordinary tooth- powder. Antiseptics may be combined with tooth-soap with marked advantage. The last and a highly important consideration in the matter of pro- phylaxis is the destruction of the active organisms. The routine of tooth-cleansing includes the use of the tooth-pick, floss-silk, brush, and dentifrice, before the germicides proper are used. Unless the foreign deposits be first removed, the action of germicides is mechanically interfered with where they are most needed. It is essential that the antiseptic should be held in contact with the teeth for a long enough period to act as a germicide ; to merely take it into the mouth and eject it in a few seconds accomplishes but little good. The most effective method of using oral germicides is that suggested by Ottolengui, to spray by means of an atomizer a solution of the germicide between all of the teeth and over all of their surfaces. Miller ^ has tested the strength of solution of antiseptics admissible for this purpose, to determine which act most promptly and within the necessary time — about one minute : ^ Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth. PROPHYLAXIS OF CARIES. 325 Antiseptic. Salicylic acid Benzoic acid Listerine Salicylic acid Bichlorid of niCM-cury Benzoic acid Borobenzoic acid Thymol Bichlorid of niercary Peroxid of liydrogen Carbolic acid Oil of peppermint in agreeable strength Permanganate of potassium Boric acid . . Oil of wintergreen Tincture of cinchona Lime-water Concentration. 1 : 100 1:100 1 : 200 1 : 2500 1 : 200 1 : 175 I : 1500 1 : 5000 10 per cent. 1:100 1 : 4000 1:50 1:18 Time necessary for devi- talization. ^ minute. i—h minute. 1-2 minutes. 1-2 2-4 2-5 " 10-15 " 10-15 " 5-10 " More than 15 minutes. " " 15 " « " 15 " " " 15 " No action. Combinations of antiseptics are desirable to act as stimulants and, at times, astringents to the soft tissues. Such prescriptions as listerine, thymozone, borolyptol, etc. (combinations of benzoic acid, thymol, for- malin), and others, with such agents as eucalyptus, which exercise a favorable influence upon the vitality of the soft tissues, are used with much advantage. None but favorable results are noted after their long- continued use. It is customary to dilute them before using. The times for the thorough cleansing of the teeth should be before retiring and after rising, particularly the latter. The periodical cleans- ing of the teeth by the dental operator is an important feature in caries prophylaxis. SECTION IV. DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. CHAPTER XVII. COXSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. Diseases of the dental pulp are both acute and chronic. Ac- cording to the anatomical features, they may also be divided into constructive and destructive ; and as to their character into functional and structural. The acute diseases are usually functional and destruc- tive ; in the chronic, structural and constructive changes are commonly noted. Constructive diseases of the dental pulp are those attended by the formation of deposits of new masses of dentinal substance. Destruc- tive diseases are those which cause retrogressive and necrotic changes in the tissues of the pulp. The essential difference between the two classes of diseases is in the mode and character of the degeneration — the one is acute, the other chronic. Pathologically there is no abrupt line of separation between those disorders usually termed diseases of the dental pulp and those which are described under the head of diseases of the live dentin. As soon as the dentin of the crown of a tooth is deprived of a portion of its normal protective covering, the enamel, either through chemical solution inci- dent to the first phase of dental caries, or from mechanical abrasion, the vital portions of the dentin are subjected to new and abnormal con- ditions. These vital portions being in reality prolongations of the peripheral cells of the pulp, it is evident that the morbid conditions en- gendered by their exposure are expressions of pulp-disturbance, and we should expect to find reactionary effects upon the part of the pulp. Depending upon the severity of the irritation and the length or number of times sources of irritation have been in operation, evidences of func- tional and structural disorders in the body of the dental pulp are observed. Post-mortem knowledge of structural diseases of the dental pulp is comparatively complete, but a parallel knowledge of the exact nature of the causes producing definite and recognizable conditions, together with the symptoms which precede and accompany the several morbid 327 328 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. states, is incomplete. In the absence of precise information as to the association between disease-causes, their symptoms and effects, physio- logical and pathological, the practitioner bases his diagnosis of the ana- tomical condition of the pulp on symptoms which he is enabled to elicit by certain tests, and by the history furnished by the patient. The tests applied and histories obtained, direct attention to the vascular system of the pulj) as the primary cause of many, or most, of the conditions of the organ which are attended by paroxysmal and reflex pains. The reac- tions to tests occur both with and without exposure of the pulp to exter- nal sources of bacterial infection, although they are found in the vast majority of cases where bacterial invasion is a probability. Symptomatology of the Pulp. Writers upon dental pathology, during at least the past twenty-five years, have called attention to the fact that pain produced through the irritation of the dental pulp is rarely referred to its point of origin ; that is, diseases of the pulp are, as a rule, characterized by reflected pains. G. V. Black ^ has clearly set forth the causes and reason of this phenomenon. " The pulp of a tooth is not its tactile organ ; that is, it does not possess the sense of location. The only stimulus to which it responds in its normal state, when encased in an unbroken chamber of dentin, which is perfectly sheathed with enamel, is applications of heat or cold. Far removed in its normal state from situations in which a tactile sense could perform any physiological function, such a sense would be useless. Organs in which the tactile sense is absent and in which it would be perhaps superfluous, when the seat of disease have the pain incidental to the disease reflected to other parts ; for example, in hip-joint disease, pain at the inner side of the knee is a diagnostic sign ; in inflammations of the iris the pain is referred to the brow ; pain at the orifice of the urethra is indicative of disease of the bladder, and so on. So with irritation of the dental pulp, the pain is indefinitely or vaguely located. In those cases where pain is referred to the tooth irritated, there are associated conditions which produce a response of the true tactile organ of the tooth, the pericementum." The test by which the anatomical and physiological conditions of the pulp are judged is the specific stimulus to which the pulp is re- sponsive — changes of thermal impulse. The phenomena induced by applications of water whose temperature is above or. below that of the body, the extent and promptitude of the response, and the tem- peratures inducing it, are the only clinical means available for deter- mining the condition of the pulp, the prognosis of its diseases, and directing the mode of their treatment. ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF THE PULP. 329 It was pointed out by Black ^ that if a healthy tooth be isolated by a double layer of rubber-dam, and a jet of water at a temperature of 40"^ F. be directed against the tooth, a paroxysm of pain is produced. A jet of hot water will also induce a similar pain, and if the patient's eyes be shielded no difference in the sensations is noted. That is, the pulp responds to thermal stimuli, hot or cold indifferently. The organ is accustomed to variations of temperature between 60° and 105°-110° F., and within this range, in a condition of health, takes no apparent cog- nizance of this degree of change. With a decrease in the amount of dentin covering the pulp — i. e., with the advance of caries — the reaction to thermal stimuli increases in promptness, until, when the pulp is nearly exposed, the response is immediate. Succeeding this, is noted prompt response to lesser degrees of temperature-change, until the pulp comes to respond immediately to water at a temperature of 70° F., or thereabout, and slightly over the bodily temperature, 102° F. Later, another feature makes its appear- ance ; instead of a sharp contraction-pain, applications of moderate thermal stimuli are followed l)y a heavy, throbbing pain. Later, similar pains occur in the absence of tangible external sources of irritation. In the ordinary sequence of events intense pain is later caused by hot applications, and cold applications afford relief. The response to thermal stimuli may pursue the opposite course. The normally prompt response is followed by delays in reaction, until it is onlv after the continued application of cold to the exterior of a tooth that a paroxysm of pain is induced. In these cases there follows after a long time an increasing response to heat, as in the former instance, the reaction occurring only upon decided or prolonged heat- stimuli. Following upon the period of increased response to heat, in both cases there comes a period of quiescence, in which there is no re- sponse whatever to applications of intense cold, even that produced by the evaporation of a spray of ethyl or methyl chlorid — i. e., the sensory function of the pulp is paralyzed. These are the available subjective evidences of the anatomical con- dition of the pulp ; Avhile they indicate with a degree of accuracy, use- ful in clinical work, the alterations in the pulp, the exact relations between the reactions and the morbid anatomy of the organ are not entirely clear. In the light of present knowledge it is assumed that, in consequence of loss of the normal protective covering of the pulp, its sensory and perhaps vasomotor nerve-fibres become stimulated, over- stimulated, irritated, then paralyzed by thermal stimuli in the progress of caries. The bloodvessels, which retained their tonus up to a certain point, suffer vasomotor irritation ; next, paralysis leading to their dila- ^ American Systevi of Dentistry, vol. i. 330 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. tation and to the throbbing pain. Later, even change of posture is sufficient to cause distention of the paralyzed vessels, hence pain in resuming the reclining position. Stimulation by cold, until the later stages, causes a sharp continuous pain, ascribed to the paroxysmal con- traction of the vessels ; although unquestionably specific, sensory nerve reaction is involved. In the stages of paralysis, heat causes further dis- tention of the vessels, and, if adventitious gases be present, causes their expansion with pressure upon nerve-filaments. The decreasing and delayed response to thermal stimuli must be referred to two sources : first, an increase in the non-conducting cover- ing of the pulp — /. e., a lessening of the amount of the fluid contents of the dentinal tubuli and a thickening of the dentinal walls, which necessarily implies a recession of the pulp from its normal position ; secondly, to degeneration of the sensory nerve-fibres themselves ; and, thirdly, changes in the walls of or about the bloodvessels, which check vasomotor response and changes in the calibre of the vessels. These two classes of reactions still further emphasize the division of pulp- diseases into two types, the acute and chronic ; the first class of reac- tion is associated Avith the acute destructive diseases, the second with the chronic constructive but degenerative conditions. Constructive Diseases op the Dental Pulp. The constructive diseases of the dental pulp include all the secondary dentin formations, tubular calcification, the formation of pulp-nodules, and calcareous degeneration of the pulp. TUBULAR CALCIFICATION. Definition. — By tubular calcification, or, to express the condition more accurately, tubular dentinification, are meant those changes that occur in the dentin which lead to an obliteration of the dentinal tubuli by constructive changes in the walls of the tubules. Causes and Occurrence. — A mild degree of irritation, not passing the stage inducing constructive metamorphosis, and apparently caused by heightened thermal sensitivity. It occurs in the course of mechanical abrasion and erosion of the teeth, under metallic fillings ; and probably a modification of the process precedes the slow invasion of dental caries. It occurs in some degree as a normal vital change due to age, and is common in persons who are victims' of the gouty or rheumatic diathesis. Effects. — The altered dentin becomes translucent, acquiring a horn- like appearance. While there is no doubt that the existence of this condition of the dentin delays the disintegration of the tissue, it does not prevent it. CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. 331 SECONDARY DENTIN. Formations of dentinal tissue in the pulp-chamber are of several varieties ; the one under immediate discussion is that deposited upon and forming part of the pulp-chamber wall, lessening the volume of the cavity and of the dental pulp. Causes. — A lessening of the volume of the pulp-chamber — i. e., thickening of the dentinal walls — is a normal change of the teeth occur- ring with age. The change of senility is caused by a deposition of nor- mal dentin ; the lumen of the tubule lessens ; the odontoblasts recede, and grow smaller and less in number. This change is accompanied by increase in the fibrous elements of the pulp ; in other words, sclerotic chantres occur Avith ag-e. It is to be remembered that the formative activity of the pulp is not exhausted until the pulp is almost obliterated, and when this occurs the organ has completed its physiological office and undergoes degeneration. Fig. 262. Fig. 263. Fig. 262.— Secondary dentin, flllingthepulp-chamberincaseof abrasion of a cuspid tooth: a, portion lost by abrasion ; c, abraded surface ; rf, secondary dentin, filling a portion of the pulp-chamber, and acting as a protection to the pulp ; e, slender point of the pulp ; irregular deposits are seen on the walls of the pulp-chamber, as at/; g, cylindrical calcifications in the root-portion of the pulp-chamber. Fig. 263.— Calcification, or deposit of secondary dentin, resulting from caries of an incisor: A, dia- gram of section of incisor, shovving caries at a, and secondary dentin at 6. B, illustration magnified 200 diameters, to show the tissue of the secondary dentin : a, pulp-chamber ; 6, 6, sec- ondary dentin ; c, primary dentin. It will be noticed that the dentinal tubes in the secondary dentin gradually disappear, giving place to a clear calcification. (Black.) As will be seen in the discussion of the several constructive changes, variations in the conditions of the teeth may bring about the premature 332 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. exhaustion of the formative activity, with its consequence, atrophy of the pulp. The formation of secondary dentin implies the action of a localized stimulation of formative activity of the odontoblasts. It is probable that all of the cases of localized irritation may by careful investigation be resolved into an increased conductivity ; that is, a lessened non- conductivity through a defined path. Secondary deposits are commonly found associated with abrasion, erosion, the slow advance of dental caries, and with metallic fillings in proximity with the pul])! Patholog-y and Morbid Anatomy. — The formation is noted oppo- site some area of injury (Figs. 262, 263), and may be easily distin- guished from the normal dentin. Viewed macroscopically it is usually seen to differ from normal dentin in its degree of translucency (Fig. 264), and viewed microscopically there is a sharp change of direction Fig. 264. Secondary dentin, from the same specimen as Fig. 262, magnified sufficiently to show the difference in primary and secondary tissue : a, abraded surface of crown : b, secondary dentin ; c, primary dentin ; d, junction of primary with secondary dentin ; e, remains of pulp-tissue ; /, small oval masses of calcific material. (Black.) of the tubules which abru])tly marks oflP the secondary from the normal dentin. So long as the stimulation is uniform and localized, the new formation appears to be limited to an amount which will equalize the rate of condnctivitv in the dentin. CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DESTAL PULP. 333 The growth excited by caries presents some features differing markedly from those excited by abrasion/ Growths in Abrasion. — The growths excited by abrasion have more regularity of structure, and the gradual obliteration of the pulp- chamber occurs in more regular lines (Fig. 265). In cases affectine: double or triple rooted teeth Black found the deposits limited to the pulp-chamber and to the bulbous portions of the pulp, the diameter of the root-canal being diminished only at its entrance ; the deposits may extend for some distance up the canals, but never far, a condition different from that noted in dej)Osits ex- cited by other causes. " Secondary growths in cases of abra- Illustration of the narrowing of the FiG. 266. pulp-chamber in a molar (superior) by the deposit of secondary den- tin resulting from abrasion, showing the portions of the chamber in which the deposit usually occurs. The light- shaded portion (6) shows the original dimensions of the chamber, which in . this instance seem to have been pret- ty large ; a, a point of deep abrasion ; c, c, remaining pulp-chamber, which is mostly filled with irregular masses : d, one of the root-canals. It will be observed that the narrowing of the root-canal is within the original pulp- chamber. (Black.) P.D., primary dentin; S.D., secondary dentin, P, pulp-chamber ; D, nodules. sion are not confined alone to the abraded teeth, but other teeth which have escaped wear may be affected in equal degree. In all of these cases there is direct evidence that the odontoblastic layer has been stimu- lated to increased activity and produced the regular secondary deposi- tion." Growths excited by caries usually lack the regularity observed in the former cases, the difference being, no douljt, attributable to the nature and intensity of the irritation produced. While, as shown, stimulation of the dental pulp results in a somewhat regular and out- lined functional activity, other grades of pulp-disturbance lack this continuous degree of respon.se, and formations are irregular ; and by the same rule the existence of irregular deposits is an indication of grades and varieties of pulp-disturbances in excess of the stimulation ; they indicate irritations and hyperaemias. This is Avell illustrated in the case from which the appended figure (Fig. 266) was taken. The carious ^ Black, American System of Dentistri/, vol. i. 334 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. process was progressing slowly in the anterior segment of an upper first molar, the second bicuspid being absent. When the cavity had reached the second stage of invasion, it was filled with zinc phosjDhate. At this time it responded normally to the thermal test. After four years, vague discomfort was felt in the region, and in another year was referred to the filled tooth, which responded faintly to hot applications and not at all to cold. Diagnosis : pulp in last stages of degeneration. Upon open- ing the tooth the jDortion of the chamber opposite the original caries, and beyond, was found much contracted by a deposit of secondary dentin; the bulbous portion of the chamber and canals contained large loose dentinal tumors, that in the palatal root almost filling the canal. These deposits were of conglomerate nature, the elements of pulp-tissue being caught in their substance. The formation of regular deposits of secondary dentin, causing uniform or nearly uniform contraction of the pulp-chamber, has no clinical significance in point of therapeutical indications. The process must be regarded as conservative in character, although unquestionably the formation of secondary dentin hastens the physiological exhaustion of the pulp-tissue. Black ^ calls specific attention to the changes in the character of extensive secondary deposits, that at first the new structure contains nearly the normal number of tubules, which later become fewer — i. €., the odontoblasts have lessened in number and later structureless granular dentinal matter is found. Other forms of calcic deposits are found in the pulp-chamber, mechanically displacing portions of the pulp-substance, occupying the interstices, enveloping the pulp-elements ; and again the tissue-elements themselves appear to undergo calcareous degeneration. These all appear to be due to the occurrence of higher grades of pulp-disturb- ance and vascular reaction than represented in the case of orderly deposits of true dentinal substance. They probably arise in conse- quence of repeated hypersemia of low grades, of venous hyperemia, and of those conditions indefinitely known as chronic inflammations. Their association with these conditions, however, is not clear enough to definitely classify them as the consequences of any determined pathological condition of the pulp. While they are unquestionably evidences of pulp-degeneration, and should be so classified, they are, for the sake of convenience, grouped under the head of constructive changes. The fact that they are degenerations is to be constantly borne in mind. PULP-XODULES. Definition. — Pulp-nodules (pulp-stones, nodular calcifications) is the name applied to defined masses of calcic material occupying portions 1 American System of Dentistry, vol. i. CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. 335 of the pulp-chamber and causing displacement of the pulp-sub- stance. Occurrence. — Wliile tliese growths may occupy the pulp-chambers of teeth in which the pulp has been the seat of direct irritation, their occurrence is by no means confined to such teeth. They are found, not only in teeth which have suffered abrasion, erosion, and slowly progress- ing caries, but, as pointed out by Black, they may, and frequently do, form in other teeth of the same denture which are not directly involved in the irritation. This investigator notes that irritation of the pulp of one tooth of a denture very frequently causes a general hvperresthe- sia of the pulps of all of the teeth. This is particularly notable in the type of persons classed as neuralgic. It is also common in persons of the gouty diathesis. It should be remarked that a general ])ulp-hvper- sesthesia is frequently the precursor of an acute outbreak of gout in such persons. Nodules are found much more frequently in the teeth of middle-aged persons than in those of youth, although they may be pres- ent as early as the fifteenth year. They occur more frequenth' multiple than single. Some of the larger nodules are evidently formed by the coalescence of smaller ones. Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. — The structure of pulp-nodules does not resemble that of dentin ; they possess about the same degree Fig. 267. Section of a pulp-nodule, showing many calco-spherites, as pointed out by a, a. (Black.) of translucency and hardness. Outwardly they may assume almost any form ; they range in size from minute bodies to a size sufficient to almost obliterate the pulp (Fig. 265). A section of a nodule exhibits the presence of a number of concen- trically laminated bodies, recognizable as hardened calco-spherites. Black found them " to rarely make up any considerable portion of the 336 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. bulk of the nodule. The remainder of the nodule is made up of struc- tureless dentinal matter. He also found deposits in the pulp which throw light upon the possible origin of nodules in some cases, and to some extent upon the conditions under which they may be formed (Fig. 268). In the pulp of a second Fig. 268. Deposit of calco-globulin within the tissues of an inflamed pulp. (Black.) molar of a girl aged fifteen, in which there had been decided subjective evidences of pulpitis recurring at intervals, for a period of two months, he found a mass representing a pulp-nodule in its soft state. "About one-half of the coronal portion of the pulp was involved in the inflam- mation ; lying a little inside of the layer of odontoblasts were several masses similar to Fig. 268, having globular forms in their mass or attached to their margins. The globular bodies present the laminated appearance of calco-spherites." These masses may in all probability be interpreted as intermediate products in the formation of nodules ; they have not yet become calcified. The conditions of calcification in enamel and dentin are not definitely known (Chapter VII.), so that the mode of calcification in pulp-nodules is also unknown. Black suggests, following the experiments of Rainey, Ord, and Harting, that the chemi- cal conditions for the formation of calco-spherites appear to be a solu- tion of albumin, calcium salts, and an excess of carbon dioxid ; these conditions are realized when there is an excess of venous blood in semi-stagnation, the conditions which exist in varicose veins, a patho- logical state in which concretions (phleboliths) appear in the veins. " When a venous thrombus is but partially replaced by connective tissue the remainder of it may become calcified, forming phleboliths.^ While this may and no doubt does serve to explain calcareous degen- erations, it fails to explain the formation of pulp-nodules, which exist in teeth which have never been the seat of caries, and whose pulps exhibit no structural change other than the presence of nodules. More- over, the presence of hardened calco-spherites, and even an amorphous ^ Ziegler. CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. 337 calcified, translucent mass, implies secretion rather than chemical pre- cipitation. They are, however, not to be classed as secondary dentin, be- cause they lack the distinguishinjii; feature of dentin — dentinal tubules. Symptoms. — Multiple nodules may exist in a dental pulp and give rise to no evident symptoms whatever, as is shown by their presence in extracted teeth, many of them free from caries, and in which there was no history of pain. On the contrary, the pulp of a tooth may be the seat of intractable pain without a depth of carious invasion which would lead to the inference of acute pulp-disease ; and relief only be secured through devitalization of the pulp, which upon exami- nation may reveal a small pulp-nodule. The symptoms attendant upon the presence of nodules, so far as they can be made out, appear to be of two types — those associated with small and those with extensive deposits. Reflex pain is the common associate of both. Small Deposits. — While it is true that pulp-nodules exist in appar- ently sound teeth Avithout inducing pain, yet the pulps of teeth contain- ing them become excessively hypersesthetic under what are ordinarily mild sources of irritation. This is manifested, first, through the con- tents of the dentinal tubuli ; the dentin becomes exquisitely sensitive, and cool water directed into a shallow cavity produces a paroxysmal and excruciatingly painful response from the pulp. In the absence of direct, extraneous irritation of the pulp, the dental symptoms may be absent, but a persistent neuralgia may be located at some distant point. Pain in the ear is a frequent symptom. Occasionally an obstinate scalp neuralgia, with the existence of a hypersesthetic spot, appears. Pain in the eye, with tenderness over the supra-orbital foramen, is also common. The pain may be recurrent or persistent. If, in the absence of a more probable explanation of the pain, a pulp-nodule be suspected, and arsenical applications be made to devitalize the pulp, it is found that not only is intense pain caused, but examination after from forty-eight to seventy-two hours shows the pulp to be still vital and hypersensitive ; and in, order to effect its destruction repeated applications and large doses of arsenic must be used. Large Deposits. — In extensive deposits of pulp-nodules the dentin may be almost devoid of sensation, and applications of heat or cold, even in large cavities, may be followed by delayed and faint pulp- response. Such cases, however, commonly give a history of reflex neu- ralgia and vague dental pains extending over a period, it may be, of years. Their diagnosis may only be made after devitalization of the pulp and the finding of the nodules in the pulp-chamber or pulp- substance. The tardy action of arsenic is also observed in these cases, it being frequently necessary to devitalize the pulp piecemeal. 22 338 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. Treatment. — When pulp-nodules have been diagnosed as the probable source of dental pain or of reflex neuralgia, the therapeutic indication is the devitalization and removal of the pulp. The first arsenical application should contain a much greater amount of cocain than arsenic. In forty-eight hours a stronger paste may be applied. In the more obstinate cases, it may be one or two weeks before devitalization is complete. Uncomfortable symptoms referred to the teeth may persist for some time subsequent to devitalization and thorough removal of the pulp. Evidences of pericemental disturbance, tenderness upon per- cussion, may appear. The uncomfortable symptoms disappear, as a rule, if a saturated solution of menthol in chloroform be pumped in the canals, the cavity sealed, and the gum at a distance from the teeth be painted with tincture of iodin. CALCIFIC DEGENEEATIONS OF THE PULP. Calcific degenerations of the pulp are of two types : one occurs as a sequel of the degenerative changes of age — atheroma ; the other, as calcic deposits in tissues of the pulp which have been the seat of acute or subacute vascular derangements. Calcareous degeneration, as Fig. 269. A, diagram of a section of a central incisor, with a proximaldecay at a which seems to have pene- trated the original pulp-chamber, but the opening is closed by calcification at 6 ; c marks the position of a detached mass of calcific material that was lost in mounting the section. B, shows the appearance of the calcific deposit ; this seems to be a calcification of inflamed or cicatricial tissue ; at a there is the appearance of a bloodvessel ; b, pulp. (Black.) pointed out in Chapter lY., has as a precursor other degenerative changes ; it is, in fact, a deposition of calcic material, calcium and mag- nesium phosphate and calcium carbonate, in already degenerated tissues. Causes. — The causes of calcareous degenerations of the pulp are therefore in previous diseases of the pulp which have induced degen- CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. 339 erative changes in the pulp-tissue. Prominent among these Black found grades of pulp-inflammation, of hypersemia (Fig. 269). Patholog-y and Morbid Anatomy. — The calcic material, unlike the cases of nodular calcification, incloses the anatomical elements of a pulp in process of degeneration in a mass produced by deposition, not secre- tion. In the root-portions of pulps in which fibrous elements have become pronounced the calcification may be tubular or cylindrical in character, the nature of the calcareous masses being apparently a depo- sition about and along the fibres (Fig. 270). Fig. 270. A, outline of a lower molar, with a large carious cavity at a ; b, pulp-chamber ; the shaded portion, e, was occupied by cylindrical calcifications. B, cylindrical calcifications. (X 100.) (Black.) OSTEODENTIN. Tomes ^ states that secondary dentinal deposits may assume the character of osteodentin, a form of dentin found in the teeth of some animals, in which the tissue presents combined characters of both bone and dentin, citing the example also that elephant tusks are frequently repaired with osteodentin after injury. The specimen illustrated (Fig. 271) was taken from a case in which the coronal portion of the pulp- chamber was almost obliterated by a deposit of secondary dentin. It is difficult to conceive the origin of the osteoblasts in this case ; the evi- dences of former odontoblasts are plain ; but whether odontoblasts under altered conditions have become osteoblasts is a matter of conjecture. To recapitulate, there appear to be at least three distinct types of calcic formations in the pulp-chamber. First, secondary dentin, in which the odontoblasts recede from their original positions in conse- quence of a new formation of dentinal material, leaving behind them processes which give the new formation the character of dentin. The process, in the main, is associated with a mild and continued irritation leading to a continued hypernutrition. After a period the physiological activity of the odontoblasts ceases and they undergo atrophy. The ^ Dental Anatomy. 340 CONSTRUCTIVE DISEASES. second class of cases, nodular deposits, possess the physical and chem- ical properties of dentin without its anatomical characteristics ; it is dentinal substance, but not dentin histologically ; hence it differs from dentin in not being formed through the agency of odontoblasts ; it is Fig. 271. Osteodentin: ^4, outline of incisor, showing a narrowing of the root-canal at & by a deposit of osteodentin. B, illustration of the tissue : a, primary dentin ; '6, line of the beginning of a growth of secondary dentin ; c, secondary dentin ; d, layer of granular matter : e, osteo- dentin ; this has the lacunse at g and dentinal tubes at k; f seems to be the surface of the osseous deposit ; i, irregular crystalline deposits ; h, the pulp-chamber. X 350. (Black.) the product of secretory instead of formative action. Whether nodular deposits are first formed as a soft mass, and subsequently calcified, is not known. They appear in general to be the result of marked and irregular irritation of the pulp. The third form are calcareous depo- sitions about anatomically degenerated tissue occurring as a secondary process to degeneration and always indicating the near death of the pulp. CHAPTER XVIII. DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES OF THE DENTAL PULP. The next class of pulp-diseases are those of an acute character, although chronic diseases may arise as sequelse of the original conditions. They are essentially destructive in character and attended by prompt degeneration of the pulp-tissues. The most important clinically are those havine; an evident association with disorders of the bloodvessels of the pulp. Hyperemia of the Pulp. Hypersemia of the pulp is an excess of blood in the more or less dilated vessels of that organ. It is of two forms, active or arterial hyperemia, and venous or passive hypera^mia or congestion. These two classes diifer in their probable direct causations and in effects. ACTIVE HYPER.EMIA OF THE PULP. Definition. — Active or arterial hypersemia of the pulp is an excess of blood in the dilated arteries and capillaries of the pulp. Causes. — The most common cause of active hypersemia of the pulp is a lessening of the non-conducting covering of the organ, enamel and dentin, leading to an increased response and continued irritation of the pulp through thermal stimuli. A similar condition consists in the presence of large metallic fillings in close proximity to the pulj), through which abnormal thermal stimuli are received. Fillings through which prompt pulp-response to thermal changes are felt are a direct menace to the continued health of the pulp. " The vigorous use of sandpaper disks in finishing large fillings may and does precipitate an attack of pulp hypersemia." ^ The loss of tooth-substance mentioned may be either through abrasion, erosion, or caries. The condition frequently occurs without direct exposure of the dental pulp. Symptoms. — When the pulp has lost much of its protective cover- ing, its response to thermal change becomes increased. So long as a quick, sharp pain is produced by contact with cold or hot substances, ceasing immediately, and only reappearing in response to direct stimuli, no serious vascular disturbance is inferred ; but when paroxysms of sharp pain lasting from many minutes to hours follow upon an applica- tion of cold to a carious cavity, an unbroken enamel-surface, a filling, ' Black. 341 342 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. or an area of erosion or abrasion, a disturbance of the vessels of the pulp is suspected. The pains, in the absence of direct and intentional irritation, are, as a rule, but vaguely located. It is common to have the pain referred to somewhere in the region of the aifected tooth ; rarely to the tooth itself. It is not at all unusual to have the patient refer the pain to an entirely sound tooth at a distance from the one affected ; a tooth in the opposite jaw may be declared to be the seat of pain, and it may require the application of the thermal test to the offending pulp to convince the patient of the error of location. For some period previous to, and it may be after, an attack of acute paroxysmal pain, trigeminal neuralgia of the side may be complained of. A favorite location of this pain is in the ear. As a rule, when an upper tooth is affected the pain is located in the superior maxillary division of the fifth nerve ; if a lower, to the inferior maxillary division. The pain varies in intensity from a vague uneasiness to an acute neuralgic attack, with tender spots over the emergence of the nerve-tracks, at the supra- and infra-orbital, and mental foramina. The neuralgic pains are not always constant ; they may disappear from the second or third division of the fifth nerve and appear in the first. The proof of the direct connection between the pulp-pain and the neuralgia may in some cases be clearly made out by the thermal test. When a jet of cool water is directed against the tooth whose pulp is affected, it may produce, in addition to a local pain, an aggravation of the neuralgic pains. Patholog-y and Morbid Anatomy. — The one distinctive and charac- teristic anatomical condition associated with active hypersemia is an irreg- ular dilatation of the vessels of the pulp.^ Fig. 272 represents a section of the pulp of a tooth extracted during a paroxysm of acute pain — " acute paroxysms of pain lasting for an hour or more were occasionally occurring in consequence of very trivial changes of temperature ; the condition had existed for several weeks." In some cases of a similar character — i. e., presenting the same symptoms, but extracted during an interval of quiet — nothing remarkable is presented ; the veins of the bulb may be abnormally large and contain more blood than usual, while the arteries will be almost or quite empty and the injection of the capillary system wanting ; that is, the affected arteries have recov- ered their calibre, if not their tone. Black found the varicose enlarge- ment of vessels so common (Fig. 273) as to be a characteristic. Salter^ first called attention to the dilatation of veins into ampullae, describing them in connection with ulceration of the pulp, as due to engorgement and overtension of the veins. The most rational explanation of the dilatation of the vessels is that ^ Black, American System of Dentistry. ^ Dental Pathology and Surgery. HYPEREMIA OF THE PULP. 343 it is an irregular paralysis of vessel-walls — /. c, of vasomotor nerves. Whether the more usual painful responses of the pulp to thermal stim- FiG. 272. h '1 ■■Wi«, Hyperfemia of the dental pulp, showing the natural injection of the vessels : a, a. membrana ehoris, or layer of odonoblasts ; 6, 6, b, b, vessels distended with blood ; c, c, c, c, points from which the blood has fallen in handling the section. (Black.) uli are due to the stimulation of vasodilator fibres, which causes a transi- tory hyperaemia, is a matter of doubt ; but the pathological conditions Fig. 273, Dilated bloodvessels from the dental pulp in hypersemia, from tooth extracted during a paroxysm of intense pain. (Black.) noted in pronounced hypersemia signify a paralysis of vasoconstrictor fibres. Subjected to repeated over-stimulation, they become inaetive 344 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. and the vessel-walls yield to the pressure of the blood-column. Black's researches indicate that the vessel-^yalls may recover their tone and the vasoconstrictor nerves their functional activity after paralysis. Diag-nosis and Prognosis. — Diagnosis of hypersemia of the pulp is made through ol^servance of a combination of signs and symptoms. The symptoms leading to its detection are paroxysms of pain induced by thermal stimuli, and a history of pain in the region in which this re- sponse is elicited. The signs of the condition in the order of their importance and frequency are carious cavities, the presence of large metallic fillings, deep erosions or abrasions, and, again, fractured enamel exposing the dentin, or metallic crowns on teeth containing vital pulps. As a rule, the case presents a history of paroxysmal pain for a period ; either a single or several attacks. While, usually, pulp hyperemia is only associated with deep cavities of decay, it is occasionally found as an accompaniment of limited and comparatively superficial dentin exposures. The water used in testing the pulp-reaction should not be at a lower temperature than 60° F., and then be applied only in drops, never in a forcible stream. A normal pulp will rarely respond pain- fully to a few drops of water at the temperature named, flowed into a cavity ; but a hypersemic pulp will almost invariably respond vigorously. As a rule, a current of air from a chip blower is a test of sufficient severity. In the absence of a carious cavity the source of the pain is to be sought in large fillings, testing each tooth by dropping cool water on the filling ; in cases of erosion or abrasion the test is made upon the exposed dentin. The tooth which responds in a quick paroxysm of intense pain, passing away slowly, is diagnosed as the seat of pulp hyperemia. The prognosis of this condition is important as determining the course of treatment. Governed by clinical experience, many operators invari- ably devitalize and remove a pulp which has been the seat of more than one attack of paroxysmal pain. Others attempt the conservative treat- ment of the organ even when it has been judged from the symptoms the seat of repeated hyperemia, and report that success usually attends the effort, provided due precautions have been taken as to antisepsis, the character of pulp-cupping, and to non-conductivity of the pulp- covering. Black ^ has shown the capability of the pulp to recover from repeated hypersemia ; that is, as regards the condition of its bloodvessels ; and the records of observers (notal^ly Louis Jack") show that after years ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. * American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. HYPEREMIA OF THE PULP. 345 the pulp responds normally to thermal stimuli, proving its continued vitality, aye more, its health. It is possible that those who condemn the attempts at conservation of the pulp after hypersemia have con- founded this vascular condition with serious degenerative changes. Properly treated, the prognosis of active hyperemia of the pulp is, upon the w^hole, favorable. Treatment. — The therapeutic principles involved in the treatment of this condition are : the removal of the source of irritation and the securing of physiological rest ; the latter can only be secured through the removal of the former. The treatment is directed toward imme- diate relief of the existing condition and the prevention of its re-occur- rence. If a carious cavity exist, it is to be freed from debris ; and the grosser portions of the carious dentin are removed ; the pulp, if unex- posed, is to have the layer of softened dentin covering it left unremoved. Sedative agents are imperatively called for, that most commonly em- ployed being carbolic acid. This agent is, however, discountenanced by some practitioners on account of the possible deleterious effect it may have on the pulp ; this ol)jection is not generally sustained. The essential oils are perhaps the most effective agents for use in this con- nection. The oils of cloves, of gaultheria, cinnamon, thyme, and menthol are all extensively used and are all effective. Of these, thymol acts most promptly ; a saturated solution in alcohol being used, sealed in the cavity Avith temporary stopping. It is, in addition, a germicide of sufficient activity to sterilize the dentin covering the pulp. The essential oils act as sedatives, and the non-conducting temporary stopping secures rest by preventing the conduction of thermal stimuli. In from twenty -four to forty-eight hours the tooth is placed under the rubber-dam, and excavated (see Chapter XVI.); its walls are varnished, and over the wall nearest the pulp a disk of softened gutta-percha is laid. Over this zinc-phosphate paste is flowed. It is usual to complete such fillings with zinc phosphate or gutta-percha, to remain for six months or a year. The conductivity of zinc phosphate is too high to be used as the sole material over pulps which have been the seat of hypera?mia. If the pulp be exposed, it is capped as described in Chapter XVI. In cases of abrasion or erosion carbolic acid is applied ; an excava- tion having a retentive form is made, which is varnished and filled with zinc phosphate. A tooth containing a large metallic filling must have the filling removed and after reducing the hyperjemia a non-conducting layer must be placed between the pulp and the filling. The precaution should always be taken, when the pulps of teeth in which cavities have been prepared respond unduly to the temperature-test, to cover the dentinal walls with a layer of non-conducting material. In the absence of this precaution the constant overstimulation of the pulp by thermal 346 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. impulses conducted through the metallic filling, may at any time result in hypersemia. Idiopathic hypersemia occasionally affects teeth in which there is no loss of enamel or dentin ; and when this condition occurs, it leads to suspicion that the pulp is the seat of nodular deposits. Such teeth are to be dried, heavily varnished, and wedged upon both sides for twenty- four hours, until a gutta-percha cap can be fitted to them completely enclosing the crown. The cap is to remain and to be renewed until the tooth responds normally to the temperature-test. VENOUS HYPERiEMIA OF THE PULP. Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. — Considering the mode of vas- cular supply to the teeth, arteries entering and veins leaving the tooth by a rigid and constricted channel, it is evident that if the arteries be dilated the veins must suffer more or less compression, causing a Fig. 274. Section of hypersemic pulp, showing aneurismal dilatation of the vessels, extravasations of blood, and red blood-disks escaped apparently by diapedesis : a, o, dilated vessels; 6, 6, 6, extrava- sated blood. Besides this, red blood-disks are plentifully distributed everywhere in the neighborhood of the veins. The tooth was extracted during a paroxysm of pain. (Black.) -I. 6., venous or mechanical obstruction to the return of the blood- mechanical congestion is likely to be established. In teeth having more than one root the venous engorgement may be HYPER.EMIA OF THE PULP. 347 lessened by escape of blood tliroiigh a second root. In single-rooted teeth conijestion mud be established Avhen the arterv or arteries are affected near the apical foramen. It is inferred that in the foregoing conditions described the interference with venous return has been but partial. The condition raises the tension of the blood in the capillaries and minute veins, and produces stagnation in the emergent veins ; there is mechanical stagnation (Fig. 274). It is evident that if this condition continue for a length of time that thrombosis must occur in one or more veins. Black ^ has described sequelse of active hyperaemia which appear to correspond Avith those conditions. Extravasations of red blood-cor- puscles occur in the tissues. CEdema, the usual accompaniment of venous congestion, cannot occur, as there is no room for exudations. The condition, corpuscular extravasation, corresponds with that of hemorrhagic infarct — the degeneration and death of more or less pulp- tissue are inevitable. Black suggests that, no doubt, many cases of pulp death en masse are due to the condition of general infarction. The force of this suo-o-estion is evident when ii is remembered that the arteries to single-rooted teeth are virtually terminal arteries. If the inflirction be incomplete, more or less inflammation of the pulp is almost sure to supervene. Disintegration of the red corpuscles may occur and the coloring-matter of the corpuscles may be diifused through the dentin, giving it a pink discoloration. The infiltrated dentin may then become progressively discolored through the characteristic changes of color noted in connection with gradually decomposing hsemoglobin — becoming brown, blue, and finally blue-black. Symptoms. — The symptoms of this condition, in the absence of definite data, can only be inferential. When the paroxysms of pain are continuous, instead of temporary — that is, when the pain, instead of temporarily subsiding, maintains a constant intensity for hours, and does not respond promptly to therapeusis, and is accompanied by a sense of fulness rather than sharp agony, a condition of serious venous con- o-estion is inferred. The case from which the illustration is taken had been the seat of intense paroxysmal pain for some hours. Prognosis. — Perfect recovery from this condition is extremely doubtful, so that if the pulp be not intentionally devitalized and removed, it will undergo degenerative changes. The fact that pulps have remained alive for years, after having been the seat of marked congestion, scarcely warrants the attempt to save so seriously crippled an organ in all cases. Treatment. — Considering the nature of the anatomical changes, it is ' American System of Dentistry, vol. i. 348 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. doubtful whether the pulp can ever fully recover ; so that devitalization and extirpation are asually practised in these cases. Before this is attempted or before any attempt is made at permanent treatment, relief is demanded from the pain. After washing out the cavity with warm alkaline solu- tions, a warm solution of phenol sodique is admirable ; the cavity is cleansed of softened dentin, usually exposing the pulp in the operation. This organ, instead of being pink, is seen to have a purjDlish hue, and immediately protrudes through the opening of exposure. If the surface of the pulp and the cavity-walls be touched with a strong antiseptic, such as a solution of hydronaphthol in alcohol, and a very sharp probe which has been dipped in carbolic acid be used to delicately punc- ture the pulp, there is an immediate and free flow of blood which is permitted to continue for some minutes, relieving the vascular engorge- ment. In five minutes the cavity is syringed wdth a warm antiseptic solution (phenol sodique will answer), and a pellet of cotton containing a saturated solution of menthol in chloroform may be laid over the pulp, and retained in place by another pellet of cotton. This application is usually more effective than even a saturated solution of cocain hydrochlorid in glycerin. The following day an arsenical application may be made. If the pain subside, and the pulp remain quiet for a week under a temporary stopping, some operators have advocated pulp-capping even in this condition. Inflammation of the Dental Pulp, or Pulpitis. Definition. — Inflammation, as pointed out in Chapter IV., is a pro- cess to be sharply differentiated from that of hyperaemia. It is entirely separate and distinct. While several of the phenomena of arterial hyperaemia are present in inflammation, they constitute but a part of the process. The essential feature of inflammation is the peculiar aggrega- tion and diapedesis of the white blood-corpuscles. Hyperaemia, no matter of what grade or variety, rarely exhibits this feature, and then but slightly, nor in any degree does it present the same types of exuda- tion or of tissue-change observed in inflammation. Inflammation of the dental pulp is a condition in which the phenomena of the inflam- matory process (see Chapter IV.) occur in the dental pulp, their course Vjeing modified, as in many other tissues of the body, by the peculiar anatomical surroundings. Causes. — x^owhere more than in the dental pulp does the force of Metchnikoff's dictum, that all inflammations are bacterial in origin, seem to apply. While it must be admitted that here as elsewhere the vast majority of inflammations are bacterial in origin, and that the theory of phagocytosis is the most inclusive that has yet been offered, yet there are numerous conditions in which the bacterial origin has not INFLAMMATION OF THE DENTAL PULP, OR PULPITIS. 349 been made out. We may accept, however, that inflammation is essen- tially Nature's method of ridding herself of irritants, and that phago- cytosis is the mechanism through which this is accomplished, and leave the question of the necessary association of bacteria mib Judice. Taking this position, inflammations of the dental pulp may be divided into infective and non-infective. There are in all probability other irritant factors, in addition to those causing hyperaemia, necessary before inflammation can result. The irritants relate to injuries either through the operation of physical forces or chemical agencies. The chief of the physical forces is the presence of foreign bodies, either upon the surface of the pulp or in its substance. The chemical bodies are those which cause death of the tissues of the pulp, the inflammation being a reaction representing an attempt of the pulp to segregate or expel the dead tissue; or those chemical bodies produced by bacteria which attract the white blood-corpuscles (positive chemotaxis). Pulpitis is classified, according to its extent, into partial and com- plete ; according to its duration, into acute and chronic ; according to its infective character, into purulent and non-purulent ; and, again, according to the character of the degeneration which follows upon the inflammatory process. While pathologically these conditions may be clearly dif- ferentiated from one another, they may be reduced to more compact groupings according to their clinical significance. For example, acute pulpitis is frequently infective, partial and purulent ; chronic pulpitis is frequently non-infective, extensive, non-purulent, and indicative of secondary degenerations. For the sake of convenience, pulpitis will receive a clinical division into acute and chronic. Some of the chronic varieties have been de- scribed under the head of degenerations ; others are included in the suppurative diseases of the pulp. ACUTE PULPITIS. Causes. — The causes of acute pulpitis are direct and indirect, intrin- sic and extrinsic ; the vast majority of cases being due to extrinsic causes. The direct intrinsic causes are hemorrhagic extravasations ac- companying venous congestion, pulp-nodules, and injury of the vessels at the apex of the root. The direct extrinsic causes are, perhaps, invari- ably associated with bacterial invasion, a possible exception being the pressure of filling-material upon a thin elastic lamina of softened dentin, covering the pulp. The dental pulp is intolerant of the slight- est pressure, and rebels vigorously when subjected to compression. It is not necessary ^ that the pulp should be exposed to permit bacterial infection, and direct or extensive bacterial invasion is probably not 1 Miller, Dental Cosmos, 1894. 350 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. necessary for the production of pulpitis. The waste-products, pto- mains, etc., of bacteria may find their way to the surface of the pulp via the dentinal tubuli, through a layer of softened dentin, and excite inflammation. It is extremely probable that infection of the pulp is an invariable consequence of its exposure ; but as a pulp may be exposed without subjective evidences of hypersemia or inflammation, it follows that infection does not necessarily imply inflammation. The presence of a gross irritant, such as a mass of food-debris, vegetable seeds, bread-crumbs, etc., in contact with the pulp will precipitate an acute inflammation in which bacterial relations must be taken into consideration. " The severity of the inflammation does not appear to be proportion- ate to the number of bacteria present, and in a highly inflamed pulp we may be able to find but few bacteria. . . . The conclusion seems to be justified that the inflammation is due to the combined action of the bacteria and their products (acids, ptomains, etc.) with which the carious dentin becomes impregnated." ^ The general indirect intrinsic cause of pulp-inflammation may be regarded as active hypersemia. This condition furnishes a predisposi- tion to active inflammation, as shown in Chapter Y. Pulpitis frequently occurs as a sequel to active hypersemia, and the causes producing this condition must, therefore, be also regarded as the causes of inflamma- FiG. 275. Inflammation of dental pulp : a, a, normal cells ; b, b, b, b, inflammatory elements ; c, cells in process of division (i^j; in.). (Black.) tion. The use of irritating drugs in proximity to or in contact with the pulp may excite inflammation. Morbid Anatomy and Pathology. — In determining the existence of pulpitis, no matter what the symptoms which have presented or the ^ Miller, Dental Cosmos, 1894. INFLAMMATION OF THE DENTAL PULP, OR PULPITIS. 351 condition as to exposure, etc., the microscopic examination of sections of the aifected organ constitutes the only test ; if the changes character- istic of inflammation be absent, no matter what the symptoms, pulpitis did not exist. The essential feature of the process is emigration of the \vhite blood-corpuscles from the small veins into the intercellular matrix of the pulp. At first the inflammatory elements (leucocytes) are scattered through the spaces between the pulp-cells (Fig. 275) ; Fig. 276. Section of dental pulp, showing the invasion of the inflammatory process along the course of the veins— the diapedesis of the white blood-corpuscles. (Black.) at a later stage the territory is occupied by round indifferent cells alone. The inflammation may be widespread, as shown in Fig. 276, or may Fig. 277. Minute inflammatory focus within the tissues of the pulp: a, n, arterial twigs ; 6, a nerve-bundle ; c, collection of leucocytes. (Black.) be localized to some portion of the pulp, as one horn of a pulp ; Black noted also inflammatory action occurring in small islands (Fig. 277). Swelling of the pulp — exudation — cannot occur unless there is a 352 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. break in the wall of the pulp-chamber through which additional space can be gained. Black has recorded that " he found beneath the layer of odontoblasts in the region of an exposure an unmistakable deposit of inflammatory lymph. The case had a history of severe toothache for two days, two weeks previously. The pulp exhibited evidences of previous extravasations of blood from hypersemia," There is evidence that the pulp may recover from attacks of inflam- mation, and that resolution occurs. In some cases, as shown under the head of calcareous degeneration, the tissues may become infiltrated with calcic material. In others, chronic degenerative changes — inflammatory degeneration — may supervene. The cases thus far described have been given as non-infective, simply because their infective character has not been clearly made out, although it is very probable that they are infective. Suppuration of the pulp is a common accompaniment of pulp-inflam- mation ; this being necessarily infective, will be described separately. Symptoms. — The symptoms of pulpitis are largely a matter of inference. The existence of hypersemia and a general paretic state of the bloodvessels are judged by symptoms. Throbbing pain referred to the region of some one tooth, and at times referred definitely to the. aifected tooth, is regarded as a guiding symptom. The tooth may respond to percussion slightly. The pericementum being involved to some extent, the throbbing attendant upon the pulpitis is the reason for the pain being located at times in the oiFending tooth, instead of being reflected, as usual in pulp-affections. In other cases the pain is referred to far distant points in the course, or at points, of any of the divisions of the fifth nerve. No pain may be felt in the tooth at all, and serious disturbances appear in distant parts, in the eye or ear. The usual symp- tom, however, in addition to the heavy, throbbing pain in the tooth, is a marked increase of suffering upon assuming the recumbent position. The paretic vessels permit an increased flow of blood into them as soon as its flow to the tooth is favored by gravity. In the upright position during the day the suffering continues, although lessened, as a dull, heavy pain. The pulp responds to both heat and cold, but more to the former than to the latter. Diagnosis. — Inflammation of the pulp is the usual associate of exposure of the organ whether marked symptoms have been present or not. Its actual existence is judged from presenting the local symptoms noted. A large cavity, with an exposed pulp, with dull, heavy pain, increased in the recumbent position, with little or no response to per- cussion — pulpitis is diagnosed. If in a tooth containing a large filling these symptoms have been present, pulpitis is inferred. Pulpitis from injury of the vessels at the apex of the root must be INFLAMMATION OF THE DENTAL PULP, OR PULPITIS. 353 mentioned. It may occur in consequence of bloAvs, biting upon hard substances, too rapid wedging, the rapid movement of teeth in ortho- dontia, and the progressive k)osening of teeth in pyorrhoea alveolaris. In these cases tlie pericementum is also affected and the teeth are tender upon percussion. Pain in the teeth upon assuming the recumbent posi- tion, dull, heavy uneasiness about the jaws, and inordinate response to thermal stimuli, particularly to heat, point to ])ulpitis. No doubt many pulps are destroyed by general hemorrhagic infarct in these cases. Prognosis. — While it is undoubtedly true that the pulps of teeth which have been the seat of inflammation may recover, that resolution may occur, it is the general experience that they usually degenerate and die ; if attempts are made at conservation, su])plementary pathological changes occur which result in the death and decomposition of the organ. Months or years afterward the tooth increases in opacity, and if the pulp-chamber be opened, the pulp is seen to have undergone decomposition. Treatment. — Pulpitis when fully established is at times very obdu- rate so far as local therapeusis is concerned. The same local measures apply as in venous hyperaemia, local bloodletting when feasible, and applications of obtundents and sedatives. Of all local agents, none appears to furnish a greater measure of relief than applications of a paste of cocain hydrochlorid in glycerin, although saturated solutions of menthol and thymol are both effective. Atropia sulfate, gi*. j-3J, is also markedly sedative. These applications should be sealed in the tooth by means of temporary stopping, being careful that no pressure is made upon the pulp or it will respond vigorously. Before making any medicinal applications to the exposed pulp the cavity should be freely and repeatedly syringed with warm antiseptic solutions, a 50 per cent, solution of meditrina answers well. Coagulant agents are not used, as the coagulum formed interferes with the action of other remedies. If the tooth contain a large filling, it is removed, at least in part, until access to or proximity to the pulp is attained. The measures stated will afford partial but not complete relief; gen- eral antiphlogistic measures are indicated. Of these, perhaps the most effective is local bloodletting. Nancrede's experiments ' have shown that one of the most effeetiv'e methods of unloading an area of engorgement, is to take a^vay blood, and establish a rapid flow through veins adjacent to the area. Making a few cuts with a sharp lancet in the gum overlying the root of the affected tooth, and promoting the flow of blood by holding warm water in the mouth, is a useful measure. ^ Warren's Surgical Pathology and Therapeutics. 23 354 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. Carefully drying the gum and painting over a small area canthar- idal collodion and forming a blister is a useful means of derivation. The continued application of a pepper bag to the gum, and painting the gum with tincture of iodin, both tend to unload the engorged pulp ; but none of them has so pronounced effect as direct local bloodletting. If the patient's repugnance to the operation can be overcome, leeching is an effective means of relief. The gum is scrubbed clean, the leech being very loath to attach itself to a dirty surface, and touched with a solu- tion of sugar. The (Swedish) leech, enclosed in a small test-tube, is to be brought to work, by having the tube-mouth pressed upon the gum. As soon as the leech is engorged, the tube is withdrawn slightly and salt (sodium chlorid) is dropped upon the animal, which then falls back into the test-tube. The administration at night of ammonol, grs. x, in addition to local sedatives and local bloodletting, will usually secure quiet. If the pa- tient be at all costive, a dose of Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate, a tablespoonful in a goblet of water, is an additional means of relief. Quiet of the pulp must be secured before an arsenical application is made, or the latter merely increases the irritation instead of promptly devitalizing. Fig. 278. Suppuration of the Pulp. Definition. — By suppuration of the dental pulp is meant a forma- tion of pus on its surface (ulceration) or in its substance (abscesses). It occurs both as an acute and as a chronic affection. Causes. — The immediate cause of sup- puration of the pulp is the ingress of pyo- genic organisms to the pulp. As in inflam- mation of the pulp, while usually associated with direct exposure of the pulp, suppura- tion may occur in pulps covered by softened, or even unsoftened dentin.^ " Bacteria which have entered the body through wounds may be deposited in the pulp as well as in any other part of the body, wher- ever there may be a locus minoris resistentice at the time. Arkovy^ (Fig. 278) first observed infection of the pulp while still covered by a layer of unsoftened dentin. Miller^ questions whether bacteria can pass through any but very thin layers of dentin. He states * that sections of the overlying dentin in a case of suppuration of ^ Miller, Dental Cosmos, 1894. ^ Diagnostik der Zdhnkrankheiten. ^ Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth. * Dental Cosmos, 1 894. Invasion of pulp by micrococci. (Arkovy.) SUPPURATION OF THE PULP. 355 the pulp showed the same forms of bacteria as were found in the pulp itself. In cases where suppuration has occurred in teeth containing large fillings which are perfect and intact, and the pulp has never been exposed, it is a reasonable inference that the organisms necessary to pus-formation have found their way to the dental pulp via the general circulation. This infection in purulent pulpitis is a mixed one, both cocci and bacilli being present, and- in later stages of degeneration other forms appear also. Suppuration of the pulp is a not infrequent sequel of the capping of pulps which had given evidence of a previous hypememia or inflam- mation. Morbid Anatomy and Patholog'y. — Anatomically pulp suppura- tion, purulent or pyogenic pulpitis, is of two general varieties ; one begins upon or close to the surface of an exposed pulp, and graduallv destroys the organ through a process of progressive (Fig. 279) ulcera- FiG. 279. A, diagram of lower molar, with caries at a which exposes the pulp : the darkened portion at 6 shows the extent of the inflammation: the rest of the organ was free from intiammatory change. 2?, illustration of the inflamed tissue, showing a part destroyed by suppuration at a ; the odontoblasts are undermined at b; the bloodvessels which were filled with blood-clot in the section are left blank here, that they may be more apparent. (Black.) tion ; the second, that confined in the substance of the pulp, causes the gradual destruction of a part or all of the pulp through the forma- tion of circumscribed abscesses (Fig. 280). 356 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. Fig. 280. Acute suppurative pulpitis in the coronal portion : I, intensely inflamed horn ; A, abscess ; V, blood- vessels engorged with blood ; S, superficially inflamed horn ; N, nest of inflammation. X 10. (Bodecker.) Ulceration of the Pulp. Of these two forms, ulceration is the more common. The capillaries (Fig. 279) are blocked with coagulated blood (they are left open in the illustration to clearly mark their position) ; the intercapil- lary mesh work is occupied by inflammatory exudation ; the surface of the pulp is eroded, and covered with pus-corpuscles ; the ulcerative process is undermining the layer of odontoblasts. The suppurative process penetrates the body of the pulp, following the direction of its veins and hollowing out the organ into a deep cavern. Black regards ABSCESS OF THE PULP. 357 tlie persistence of the layer of odontoblasts as indicating: an inferior vitality, as it shows they are less susceptible of change of form than the other cells of the organ. The process of ulceration may continue for weeks or months until the entire organ has been destroyed molecularly. The necrotic por- tions undergo putrefactive decomposition, probably passing through the same stages that any albuminous substance passes in its serial decomposition, into the end-products — ammonia, carbon dioxid, hydro- gen sulfid, and water. " Very interesting and instructive results were obtained by examining material from diiferent parts of the same tooth. In the case illustrated in Fig. 281 the pulp-chamber at a was wide open and filled Avith food-particles, which had a foul, half-putrid odor ; at b the pulp was putrid and foul-smelling ; at e there was a small abscess, filled with pure white pus, while the tissue between this point and the apex of the root was highly inflamed and bright red. Material from the pulp- chamber {a, Fig. 281) contained the forms shown in Fig. 282 ; material from point 6 those shown in Fig. 283, and from the point c those shown in Fig. 284. We perceive a gradual diminution of the large cocci, and the appearance of small, delicate cocci and diplococci " (Miller).^ Fig. 281. Fig. 282. Fig. 283. Fig. 284. Fig. 285. --> Micro-orgauisms found in cultures from a gangrenous pulp. Abscess of the Pulp. Abscess of the pulp is usually situated near the point of exposure of the organ. It may be confined to one horn of the pulp, or may 1 Dental Co.^mos, 1894. 358 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. involve nearly the entire substance of the pulp, the peripheral tissue of the pulp being unbroken. Abscess may exist at some distance beneath the surface of the pulp, and the latter be still covered with a layer of dentin. The writer once uncovered the horn of a molar pulp which was covered by a lamina of hard dentin, and no fluid appeared ; but upon passing a sharp probe into the white area of exposure for over one-eighth of an inch or more there was a free flow of pus which quickly filled the larger carious cavity. A pulp removed entire from a tooth which was yellowish-white in color and unbroken showed upon sec- tion its interior hollowed out into an enormous abscess-cavity (Fig. 286). The bloodvessels were blocked ; the peripheral tissues were unal- FiG. 286. Transverse section of inferior bicuspid pulp, one-half diagrammatic: a, abscess-cavity; &, embry- onic cells at the periphery of abscess-cavity ; c, occluded bloodvessels. tered ; between the odontoblasts and the abscess-cavity, the latter lined with pus-corpuscles, evidences of inflammation were plenty. Black found that the odontoblasts retained their form after neighboring cells of the pulp had been destroyed. Miller's' researches show a preponderance of cocci and micrococci in cases of enclosed abscess ; cocci and diplococci were of constant occur- rence. Many of the forms, both cocci and bacilli, were cultivable upon gelatin and agar-agar. Some of them, cocci and bacilli, brought about the liquefaction of gelatin ; others did not. So that it must be inferred that infective inflammation and necrosis of the pulp may occur without suppuration. In some instances streptococci wore found. In the freely exposed pulps varieties of organisms were found which would render clear the possibility of a general infection by way of the dental pulp. 1 Dental Cosmos, 1894. ABSCESS OF THE PULP. 359 Symptoms. — Many cases of ulcerative suppuration of the pulp may run their course to complete or almost complete destruction of the organ, and no uneasiness arise until septic pericementitis appears, which it almost invariably does some time subsequent to death of the pulp. In other cases, however, pains characteristic of inflammation of the pulp are noted, but response to the cold test has almost dis- appeared. Intense pain may exist when the pus does not find ready exit owing to food-debris being massed in the cavity of decay or to the presence of a large filling. The condition then resembles that of abscess of the pulp. The usual history of the latter disease is as follows ; in a tooth containing an enormous filling, one in which the pulp has been exposed, or in a tooth having a large carious cavity, the patient gives a history of discomfort or decided pain, appearing at intervals ; the existing condition having been ushered in by dull, gnawing pain, which is usually not positively located, although it may be. The pain grows in intensity, and, in contradistinction to the pulp-conditions previously de- scribed, pain is relieved instead of increased by applications of cold. It may be, however, that the prolonged contact of ice-water may induce a response. The response to heat is marked, so that a mouthful of hot coffee may precipitate an attack of severe and continued pain. If the pulp be freely exposed and pricked with a sharp instrument, a flow of pus follows in many cases, and the relief is almost immediate. In the earlier stages a period of throbbing pain may follow evacuation of the pus. In other cases the response to heat may decrease until it is almost absent, and the case only be seen Avhen evidences of the action of bac- terial products upon the pericementum appear, which they usually do in the later stages of pulp suppuration ; when the tooth becomes loose, extruded, and tender upon percussion. If untreated, symptoms of pulp and pericemental disturbance may disappear for weeks or months ; but if the parts be not perfectly sterilized and reinfection prevented, it is only a question of time when septic pericementitis will arise. Diagnosis. — The most valuable diagnostic sign is the peculiar reac- tion to thermal stimuli — the decreasing, then absent response to cold, and the increasing reaction to applications of heat. This reaction, together with the continued gnaAving, and full sensation in the tooth, usually affords, a diagnosis, which is confirmed by evacuating pus from the pulp. Prognosis. — General experience regards ulceration and abscess of the pulp as precursors of the death of the organ. Usually this is by progressive suppuration. It is undoubtedly true, however, that at- tempts at circumvallation of the dead tissue are made in some cases (Fig. 287). The pus-cells undergo degeneration and the abscess-site may be the seat of calcareous deposits. Even in these cases death is 360 DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES. delayed, not averted. The remainder of the pulp undergoes atrophic changes, and commonly suppuration reappears. Treatment. — The treatment of the case consists in relieving the existing pain, completing the devitalization of the pulp, and removing Fig. 287. Chronic suppurative pulpitis terminating in calcification of the pus and atrophy of the pulps. Ai, larger abscess, filled with calcified pus ; a^, abscess at the periphery of the pulp ; a^, a", small longitudinal abscesses, all calcified ; n, calcified nerve-bundle : c, c, calcareous depositions in the fibrous pulp-tissue ; p, p, pigment-clusters from previous hemorrhage. X 10. (Bodecker.) it in such a manner that no organisms or dead matter are carried beyond the apex of the root. To secure relief, evacuation of the pus is imperatively necessary. The organ is freely exposed, exercising no pressure in gaining free access to it. If pus do not flow upon exposure of the surface of the pulp, the ABSCESS OF THE PULP. 361 cavity and pulp, the tooth being under rubber-dam, are drenched with strong antiseptics — a spray of hydrogen dioxid or of meditrina — and a sharp, slender sterilized probe is quickly passed into the substance of the pulp, when if pus be present it will usually escape freely through the opening thus made. If the pus-formation be limited and circumscribed, throbbing pain raav follow, which promptly quiets under an application of cocaiu in glvcerin. The application is not made until the pus-flow ceases. A pellet of cotton wet with a 3 per cent, solution of formalin, or a satu- rated solution of thymol, is laid upon the pulp and the cavity is sealed for tweuty-four hours (never longer), and then an arsenical application is made. Should the exposed portion of the pulp be insensitive it is burred away until access is had to the vital portion, where the arsenic is to be applied. Antiseptics are to be freely used, and the rubber-dam applied before entrance to the pulp for any therapeutic applications. CHAPTER XIX. CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS AND DEVITALIZATION OF THE PULP. Some of the chronic degenerations of the pulp have been described under the head of secondary deposits in the pulp-substance. The grades of hypersemia, active inflammation and suppuration represent the acute degenerations of the organ. Chronic Inflammation. As stated in Chapter XVIII., ulceration of the pulp commonly pursues a chronic and progressive course until the organ is destroyed ; the condition may, therefore, be termed chronic purulent pulpitis (ulcerosa), as an inflammatory zone lies beyond the line of suppuration. This con- dition has already been discussed. Abscess of the pulp may pursue a chronic course, as stated. Attempts are occasionally seen at repair in the affected pulp, the abscess-area being marked off", and the elements contained in it becoming the seat of calcareous deposits. SCLEROSIS OF THE PULP. Inflammation of a low grade may persist in the pulp for long periods^ giving rise to an increase of its fibrous tissue with atrophy of the pulp-elements, producing a condition similar to that found in chronic interstitial inflammation in some other tissues — a sclerosis. Instead of the usual distribution of myxomatous tissue, bands and bundles of fibrous tissue appear. The pulp appears shrunken and stiflF, bloodvessels are contracted, and the nerve-fibres have undergone partial or complete atrophy. Black ^ found that in the late stages of sclerotic atrophy areola© developed in the bundles of connective tissue, the inflammatory elements having disappeared, and the areolse being occupied by fluid. Arkovy describes this condition as reticular atrophy of the pulp (Fig. 288). The condition would point, as suggested by Black, rather to venous hypersemia as the cause of the oedema than to inflammation ; but the evidences of former chronic inflammation in the existence of the bundles of reticulated tissue show this to have been the essential condition. The ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. 362 CHRONIC INFLAMMATION. 363 observations of the same writer indicate that atrophy of the odontoblasts is a usual accompaniment of all of the chronic pulp affections. Sclerotic and other chronic degenerations of the jiulp usually pre- sent the history of one or more attacks of pulpitis in the past, with Fi«. 288. Chronic inflamiuatiou of the pulp, areolatiou, and degeneration. (Black.) more or less continuous uneasiness extending over a long period. The response of the pulp to all tests becomes diminished and dull. Treatment. — Such pulps are to be devitalized and removed. Fig. 289. A, a first lower molar with a cavity at a completely filled by a hypertrophy of the pulp, which has grown out through the orifice, exposing the pulp at h. B, a field illustrating the tissue of the growth, which is composed almost entirely of granulation-tissue of a very primitive type: a, a covering of epithelium presenting papillae; 6, epithelium apparently without papillae. (Black.) 364 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. CHRONIC HYPERTROPHIC PULPITIS. When the pulp is exposed over a wide area, long-continued chronic inflammation may lead to an enlargement of the organ with a pro- trusion of altered pulp-mass through the orifice of exposure, producing the condition known clinically as fungous pulp. When the growth Fig. 290. Hyperplastic myxomatous pulp, which filled a carious cavity : M, lobules made up of papillee of a myxomatous structure, rich in capillary and venous bloodvessels ; G, calcareous globule : E, epithelial cover of papillae. X 10. (Bodecker.) extends beyond the boundaries of the orifice and then increases in bulk it forms a pedunculated mass to which the term polypus of the pulp has been applied. Morbid. Anatomy and Pathology. — The growth has its origin in a chronic inflammation of the body of the pulp ; the organ swells, and contact with the sharp edges of the orifice of exposure excites a con- tinued irritation leading to further proliferation of the cells of the inflamed part, so that a large mass of embryonic tissue is formed CHRONIC HYPERTROPHIC PULPITIS. 365 (Fig. 289), termed by Black grunulation-tissue of a low type. As in the granulation-tissue of repair, bloodvessels grow into this mass (Fig. 290), so that it may bleed at a slight touch . Black noted in his case illustrated, a covering of squamous epithelium upon the periph- ery of the growth, which might be interpreted as the transformation of mesoblastic into epiblastic tissue, but the correct explanation beyond doubt is that advanced by the same author, that the epithelium is trans- planted from the gums, and grows after the manner of a skin-graft. These growths may undergo further changes ; higher organization of the granulation-tissue occurs and fibrous tissue is formed ; the cells may undergo degenerations, first granular, then fatty, and suppuration and Fig. 291. mm Acute pulpitis: S, secondary dentin; B, bay-like excavations filled with medullary or inflam- matory corpuscles; V, transverse section of a bloodvessel; M, uniltiuuclear body. X 300. (Bodecker.) gangrene may occur. Tomes ^ records a case where calcification of a hypertrophied section of a pulp occurred ; but as the case was due to traumatism (fracture of a tooth), different vital conditions existed from those in the cases under discussion. Actual calcification of the mass is scarcely possible, although calcareous degeneration may occur (see Chapter XVIII.). Resorption of the walls of the pulp-chamber may occur as an accompaniment of chronic pulpitis. What appears to be an idiopathic dentin-resorption is described in Chapter XVII. Black records a case ^ Denial Surgery, 3d ed. 366 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. Fig. 292. where after pulp-capping in a lower molar and the insertion of a large gold filling the tooth was examined at the end of ten years ; for two or three years the pulp had given evidences of irritability, and when the pulp was removed the pulp-chamber was found enormously enlarged and opening into the pericementum between the roots of the teeth. Fig. 291 exhibits resorption of previously formed secondary dentin with the probable agency through which the resorption is brought about. The area of resorption is invaded by numerous multinucleated cells, which are evidently performing the function of odontoclasts. Symptoms. — The symptoms of chronic pulp inflammations and degenerations are usually those of long-continued discomfort, with reflex pains, which rarely persist into the latest stages of degeneration. The response to heat and cold, present at first, declines until the pulp scarcely reacts, and then but slowly. No nerve-fibres develop in the hypertrophic pulp-tissue, so that the new growth has no sensitivity in itself, although pressure upon it may cause sharp pain through the still vital pulp-nerves themselves. Diagnosis. — The only condition with which hypertrophic pulj) may be confounded is a pedunculated growth of gum-tissue through a cavity at the neck of a tooth beneath the gum-margin. It is important to differentiate be- tween these conditions, because if an appli- cation of arsenical paste be made to a fun- gous gum, the destruction of tissue may ex- tend into the sound pericementum. The physical appearances of the two are alike : they both bleed freely and have about the same degree of sensitivity. If the de- generative changes have not involved the entire substance of the pulp, a reac- tion to cold may be secured, which will, of course, determine the diagnosis. After isolating the tooth under rubber-dam a spray of ethyl chlorid is directed against the polypus, and when it is entirely insensitive, a sharp blade is passed entirely around the periphery of the carious cavity detaching the fun- gous mass. The source of the tumor may then usually be clearly seen. If any doubt exist, the cavity is freely syringed with antiseptics, such as pyrozone or meditrinia ; a pellet of cotton saturated with the same is inserted and over it temporary stopping is firmly packed. If the pulp be the seat of the growth, it may rebel against the pressure, and require a less firm dressing, so that slight reaction to the pressure is to be regarded as evidence that the growth arises from the gum. Treatment. — Devitalization and extirpation of the pulp. A, hypertrophy of gum similating fun- gous pulp, B. DEVITALIZATION OF THE DENTAL PULP. 367 DEVITALIZATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DENTAL PULP. It will have been noted in the immediately foregoing chapters, that the intentional devitalization and removal of the dental pnlp are de- manded as an indicated therapentic measure in pulp diseases which tend to self-destruction of that organ. The one universal method of accom- plishing the death of the pulp en masse is by applications of arsenic trioxid — arsenious acid. Although other means have been suggested and adopted, none is so certain and effective as this one. After freely expos- ing the organ to be destroyed, a general anaesthetic (nitrous oxid) has been administered, and the pulp removed while the patient is in the anaesthetic state. Sprays of rapidly vaporizable substances, such as ethyl or methyl chlorid, directed against the exposed pulp, the tooth being isolated under rubber-dam, will in many cases render the pulp entirely insensitive, although, as a rule, they fail to entirely anaesthetize to the apical foramen. Applications of even saturated solutions of cocain being ineffective, it has been suggested to inject cocain into the pulp : the surface of the pulp is benumbed by applications of strong solutions of cocain, the needle of a hypodermic syringe containing a solu- tion of cocain hydrochlorid (from 4 per cent, to 10 per cent.) is quickly thrust into the pulp-canal, and a drop of the solution forcibly injected ; in a few seconds the pulp may be so benumbed that it may be removed.^ This procedure, however, appears to fail as often as it succeeds. Cocain cataphoresis is usually effective, although in conditions of active hypersemia and inflammation even the maximum current and saturated solutions of the alkaloid may fail to subdue the irritability of the pulp. The pulp may be destroyed piecemeal by applications of strong caustics, such as zinc chlorid or chromic acid and sodium or potassium hydrate, but their action is slow and the operation tedious ; moreover, it is not without danger ; in addition, the application of these agents in sufficient strength is usually followed by severe paroxysms of pain. Arsenious acid — arsenic trioxid — is prompt, certain, and complete in its action and has maintained its position in dental therapeutics since introduced by Spooner for this purpose in 1836. The progenitor of all present arsenical pastes was the formula of J. D. White, given some forty years ago : It. Arsenious acid 1 TIT 1 . 1 1 > "" Morphise sulph., J Carbolic acid, q. s. ft. paste. — M. > Maxfield, Proc. New Jersey State Dented Society, 1894. 368 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. This was followed twenty -five years ago by that of J. Foster Flagg : ^. Arsenious acid, gr. x ; Morphiee acetat., gr. xx ; Ol. carophyllum, q. s. ft. paste. — M. The advantages of the latter were demonstrated clinically, and within a few years scientifically. The purpose and effects of the ingredients of arsenical pastes will become more evident after an examination of the effects of arsenic upon the pulp. Effects of Arsenic on the Pulp. — Since the introduction of arsen- ical preparations definite physiological effects have been noted following their use. First, a grumbling pain, rising in a few hours to acute par- oxysmal pain ; then a gradual and in some cases a sudden cessation of pain, after which the pulp fails to respond to applications of cold. These effects were explained^ as follows : "A minute portion of the arsenic being introduced into the pulp-circulation, acts as a dynamic, vital irritant, causing determination of blood to the part " {i. e., arterial hyperaeraia), and gives rise to the throbbing pain. Congestion (presum- ably venous hypersemia) follows, occasioning the cessation of throbbing and the appearance of dull, gnawing pain in the tooth. " The death of the pulp en masse is due to strangulation of the vessels at the apex of the root in consequence of the congestion." The subsequent decomposition of the pulp — putrefaction — was deemed due to the amount of arsenic absorbed by the pulp prior to its death being insufficient to preserve it. Flagg states ^ that tests of pulp which have been devitalized by arsenic show but an infinitesimal amount of the agent to be present in them. The same writer points out the existence of pericemental irritation in the last stages of pulp-devitalization ; that is, in from four days to a week after the application ; regarding it as not due to the irritation pro- duced by the arsenic, but to an extension of the vascular condition from the pulp ; the pericemental disturbance is limited, ceasing in a few hours or a day or two. Arkovy ^ was the first to point out the details of the action of arsenic upon the dental tissues : " 1. AS2O3 brought into contact with the tooth-pulp acts in the follow- ing way : a certain degree of inflammatory hypersemia, total or partial, depending upon the quantity of the agent applied, sets in ; the blood- vessels become expanded, and here have a tendency to thrombosis. This latter effect may also be in connection with embolism of the capil- laries, when the agent is quickly taken up into the bloodvessels. 1 J. Foster Flagg, Denial Cosmos, 1877. ^ Ibid. ^ Transactions Internal. Med. Cong., London, 1881. DEVITALIZATION OF THE DENTAL PULP. 369 " 2. AS2O3 produces no coagulatiun of tissue whatever. " 3. It has a specific influence upon the blood-corpuscles, combining with the haemoglobin to form a compound of arsen-luemoglobin, and of this chemical process there seems to be evidence in the profuse yelloAV- ish tinge of the whole pulp-tissue and in the discoloration of blood in several of the bloodvessels. " 4. In nearly every case it is taken np in substantia (in form of molecules) into the blood-ways ; when there it produces, besides the above-mentioned changes, granular detritus of the contents and anaemic collapse — shrinkage, the latter effect being brought about nearly exclu- sively in cases where greater doses were used. " 5. The bulk of the pulp-tissue — viz., connective-tissue fibres and odontoblasts — undergoes no change whatever ; not so the connective- tissue cells, which increase three or four times their normal size. '' 6. The special action of arsenic trioxid npon the nerve-elements consists in the following : the neurilemma is only so far influenced that its nuclei are somewhat increased ; a more essential change takes place in the axial part, where, after the application of more than one mgrm. granular destruction of myelin sets in, and the axis-cylinder commences here and there to disappear. A very surprising alteration may be seen in the notchy tumefaction of the axis-cylinder, described heretofore almost only in cases of central lesions. " 7. All these alterations occur in and among normal-looking tissue. " 8. The action of arsenic trioxid is macroscopically exhibited by a brownish-red tingeing of the whole or of certain parts of the pulp- body, as well as of the neighboring dentin and the cementum, this latter in cases treated with greater doses — viz., two to five mgrms. This alteration is most expressed at the top of the crown-pulp and at the apical one-fourth to one-third part. This circumstance may be con- sidered as an external evidence of the devitalization being completely attained to." In some cases the pinkish discoloration of the dentin may be marked ; the broken-do\^'n corpuscles of the extravasated blood have their color- ing-matter taken up by the odontoblasts, and being distributed through their protoplasmic processes produce a condition technically known as suffiision. The same result may be an attendant upon injury to the ves- sels from other causes, from sudden thrombosis, as when teeth are moved too rapidly in regulating. Miller's experiments^ upon the tails of mice, made without and with rings at the root of the tail to simulate the surroundings of the apical vessels of a tooth ; made without and with encasement of the tails in plaster-of-Paris to imitate the rigid surroundings of the dental pulp : 1 Denial Cosmo.% 1894. 24 370 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. showed that in the absence of the plaster encasement, enormous oedema of the tail was produced and a sensory paralysis of the hind limbs ; complete anaesthesia of the tail occurred in forty-eight hours. " The action of arsenic appeared somewhat accelerated when a glass ring "was applied close to the root of the tail. In more than forty cases there was not one in which the action of the arsenic extended beyond the ring, and the action was not appreciably affected by enclosing the tails in plaster casts. The action of the arsenic is of a progressive nature, beginning at the point of application and extending gradually in each direction." The indication is, therefore, that a minute portion of the arsenic is taken into the pulp ; this may be either through the odontoblastic processes in cases of non-exposed pulps, or, when exposed, by the cells themselves, and causes violent reaction of the vessel-walls, which dilate to their utmost ; extravasation of corpuscles occurs and circulation is checked at the end of the root, the pulp-vessels are me- chanically occluded, so that no absorbed arsenic is carried beyond the pulp extremity. The arsenic exercises its paralyzant and degenerative influence upon the nerves of the pulp, after first inducing a violent irri- tation, which may be due to the specific action of the arsenic upon the nerves or to the intense hyperaemia. The strangulation theory can- not, however, hold in all cases, for progressiv^e death of structures free to expand occurs after applications of arsenic, so that the specific and gradual action of the poison must be the important factor. Strang- ulation would imply an always sudden death of the pulp en masse, which evidently does not always occur, for complete death of the organ may be gradual and require several days. In other cases repeated applications may be necessary. These experiments illustrate the danger of making arsenical appli- cations to immature teeth or those in which resorption of the roots is in progress. If the full constriction of the apical foramen has not occurred, it is possible that a portion of the arsenic may be carried beyond the apex of the root into the pericementum. This danger, it may be remarked, has been recognized for the past thirty years. Variations in the Action of Arsenic. — In most cases of fully formed teeth in young adults, an application of arsenical paste directly to the exposed pulp will be followed by the complete death of the organ in forty-eight hours. At the expiration of that time a sterilized broach may be passed almost to the apex of the root and the pulp removed en masse without pain. If pulp-nodules exist, the action of the arsenic may be delayed or in some cases be almost nil. In calcareous and oth^r chronic pulp-degenerations the action is also delayed. If arsenical appli- cations are made over a layer of dentin, the same delay is noted, and is increased in very mature teeth. DEVITALIZATION OF THE DENTAL PULP. 371 Some pulp, irre.s})ective of the pulp condition, exhibits a peculiar idiosyncrasy in resisting the action of arsenic, requiring large doses and a week or longer application before succumbing. Form in which Used. — Miller^ has pointed out the influence exerted by the several agents used in conjunction with the arsenic. The constituents of the common prescription, 11. Acidi arsenosi, 1 HI- 1 • . r ««• Morphue acetatis, J Acid, carbolici, q. s. ft. paste. — M., were supposed to have the following properties : the arsenic trioxid being the devitalizing agent ; the morphia is used to lessen or deaden the pain of the application ; the carbolic acid is an analgesic men- struum. Carbolic acid and other coagulants produce an eschar, a coagulum, which delays the absorption of the arsenic, so it should be discarded. It has always been questioned just what extent of analgesic effect morphia possessed ; some say none, holding that the lessened pain is due to the reduction of the amount of arsenic applied. Certainly, the painful effects of the poison do appear to be modified by the size of the dose employed. Iodoform, also used as an analgesic ingredient in some prescriptions, is of doubtful value. Cocain, natu- rally, was made one of the ingredients of arsenical pastes soon after its introduction into the materia medica. The usual prescription at present is : I^. Acidi arsenosi, gr. x ; Cocain. hydrochlorid., gr. xx ; Ol. cinnamomi, q. s. ft. paste. — M. Miller suggests using thymol in connection with arsenic, it being both analgesic and antiseptic. He oifers the following general rules as deductions from his observations : 1. The rapidity and intensity of the action of arsenious acid depend, under certain circumstances, to a very considerable degree upon the substance or substances with which it is incorporated. 2. Where there is but a small point of exposure, and in particular where extensive calcification has taken place in the pulp, escharotics should be avoided, since the coagulation of the tissue retards the absorp- tion of the arsenic. This retardation is but slight where there is a broad surface of exposure. In stubborn cases, where applications of the ordinary paste fail to efPect the devitalization, a paste consisting of arsenious acid in oil of cloves, glycerin, or salt solution should be employed, undiluted by any third constituent. 1 Dental Cosmos, 189-4. 372 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. 3. Thymol is worthy of a trial as a substitute for morphia, on account of its anaesthetic and antiseptic properties. 4. For devitalizing pulps of temporary teeth or remains of pulp- tissue in root-canals, arsenious acid, if employed at all, should be diluted with two or three parts of some other constituent (thymol, zinc oxid, morphia, iodoform). Cobalt was introduced by Robert Arthur as a devitalizing agent some forty years ago. Within recent years it has been employed, notably by the Herbst method (which see), to destroy pulps. The cobalt paste of Herbst was analyzed by E. C. Kirk ' and found to consist of metallic arsenic and cocain hydrochlorid. Kirk suggests that free acids which cocain salts may contain, or the chlorin from the chlorid, may combine with the metallic arsenic and form soluble salts. Commercial cobalt will certainly devitalize the dental pulp, but it is in consequence of the arsenic contained in it. Mode of Application. — It is always to be borne in mind that arsenic acts upon all living tissue in the destructive manner that it does upon the dental pulp, so that the first consideration in making an arsenical application is the precise placing and sealing of the paste so that none of it shall come in contact with any vital tissue other than the pulp. Second, in conditions of venous hyperemia or inflammation arsenic, instead of exercising its actively destructive property, serves but to exaggerate the existing vascular conditions with the attendant symp- tom, pain. Third, but a minute quantity of arsenic is required to kill a pulp ; and if an excess be used, the attendant pain is much increased. Fourth, if any pressure be exerted upon the pulp by the material used to seal in the paste, the pain will be increased in the degree of the pressure. Fifth, in the vast majority of cases the pulp-cavity is the seat of infection, so that careful sterilization should precede the appli- cation of arsenic. Sixth, to insure accuracy of placement, freedom from leakage, and sterilization, the application of the rubber-dam should pre- cede the placing of the arsenical paste. In the vast majority of cases arsenical applications are made directly to the point of exposure in the cavity of decay. In case the gum over- hang the cavity-margins, it must be removed until the margins are clear and visible. The cavity is syringed repeatedly with warm })yrozone ; and a pledget of cotton saturated with meditrina, thymol (saturated solu- tion), or hydronaphthol (alcoholic solution), and over this a pellet of cot- ton which has been dipped in sandarac varnish is placed. The dressing must be renewed in twenty-four hours. Coagulating antiseptics should not be used, as they form a coagulum upon the surface of the pulp and interfere with the action of the arsenic. If the cavity be upon the buccal 1 Dental Cosmos, 1893, p. 247. DEVITALIZATION OF THE DENTAL PULP. 373 face of a molar, or in a situation where the gum-tissue has hypertrophied and covers tlie cervit-al portion of the cavity as a bulbous mass, the re- dundant portion may be trimmed away by means of a sharp, curved bistoury or gum-laneet. As soon as the cervical border of the cavity is clear of the overhang- ing gum it is syringed with warm antiseptics and the rubber dam ad- justed. The softened dentin is freely cut away until the cavity has a retentive form and the area of exposure is clearly outlined. If the pulp be the seat of immediate or very recent hyperaemia or inflamma- tion, anodyne antiseptics should be sealed in the cavity for a day or two before making the arsenical application. An admirable prescription in this connection is thymol or menthol with cocain made into a paste with glycerin ; a pledget of cotton dipped in this mixture and laid upon the exposure is sealed in the cavity by means of softened temporary stop- ping applied without pressure. If the cavity be inaccessible, where the rubber-dam cannot be used to exclude fluids, and where an arsenical application cannot be made with precision and without fear of dislodging it while it is being sealed in, it is advisable to form a special cavity for its reception. This should always be made when possible in a line of direct approach to the pulp- canals. The cavity is to be made as deep as possible without plunging into the pulp. As a rule, in the conditions demanding extirpation of the pulp the dentin is insensitive or nearly so, so that the pulp may be almost exposed without pain. An exception to this, however, is found when pulp-nodules exist, when the dentin may be exquisitely sensitive. In these cases two or more applications of the paste are required ; as soon as the pulp can be exposed, a direct application of the paste is to be made. To make the application, the cavity is sterilized, placed under rubber-dam, and an application of pyrozone is made, remaining five minutes or longer ; the cavity is dried, and a piece of cotton, not larger than a pin-head, is to have a minute portion of the paste placed upon it, and then laid gently upon the spot of exposure. It is the general practice to seal in the arsenic with cotton and sandarac, or temporary stopping. The first becomes very foul in twenty-four or forty-eight hours, and swells, causing pressure upon the pulp and much pain. Temporary stopping, made very soft, may be manipulated so that it causes no pressure, but some slight pressure is the rule ; so that a thin paste of zinc phosphate is to be recommended as the sealing-material, " Flowed over the arsenical application and removing the rubber-dam before the cement has hardened will diminish or prevent the pain inci- dent to the application and render the cement easy of removal." ' • Miller. 374 CHRONIC DEOENEBATIONS OF THE PULP. Instead of placing the paste upon a pledget of cotton, cotton-fibre may be rolled in an arsenical paste, dried, and preserved ; in this con- dition it is known as devitalizing fibre. The advantage of this fibre is that a dry arsenical application may be made to the pulp, so that there will be no danger of oozing. The length of time required for devitaliza- tion is usually about twenty-four hours, although in a large number of cases sensitivity will still exist at the upper third of the canal por- tion of the pulp at the end of two days. At the end of four or five days the pulp will in most cases have completely sloughed at the apex. To relieve unusual pain following an arsenical application general anodynes or sedatives will at times be required. While morphia sulfate, gr. \, will deaden the pain, the after-effects of morphia are uncomfortable. The coal-tar derivatives are useful ; gr. x of ammonol, or phenacetin and exalgin, da. gr. iij, administered at the time of the application and repeated upon retiring, will act effectively. An annoying type of case is where approach is to be made in an approximal cavity with a cervical margin beyond the gum-margin, where access to the pulp-canals Avill be direct after devitalization, and yet the cavity cannot be kept dry. Such cases are managed after the following manner : a small piece of temporary stopping is softened and pressed against the cervical wall of the cavity, but not covering the pulp-exposure; the stopping is then moulded against the gum press- ing it back (Fig. 293) : this guard accurately placed will protect the gum against arsenical J^( I poison by preventing oozing of the latter from T.L ii ''^^^ \ about the cervical edge. An application of de- \^ v¥^ ' r ^^V\ vitalizing fibre is then made, and sealed as usual. '•'1\ \\'''-\ '^~'^v\ Cervical cavities not having a retentive v\ V \v"'; '-^^S:^)/^^ form, and abraded teeth, offer difficulties, which •'^,^|:/.V'--'- ''•''•■ are overcome by drilling a special pit for the reception of the paste. In cases where there are pulp-nodules, and where chronic degen- erations of the pulp exist, the arsenic is removed at the end of the usual devitalizing period and free entrance is made to the pulp, cutting away all insensitive portions ; if pulp-nodules can be lifted away pain- lessly, they are removed, and a fresh application of arsenic is made, to remain again several days. In all of these cases, to effectually devi- talize it may be necessarv to apply a paste of arsenic trioxid in glycerin, or in one of the essential oils.^ Removal of Pulp. — At the end of four or five days the dressing seal, and cotton containing the paste are removed, the cavity freely syringed with hydrogen dioxid, and the rubber-dam applied. Large 1 Miller. Fig. 293. DEVITALIZATION OF THE DENTAL PULP. 375 sterilized rose burs are u.sed to open the pulp-chamber freely and to remove al/ softened dentin (all softened dentin being always removed from pulpless teeth). The cavity is now to be given such form that pulp-broaches may be passed directly and freely to the apex of each root. This rule is to be followed, no matter how much tooth-substance is sacrificed to carry it into eifect. As the future health of the tooth depends almost entirely upon the thoroughness with wliich each canal is cleansed, sterilized, and hermetically sealed at the apex, it is evident that the removal of crown- tissue is a small evil compared with incomplete entrance to and cleansing of a canal. A new and perfect pulp-broach is dipped in carbolic acid and gently passed to the apex of the root ; the teeth of the broach are turned away from the pulp until the instrument is fully inserted, when the broach is turned so that its teeth shall engage the entire length of the pulp, which may then usually be removed entire. In multirooted teeth, after removing the body of the pulp, the largest canal is first entered and the pulp removed ; this canal is then to be loosely filled with a twist of cotton containing an antiseptic ; carbolic acid, formalin in 2 per cent, solution, or hydronaphthol. The next largest canal is cleansed and treated in the same manner, and after this the smallest canal. Removal of the pulp entire may nearly always be assured if, after an arsenical application have been in the tooth for three or four days, it be removed, and a dressing of formalin, 5 per cent., be inserted for several days. The pulp is rendered tougher by this agent. In canals too small to admit the pulp-broaches, cleansing and uniform enlarging of the canals are accomplished by means of chemical agents. The general cavity-wall is varnished to prevent the action of the acid upon the dentin, and by means of a pair of Flagg's dressing- pliers or a minim-dropper a drop of sulfuric acid (50 per cent, solu- tion) is deposited at the mouth of the canal to be operated upon. The finest size of Donaldson's canal-cleanser is then passed into the canal as far as it will go, using a pumping movement to carry the acid further into the canal and to' scrape the canal-walls softened by the action of the acid.^ The acid chemically destroys any organic matter — /. e., pulp- tissue — present, releases the calcium of the dentin from its combination, and forms calcium sulfate, which is mechanically removed by scrapers. The operation is continued until the apex of the root is reached. If all of the operations have been carried out with antiseptic pre- cautions, sterilizing the cavity, placing it under rubber-dam, drenching the pulp with antiseptics, and using none but sterilized instruments, the canals are now in an aseptic condition and are to be hermetically ' Callahan, Proc. Ohio State Dental Society, 1894. 376 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. sealed — filled. If the pulp have been removed within two days from the application of the arsenic, bleeding may follow the extirpation of the pulp, or a mild and what should always be a transient peri- cementitis may arise. In case of bleeding, applications of hydrogen dioxid will act as a styptic and also decompose and remove the blood. The canal should not be sealed until the bleeding ceases. The transient pericementitis is most common in cases where slight sensitivity of the apical portion of the pulp existed at the time of extirpation, and is evidenced by soreness of the tooth, tenderness upon percussion. This irritation may be pronounced if immediate root-filling, the usual pro- cedure in cases of intentional devitalization and removal of the pulp, be practised. If tenderness appear during or immediately after extir- pation, it promptly subsides upon filling the pulp-canals with a saturated solution of menthol in chloroform, filling the canals loosely with cotton, hermetically sealing the cavity, and painting the gum overlying the tooth with tr. iodin. The canals should remain unfilled for a week, until all evidences of pericemental irritation subside. Before filling, the canals should be thoroughly washed with hydrogen dioxid. The Root Canal-filling. — The features to be [)ossessed by a canal- filling should be: first, it should be non-irritating; secondly, it shall hermetically seal the canal ; thirdly, it shall be unalterable in the condi- tions surrounding it. If possible, it should be continuously antiseptic, and be removable if subsequent conditions ever demand its removal. The materials most employed are zinc oxychlorid, and gutta-percha, solid and in solution, or combinations of both.^ The present tendency is to substitute melted paraffin, containing antiseptics, for other materials. The choice is clearly indicated as a rational therapeutic measure. Certainly it will be evident from a study of the forms and variations of pulp-canals (see Chapter VIII.) that only pastes or fluids can fill perfectly all of the irregular spaces found in pulp-canals. Paraffin fulfils all of the conditions required of a correct canal- filling. In using this material a small piece is caught between the jaws of a pair of Flagg's dressing-pliers and held over a flame until melted ; then the closed beaks are placed as high up the canal as they will go, and slowly withdrawn ; gradually opening the beaks, the fluid runs up the canals of even upper teeth. A warm, smooth probe is then used to pump the fluid paraffin into all parts of the canal. Into the fluid paraffin a long slender metallic point of some unoxidizable material — gold, platinum, or aluminum — is warmed and thrust. The end of the metallic point is left projecting into the pulp-chamber, so that should removal of the canal-filling ever become necessary, a hot instru- ^ See American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. DEVITALIZATION OF THE DENTAL PULD. 377 ment may be laid against its exposed end, melting the paraffin, when the point may be withdrawn. Accidents -with Arsenic. — If arsenic trioxid come in contact with any vital tissne, it exercises its destrnctive inflnence npon it. The most common accident is the oozing of arsenic from beneath a seal- ing application, and its contact with gum-tissne. The effect of the arsenic in these cases depends npon the point of lodgement. Arsenic trioxid being insoluble in the fluids of the mouth, may remain lodged in a minute crypt and exercise its destructive influence. Accidents in this direction should be guarded against by carefully pressing away the gum from cavities prior to using the arsenic ; by using a very minute portion of the latter and placing it with precision ; by the use of small pieces of devitalizing fibre instead of paste. Oozing, however, should never occur, and when it does, it is evidence of lack of care, or, worse, of gross carelessness upon the part of the operator. Arsenical applications sealed in with any material other than zinc phosphate should be examined at the end of twenty-four hours to see that there is no evidence of irritant poisoning of the soft tissues. The evidences of the presence of arsenic in contact with gum-tissue are : deep purple engorgement of the gum and subsequent sloughing of the poisoned tissue. If a portion of the arsenic gain lodgement far beneath the gum-margin, near the pericementum, it may exercise its necrotic effects upon the latter tissue, destroying it in part or in whole. Flagg has recorded cases in which necrosis of the contiguous alveolar process has occurred. The only cure of the condition consists in the thorough removal of every particle of the arsenic. Being insoluble, it must either be washed away mechanically or be transformed into a soluble or an inert body. The swollen gum-tissue is to be pressed away from the tooth and jets of warm water thrown forcibly into the space in the hope of dislodging and washing away the insoluble arsenic. A freshly prepared mass of ferric hydrate (the antidote of arsenic), made by adding magnesium oxid to ferric chlorid, may be packed into the pocket, but its utility is ques- tionable. The free use of iodin tincture in one case appeared to give good results, perhaps from the formation and washing away of arsenic iodid. Any projecting masses of oedematous gum should be cut away, as they are dead and will slough at any rate, and a freer access to deep parts is had — the blood-flow may itself wash away the arsenic. The forcible washing should be prolonged and repeated. The tissue to Avhatever extent it has been devitalized by the arsenic Avill slough away. Dental literature contains the records of a few' cases in which the action of arsenic has extended beyond the ends of the roots of teeth, when an arsenical application has been made iar up a canal to destroy 378 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. a vital pulp-filament. One case is recorded where an application was carried bodily beyond the apex of the root. The records of these cases are not sufficiently clear to formulate rules as to the extent of destruc- tive action caused by minute portions of arsenic. A priori, they would be governed by the amount of arsenic which gains access to the peri- cementum ; certainly more or less alveolar necrosis would be the natural result. The insertion of a broach into and beyond an arsenical appli- cation high up in the root, into the apical foramen or beyond, may no doubt account for rare cases of uncontrollable pericementitis, ceasing^ only with the loss of the tooth, and, it may be, of contiguous bone. PARTIAL REMOVAL OF PULP. The cobalt method of pulp-treatment has been alluded to. Wm. Herbst, of Bremen, advanced the idea that if the bulbous portion of the pulp be devitalized by cobalt and removed, leaving the root-portions, the latter will remain vital, if protected after a Fig. 294. manner described by him. The bulbous portion of the pulp is cut away and the pulp-chamber en- larged by means of large rose burs. Over the pulp- stumps a cylinder of tin-foil is laid, and burnished to fit the floor of the pulp-chamber, without pressure upon the pulp-stumps (Fig. 294). Over this a fill- ing is placed. Herbst claims, endorsed by B5- decker,' that the pulp-stumps will remain vital. Were this to be depended upon, it would be a marked saving of time and trouble, and would lessen the chances of pericementitis subsequent to pulp-removal ; butwhen it is known that the cobalt of Herbst is metal- lic arsenic, the ultimate death and decomposition of the pulp-remnants, seem almost inevitable. MUMMIFICATION OF THE PULP. As early as the introduction of arsenious oxid as a devitalizing- agent it was noted that a certain percentage — or, rather, an uncertain percentage — of cases gave evidence of little or no disease after the application of arsenic and its sealing in a cavity by filling. Later, it was found that applications of powerful antiseptics to exposed pulps not infrequently were followed by a long-continued quiet of that organ ; still later, when more definite knowledge was possessed of the pathologi- cal results which might follow the leaving of portions of pulp-substance in the canals of teeth after devitalization by arsenic, it was observed that after saturating the canals with creosote or zinc-chlorid solutions, ^ Anatomy and Pathology of the Teeth. MUMMIFICATION OF THE DENTAL PULP. 379 many cases gave little or no evidence of pericemental disturbance thereafter. While it is unquestionably preferable to always thoroughly remove the last vestige of devitalized pulps, the time, care, skill, and expense involved in ])erfect cleansing are drawbacks to its universal practice. The only other possible solution of the difficulty is to so alter the tissue not removed that it shall remain permanently aseptic, and, if possible to make it so, antiseptic. Observations derived from clinical experience although undoubtedly of great and permanent value, are indeterminate, and our truly scientific knowledge of this matter dates from W. D. Miller's experiments.^ He credits Witzel with the first systematic observations in this direction. Witzel, in 1874, " devitalized the crown-portion of pulps by means of arsenic, extirpated that portion, leaving the pulp in the canals undis- turbed, their exposed ends being treated as freshly exposed pulps." This is the method followed by Herbst, who employs cobalt (which is native arsenic sulfid or metallic arsenic) instead of arsenic trioxid. Miller's experiments have shown that none but the most powerful and penetrating antiseptics have value as permanent sterilizers. These are the cyanid, bichlorid, and salicylate of mercury, sulfate of copper, and oil of cinnamon. Orthocresol, carbolic acid, trichlor-phenol, and zinc chlorid penetrate the pulp-tissue rapidly, but are too diffusible, dis- appearing in a few weeks. He classifies salicylic acid, eugenol, campho-phenique, hydronaphthol, a- and /?-naphthol, acetico-tartrate of aluminum, and some essential oils, resorcin, thallin, sulfocarbolate of zinc, etc., as being of doubtful value. Those nearly or quite worthless are iodoform, basic anilin coloring- matters, borax, boric acid, dermatol, europhen, calcium chlorid, hydro- gen dioxid, sozoiodol salts, tincture of iodin, spirit of camphor, and naphthalin. The preparation giving the best results consisted of mercuric chlorid, 0.0075 gram ; thymol, 0.0075 gram, in tablet-form. The pulp is devitalized ; the crown-portion and all the root-portion readily accessible are removed ; one of the tablets is placed in the pulp- chamber, crushed by means of an amalgam-plugger, and covered with gold-foil. The mercury salt tends to discolor the crown of the tooth, so that its employment should be restricted to the posterior teeth ; indeed, the necessity for its use would be, as a rule, found with these teeth, being those from which it is most difficult to extract pulp-rem- nants. Miller expresses faith in the power of oil of cinnamon to per- manently sterilize pulp-fragments. He suggests the experimental ^ Proc. Columbian Dental Congress, 1893. 380 CHRONIC DEGENERATIONS OF THE PULP. application of the sterilizing tablets to such teeth as are readily salvable, yet which are for various reasons "consigned to the forceps." Theodore Soderberg, of Sydney, N. S. W., reports excellent results from a continuous practice of this method of pulp-sterilization. He em- ploys a paste composed of — I^. Alum exsic, Thymol, Glycerol, Zi inc. ox id. da. 3j ; q. s. to make stiif paste. — M. He substitutes dried alum for tannin, originally used by him as the hardening-agent ; his experiments showed the tannin to be productive of discoloration. Mercuric chlorid is set aside for the same reason. Oil of cassia employed in the paste also caused discoloration. At present Soderberg adds a small quantity of cocain to the paste to prevent the pain arising from the action of the dried alum. He states (Nov. 1895) that he has in a year applied the paste in 97 cases, and has had no untoward results. The method of placing the material is shown in Figs. 295 and 296. Fig. 295. Fig. 296. a, caries exposing a horn of the pulp. a, root-portion of pulp ; 6, mummifying paste ; c, zinc phosphate ; d, gold or amalgam. C. A. Firth, of Queenleyan, N. S. W.,^ advises the omission of zinc oxid from the paste, to avoid the formation of the brown tannate of zinc. He suggests the use of a mixture of tannic acid and thymol, equal parts, made into a paste with glycerol, and applied with ivory instruments, to avoid discolorations. He expresses himself as gratified at the results obtained. ^ Dental Cosmos, May, 1896. CHAPTER XX. GANGRENE OF THE PULP. Definition. — By gangrene of the pulp is meant its death in toto from being cut off from its nutritive supply at the apex of the root. It occurs in two forms, dry and moist. Dry gangrene is the condition known as mummification of the pulp. Moist gangrene is associated with putre- factive decomposition of the organ. The conditions differ not only as to causation, pathology, and morbid anatomy, but in their effects and treatment, so that each requires separate consideration. Dry Gangrene of the Pulp. Definition. — By dry gangrene of the dental pulp is meant its death in toto and its subsequent transformation into a dry, shrivelled mass occupying the j)ulp-chamber and canal. Causes. — The causes of this condition may be divided into physical and chemical. The physical causes, so far as known, are direct injury or jugulation of the vessels of the pulp at the apical foramen. This may be due to blows upon the teeth, to their rapid movement in regu- lating, particularly by their forcible movement by forceps, to too sud- den and violent wedging, and by non-fixation of the teeth during and subsequent to regulating, permitting their undue movement ; by any force, in short, which can cause torsion or tension of the vessels at the apex of the root. These influences acting upon the apical vessels may cause strangulation, and if the access of air and organisms be impossible or does not occur, the watery parts of the pulp may be removed, leaving the organ as a tough, shrivelled mass. The chemical causes include the action upon the pulp of agents which have either the power to devitalize it and preserve it, or which transform it into a dry, shrivelled, and aseptic mass after its death. Nearly all recorded cases appear to have followed the employment of zinc oxychlorid as a pulp-capping or a cavity-lining. Patholog-y and Morbid Anatomy. — Upon opening a pulp-chamber containing a mummified pulp no odor is emitted, and the pulp is seen dark, dry, and shrivelled. In cases of pulp-death under oxychlorid caps it is difficult or impossible to determine whether the pulj) has been killed by the zinc chlorid and preserved by absorption of that substance, or whether it has died from other causes and the zinc salt 381 382 GANGRENE OF THE PULP. has acted as a preservative. Certainly the condition does not appear to be recorded in connection with other capping-materials, although other antiseptics, such as those described under the head of mummi- fying pastes, might undoubtedly produce similar conditions. Symptoms. — Unless secondary processes arise, mummified pulps give rise to no symptoms, and the existence of the condition is usually discovered by accident. Their usual history is as follows : at a previous time (perhaps years before), an exposed or almost exposed pulp has been covered with a cap or cavity-lining of the oxychlorid of zinc, and remained comfortable thereafter. At some subsequent time it may be necessary to open the tooth, usually on account of recurring caries : the total absence of dentinal sensitivity is noted ; the tooth has changed color but little, if at all ; and the operator burs carefully toward the pulp to determine its condition. (It should be remarked here that absence of dentinal sensitivity in a tooth having normal color and which contains a very large filling is an indication of aseptic death of the pulp, and the operator should renew all of his antiseptic precautions as to isolation of the tooth by the rubber-dam and complete sterilization of all instruments, and of the territory of operation.) The burring is continued without any evidence of sensitivity, and the instnnnent is fiually felt to pass into the pulp-chamber. There is no odor, no escape of fluid ; the pulp is found dry and shrivelled. If sterilized pulp- extractors are passed into the canals, the remnants of the pulp may be withdrawn, exhibiting none of the usual signs of decomposition, such as odor and confluent softening. Treatment. — The treatment consists in aseptic cleansing and her- metical sealing of the pulp-canal. If the fluids of the mouth be per- mitted access to the mummified pulp, infection occurs promptly, and a vigorous pericementitis may be lighted up. Whether the dried pulp aflcjrds a favorable breeding-ground for particularly virulent organisms, or whether the apical pericementum in such cases affords a most suitable field for their secondary activity, certainly the pericementitis which sometimes follows the septic opening of such cases is pecuharly obsti- nate. In any tooth which has not suffered any change of color, in which dentinal sensitivity is entirely absent, and which was believed to contain a vital pulp, precautions as to asepsis and antisepsis should be redoubled. The general rule, that no pulp-chamber should be deliber- ately opened before adjusting the rubber-dam, has here an increased sig- nificance. Every bur that is used should be thoroughly sterilized before using. As soon as the pulp-chamber is opened, that cavity is explored. A clean, new broach which has been dipped in carbolic acid is carried to the apex of the root and withdrawn ; if the pulp be mummified, the broach brings it away and exhibits no fluid upon it. If any deposits MOIST GANGRENE OF THE PULP. 383 are found on tlie broach, it is evidence that some deconij)<)sition has occurred. The at^ent indicated in that event is one whicii will effec- tually destroy all organisms which might be present and whicli will chemically decompose — transform into soluble and entirely removable substances — the products of decomposition. Sodium dioxid is, therefore, the indication. It may be used in 50 per cent, solution pumped into the canals by means of aluminum or iridium broaches. After several applications of the sodium dioxid solution have been made, the canals are to be washed out with a 10 per cent, solution of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid and dried. No matter what precautions are taken, the possibility of infection must always be borne in mind. While pericementitis usually appears promptly in these cases, if infection have occurred, it may not arise for two or more days ] during this period it is advisable to insert a pro- bationary filling, one whicli can readily be removed if pericementitis does arise. This filling may be a mixture of salol and aristol, paraffin and aristol, or a twist of cotton saturated with one of the antiseptic oils, such as cassia oil. In all cases where incomplete mummification of the pulp is suspected, it is a wise precaution to seal in the cavity a 5 per cent, solution of formalin f )r a day or two before broaching, to give assurance of complete sterilization. Moist Gangrene of the Pulp. Definition. — By moist gangrene of the pulp is meant, the death of the pulp en masse and its subsequent decomposition by the action of putrefactive agencies. As putrefactive decomposition is the essential feature in these cases, and that which gives the process its pathological significance, the causes, nature, effects, and treatment of putrefactive decomposition of the pulp are included under this sub-heading. Causes. — The death of pulp-tissue from any cause and its infection with the bacteria of putrefaction. The cases are of two types — those in which decomposition occurs without the existence of an opening com- municating with the exterior and those in which such an opening exists. The first class may be subdivided into those in which decomposition occurs subsequent to the insertion of a filling which hermetically seals the space between the pulp and the exterior, and those in which the tooth is non-carious. It is to be recognized that in the absence of bacteria putrefaction cannot exist. By putrefaction is meant that serial, progressive decomposition through which albuminous substances are finally resolved into the end-products, hydrogen sulfid (II2S), carbon dioxid (CO^), ammonia (NH^), water (H.fi), and hydrogen phosphid (PH3). One distinguishing feature of the process is the evolution of malodorous gases. 384 GANGRENE OF THE PULP. ¥\G. 297. Pigment. S + hsemoglobin. Cases of Open Cavities. When the pulp of a tooth is exposed and becomes the seat of that series of vascular and nutritive disturbances — hypersemia, inflammation, and suppuration — eventuating in its gradual death, the necrotic portions undergo putrefactive decomposition. Several processes are in operation at the same time, so that different por- tions of the pulp exhibit differences in chemical composition, differences in the nature of the infection, and also in the pathological conditions existing. For example, while the apical portion of the pulp is the seat of inflammation and sup- puration, the portion of the pulp pre- viously destroyed through these pro- cesses, is the seat of later stages of chem- ical destruction, until that portion which was first acted upon is being resolved into the end-products of albuminous de- composition, of putrefaction (Fig. 297). In this serial decomposition albuminous substances are first transformed into peptones and allied substances, some of them being very toxic. Compound ammonias, known as ptomai'ns, or ani- mal alkaloids, are probably next formed. Next the nitrogenous bases — leucin, tyrosin and the amins (methyl, ethyl, and propyl) — make their appearance together with organic fatty acids. Next aromatic products, indol, ph6nol, cresol, etc., and finally hydrogen sulfid, ammonia, carbon dioxid, and water. By alternating processes of hy- dration, reduction, and oxidation, bodies of increasing simplicity of chemical composition are formed.^ Miller^ found in the deepest portions of the degenerating, putrefying pulps, where inflammation and suppuration were in progress, a pre- ponderance of small cocci and diplococci, and proceeding toward the open pulp-chamber an increasing number of large cocci, several forms of bacilli, vibrios, and other spirillse, spirochsetse, and long thread- forms (Figs. 298-305).- Figs. 304 and 305 are from the same pulp ; Fig. 305 was taken from the radicular portion of a pulp which was alive and suppurating; Fig. 304 was from the putrid crown-portion. ^ Ziegler's General Pathology. 2 j^^^ifji Cosmos, 1894. COo, NH3; H2O and H2S Aromatic and fattj' prod- ucts. CASES OF PUTREFACTION UNDER FILLINGS. 385 Until infection of the pericementum occurs these cases give rise to no symptoms, except odor. Fig. 298. ( -o.S^j^ Fig. 299. Fig. 300. I Fig. 301. '^l c^o <»"»^ Fig. 303. Fig 304. Fig. 305. m^- '*1J r /?r/ f X /* r.' / Cases of Putrefaction under Fillings. When a filling is placed over an infected pulp, or when the pulp dies subsequent to the insertion of a filling, the organ undergoes decomposition, the decomposition being carried on in this instance Avithout the access of air — /. e., is accomjjlished by anaerobic organ- isms. Miller found that bacteria of pulp-putrefaction cultivated in gelatin, with and without the access of air, exhibited a difference in 25 386 GANGRENE OF THE PULP. the poisonous properties of their products. Those developed with free access of air produced stronger reaction, and more extensive sup- puration than those developed without the access of air. Symptoins. — Prior to infection of the pericementum, pulp-putre- faction occurring under fillings may give rise to much pain. First, in chronic abscess of the pulp, by imprisonment of the pus. Heavy, throb- bing pain, indefinitely located, may be felt, and the tooth may be tender upon percussion (see Suppuration of Pulp). Applications of heat are almost invariably followed by a paroxysm of pain ; the gases of putre- faction being expanded by heat, exercise pressure upon the still vital portions of the pulp and upon the pericementum ; as regards the latter tissue, however, it is probable that poisonous products are by the expan- sion of gases forced into it. The relief from pain is in some cases almost instantaneous when an opening is made into the pulp-chamber, giving vent to the imprisoned gases. Oases of Pulp-putrefaction without Previous Caries. Under the head of dry gangrene were described several varieties of traumatism which caused the death of a tooth-pulp en masse, particu- larly in single-rooted teeth. Instead of becoming mummified, the necrotic pulp may undergo putrefactive decomposition. It can only be a matter of conjecture how the organisms necessary to putrefactive decomposition gain access to the pulp. The possibility that organisms may make their way through the cementum and dentin at the neck of the tooth must be admitted, although its extreme improbability must be recognized. The more probable explanation of their presence is that they have gained access to the circulation from some other portion of the body, and have been deposited in the dead pulp, and, finding there a suitable soil, have developed. In one class of cases the source of infection is evident. In cases of phagedenic pericementitis (which see) the degeneration of the peri- cementum may open a direct passageway from the mouth to the tissues- of the apical space ; the pulp is cut off from its vascular and neural connections, dies, and undergoes putrefaction. This condition may be noted upon upper molars particularly, where the pericemental degenera- tion has involved the apical tissues about the palatal root of the tooth; upon opening the pulp-chamber the pulp is found dead and putrefying in whole or in part. Many of these cases offer no subjective evidences of disturbance, attention being directed to the tooth by a growing opacity of the dentin. A reaction occurs between the hydrogen sulfid and decomposing haem- oglobin (hsemosiderin) of the red blood-corpuscles, forming dark com- pounds, which infiltrate and discolor the dentin, rendering it opaque. CASES OF PULP-PUTREFACTION WITHOUT PREVIOUS CARIES. 387 In other cases infection of the pericementum may occur, leading to chronic pus-formation, with an exit near, or in many cases far distant from the tooth. A confusing condition clinically is found where one-half of a pulp has died and undergone decomposition, as in lower molars, the other half remainino; vital, althouoh the seat of infection and in.flammatoi-v action. So far may this condition go, that abscess, acute or chronic, may be present upon the root of one tooth long before the second seg- ment of the pulp has succumbed. The diagnosis of such cases is made by obtaining the jiainful reaction to heat, and usually some tenderness upon percussion upon some particular portion of the tooth ; upon open- ing the tooth the peculiar condition described is formed. Treatment. — The general principle of treatment is the same in all of these cases, no matter to what clinical division they may belong — the disinfection of the canals, the removal of all decomposed and decomposing pulp-tissue, prevention of infection of the pericementum, and hermetical sealing of the apex of the canal. In all of the cases the imminent danger, and that to be guarded against, is to avoid mechanically carrying a portion, ever so minute, of infective material past the apical foramen. There is but one %vay to accomplish this end with certainty, and that is to render the contents of the canal absolutely non-infective before mechanical procedures are instituted. This implies the use of an antiseptic which will gradually diifuse through the putrefying mass to the apex of the root, and one which is certainly germicidal. The condition, as shown, is one of infection to near the apex, so that any pressure exerted upon the putrid mass may force organisms or their waste-products through the apex of the root. Many antiseptics have been shown to have the desired power ; notably the essential oils of thyme and cinnamon ; carbolic acid and other coagulating agents are less diffusible, hence less prompt and cer- tain in action ; lysol, an allied substance, is, however, much more dif- fusible. Of all present antiseptics solutions of formalin are perhaps most effective because most diffusible. The first step of operative procedures is gaining access to the putrid pulp. As a preliminary, the mouth is washed with antiseptics — hydro- gen dioxid, potassium permanganate, or meditrina — and the rubber-dam adjusted. The tooth is next drenched with the same antiseptic and partially dried. In cases of open cavity loose debris is lifted away, without exercising pressure, until full exposure of the pulp-chamber is secured. A pellet of cotton saturated with meditrinia (full strength) laid gently upon the mass deodorizes it. Cases of putrid pulp under fillings, as a rule, are only seen when evidences of pericemental disturbance have appeared. Fissure-burs 388 GANGRENE OF THE PULP. are passed around the margins of the filling until it is loosened and detached, and free applications of the antiseptic wash made until free access to the pulp-chamber is had. In cases without cavities or fillings a spear-pointed drill is passed by the most direct route to the axis of the pulp-canal. The drill is to be advanced gently, so that it will not plunge forcibly into the pulp- chamber. In all of these cases, as soon as free access to the pulp-chamber is secured, a drop of a 10 per cent, solution of formalin is flowed into the cavity and a pellet of cotton wet with the same solution is gently laid over it, which is to be sealed in for twenty-four hours by means of temporary stopping. It is a general clinical experience that in the cases of putrefying pulp in non-carious teeth, pericementitis is a frequent sequel to the opening of the pulp-chamber. This has been attributed to the entrance of organisms by way of the artificial opening made. Other reasons for infection would be the access of air to the previously closed cavity, favoring the development of virulent organisms already present, but inactive on account of an absence of free oxygen ; or, again, the mechanical forcing of infective material beyond the end of the root. The first cause is scarely probable ; the second more probable ; and the third the most probable cause of the infection. Presumptive evidence of this is found where, as advised, an application of formalin is placed in the tooth for twenty-four hours before any attempt is made at the mechanical cleansing of the canals ; subsequent pericementitis rarely occurs. To remove the contents of the canals after sterilization no agents act with such promptness and effectiveness as solutions of sodium dioxid, or of Schreier's alloy of sodium and potassium — kalium- natrium. The reason for this is clearly seen from a study of the nature of the substances contained in the canals, and the reaction which occurs when the alkalies mentioned are brought in contact with them. Brought into contact with agents containing water, potas- sium-sodium immediately causes its decomposition, abstracting HO, forming sodium and potassium hydrates ; hydrogen is set free, which ignites in consequence of the heat of chemical combination set free in the union of the metals with hydroxyl. Sodium dioxid brought in contact with organic matter gives up its extra atom of oxygen to the latter and is reduced to NgO? sodium oxid, which, com- bining with water, becomes sodium hydroxid. Sodium hydroxid from either source saponifies all fatty matters and dissolves albumin and its derivatives. The action of sodium-potassium is very pronounced ; a minute portion of the alloy being brought into contact with decom- posing organic matter, decomposes its water with such activity that a TREATMENT OF MOIST GANGRENE OF PULP. 389 spark is produced. The gerniieidal action of tlie material has been attributed to this heat ; the correct explanation is probably the activity of sodium and potassium hydrates in their freshly formed state. The extra atom of oxygen in sodium dioxid acts as a prompt antiseptic ; and the active sodium hydroxid formed fulfils its function as a saponi- fying and solvent agent. Sodium dioxid may be used either in dry powder or in saturated solution for the purpose named. Non-oxidizable metals are to be ]>referred in making applications of these agents ; broaches of aluminum or of iridio-platinum answer the purpose. If the material be used dry, either sodium-potassium or sodium dioxid, the roughened broach is dipped in the chemical agent and passed part way up the canal of the tooth or up the largest canal in multirooted teeth ; a vigorous reaction immediately occurs between the chemical agent and the canal-contents ; as soon as this ceases the canal is wiped out with a wisp of cotton and a deeper application made. The alternate application and wiping away are continued until the apex of the root is reached. By this time the walls of the canal are seen to be distinctly bleached by the action of the oxygen set free. It is always to be remembered that this decomposition represents a chemical reaction in which there is a distinct quantitative relation between the amount of decomposer and dccomposible matter ; an excess of the decomposer is desirable or even essential. In the vast majority of cases an error is made the other way. The operation of thoroughly decomposing the contents of a pulp-canal and dentinal tubuli containing decomposing albuminous matter, requires a considerable length of time, as will be seen in the following test. After having spent a half an hour or longer in carrying successive portions of the active agents named into pulp-canals, say of a lower molar, until all evidences of chem- ical reaction cease, then forcibly syringe the canals wnth hydrogen dioxid or a 10 ])er cent, hydrochloric acid solution until efferves- cence ceases ; dry the cavity and canals, insert a ball of cotton in the pulp-chamber, leave the canals unfilled, and seal the crown-cav- ity for several days ; at the expiration of this time unseal the tooth, remove the cotton, and in a number of cases the odor of putrefaction may be detected. The sodium oxid solution sloAvly makes its way into the dentinal tubuli, decomposing their contents. If, now, a 10 per cent, solution of sulfuric acid be pumped into the canals, it effects the decom- position of the sodium compounds present, forming with Xa^O^ ^ Ka,A + H.SO, = Xa^SO, + H,Oo, solutions of sodium sulfate and hydrogen dioxid, which in its turn is ^ See Kirk, American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. 390 GANGRENE OF THE PULP. decomposed into water and oxygen, the latter driving out the altered contents of the tubuli. Any sodium oxid present is transformed by the sulfuric acid into sodium sulfate and water. The evidence of thorough action of the sodium dioxid is the bleaching of the dentin ; dentinal walls unbleached are evidence of incomplete action of the sodium compound. It has been advised by many operators that such canals be immedi- ately and permanently filled, as, indeed, they may be in very many cases, and no subsequent trouble arise. It is the part of prudence, however, to fill the canals temporarily until it is seen that no infection of the peri- cementum has occurred. During the period of probation, the canals are to be filled with a diifusible antiseptic ; oil of cassia is the agent most frequently and acceptably used for this purpose. Salol makes an excellent tentative filling in such cases ; it is combined with one-third its volume of aristol for this purpose. It is melted and flowed into the canals by means of Flagg's dressing-pliers, and while fluid a hot cone of metal is thrust into the fluid mass. The canal-filling may be made of cotton-thread dipped in an antiseptic oil, if pre- ferred. In a few days, or, better, a week, if no evidences of pericemental disturbance appear, in excess of a slight and transient soreness, the tooth may be opened, always under rubber-dam, the canals cleansed, dried, and permanently filled. It is always a wise precaution to place 25 per cent, pyrozone in such canals for five minutes or longer before drying and filling the canals. Slight pericementitis, evidenced by tenderness of the tooth uj)on percussion, may immediately follow the treatment of canals by the sodium compounds, caused by the passage of a minute portion of the preparation beyond the apical foramen. As a rule, the irritation is but transient, and is soon reduced by applications of a counter-irritant upon the gum of the affected tooth — tr. iodin, tr. aconite, and chloroform, in equal parts, painted on the gum. More severe reactions indicate active pericementitis. Canals containing putrescible material which are too fine to admit even slender broaches are, after the action of the formalin solution, en- tered and cleansed by means of the sulfuric acid method. Enlargement of the canals and destruction of the putrefactive matter are accomplished simultaneously. It has been maintained that if the pulp-canals could be lined with, and the contents of the dentinal tubuli be transformed into, permanently antiseptic material, that future sepsis would be rendered impossible.^ L. P. Bethel,^ basing his procedures upon the fact that dentin impregnated ^ Proc. American Dental Association, 1896. * Proc. New York Institute of Stomatology, 1897. TREATMENT OF MOIST GANGRENE OF PULP. 391 with silver nitrate notably resisted or prevented the })rogre.ss of dental caries, conceived that if the same a^ent conld be made to permeate the dentin of tooth-roots, it would act there as a permanent antisejitic and prevent future putrefaction and bacterial development. The tooth is isolated ; the application is confined to })()steri()r teeth ; the danger of dentinal discoloration through the reduction of the silver salt is too great in the anterior teeth, and is only designed for canals of such size and shape that mechanical cleansing and filling are extremely difficult. The crown-cavity is to have its walls covered with wax or varnish to pre- vent the passage of the silver nitrate into the crown-dentin ; the canal is pumped full of a silver-nitrate solution (25 per cent, to 75 per cent.), a pellet of cotton containing the same solution is wrapped around the positive electrode of a cataphoresis apparatus, the current is applied, and the silver solution is driven into all of the tortuosities of the canal (Fig. 306). The silver combines with the contents of the dentinal tub- 1. Operated on in the mouth with a 50 per cent, solution silver nitrate. Crown-cavity protected from discoloration by a thin coating of melted wax. 2. Operated on in the mouth with a 75 per cent, solution silver nitrate. Crown-cavity protected with wax. 3. Operated on in the mouth with 75 per cent, solution silver nitrate. 4. Shows perfect lining formed, and penetration of tlie silver nitrate into the dentinal tubuli. 5. Freshly extracted tootli operated on outside the mouth. The crown and roots were filled with decomposing material which wa.s not removed, the electrode and nitrate being applied to the surface : still the nitrate permeated the canals. Exposed surfaces of both canals shown. 6. Operated on outside of mouth. Foramen on inside of root. 7. Shows penetration in flat root with restricted and branching root-canal. Could not get broach more than one-eighth inch into canal. 8 Operated on outside of mouth, for twelve minutes, attempting to force the silver nitrate through foramen of root. 9. Shows returning branch of canal that might easily be left unfilled. uli, forming silver albuminate ; the nitric acid is formed at the posi- tive pole (the electrode), giving an acid reaction to the canal-contents ; the acid is neutralized with ammonia. Unless a very high voltage be applied, the silver does not penetrate the dentin to any considerable depth and it is not desired to have it do so. Crede's experiments indicate that metallic silver acts as an antiseptic by being oxidized by bacterial products, the argentic oxid being afterward transformed into antiseptic salts of silver by bacterial waste-products, notably by lactic acid, silver lactate being formed. SECTION V. DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. CHAPTER XXI. SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS (ACUTE). Classification. — The dental periosteum and ligament, or the peri- cementum, is the seat of numerous nutritive and functional disturbances, which may be grouped according to their causes into septic and non- septic. The term pericementitis has been indiscriminately applied to all affections of the pericementum, and in some cases erroneously, for in not all affections of this structure do the phenomena of inflammation appear. However, most of the acute and chronic degenerations are accompanied by evidences of inflammation. Bodecker's division of the affections of the pericementum into puru- lent and non-purulent is misleading. Cases may be due to septic causes without pus-formation ; pus-formation represents but one form of sepsis. The most convenient clinical classification of these disorders is that offered by G. V. Black :^ first, diseases of the pericementum beginning at the apex of the root ; secondly, those beginning at the gum-margin ; thirdly, those beginning in some intermediate portion of the pericemen- tum. These may again be divided, according to their causes, into septic and non-septic. Another clinical classification would be into localized and general disturbances — another into acute and chronic. Evidences of Pericemental Disturbance. — It was noted in the study of the diseases of the dental pulp that the diagnostic signs of pulp-dis- turbance were exaggerated or diminished response to thermal stimuli ; reflected instead of localized pains ; and, except in rare cases of advanced degeneration, no tenderness upon percussion. Disturbances of the peri- cementum are accompanied by entirely different symptoms which serve to distinguish between them and diseases of the pulp. They are, in general, tenderness upon percussion. As shown by Black,^ the peri- ' American System of Dentistry, vol. i. ^ Ibid. .S93 394 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. cementum is the touch-organ of the tooth, its tactile organ, through which a tooth locates force applied to the tooth. The pains of peri- cemental disturbance are, therefore, in the majority of cases, exactly- localized, instead of not being localized as in the case of the pulp. A tooth tender upon percussion has its pericementum the seat of disturbance. Most cases of pericemental diseases are accompanied by vascular reactions ranging from an increased blood-flow or grades of hypersemia, to pronounced inflammation, and have the correspond- ing symptoms. The increased volume of the pericementum causes the protrusion and loosening of the tooth, heightened sensitivity being the accompaniment. As the vascular supply of the pericementum and that of the gum are in a degree collateral (see Chapter VIII.), evidences of vascular engorgement are seen in the gum overlying the affected tooth. Owing to the altered density of the parts surrounding the tooth-root, percussion upon the tooth elicits a different sound from that observed in health — the sound is dull. The general symptoms of pericemental affections are, therefore, tenderness upon percussion and a dull percussion-note, more or less protrusion and looseness of the tooth, and a deepening of the local gum color. Diseases of the Pericementum beginning at the Apex. Diseases of the pericementum beginning at the apex of the root are of two classes, septic and non-septic. The septic cases are almost in- variably the sequel to disease of the pulp, namely suppuration and gangrene ; or arise in consequence of infection through the canals of pulp- less teeth. The non-septic cases are due to mechanical and chemical irritants, and in rare cases to undiscovered causes. ACUTE septic APICAL PEEICEMENTITIS — ACUTE ALVEOLO-DENTAL, ABSCESS. Definition. — By septic apical pericementitis is meant a condition due to the entrance and the multiplication of septic organisms in the apical pericementum. The condition may be acute or chronic, the chronic cases being usually a sequel to an acute septic pericementitis. Causes. — By far the most common cause is infection of the peri- cementum, in the last stages of pulp-putrefaction, by pyogenic organisms. In the last stages of pulp-destruction through septic processes, it is usual to find that evidences of pericementitis exist : the tooth is tender upon percussion, is loosened, and protrudes slightly. As a rule, this irrita- tion subsides after a few days. Succeeding this, is a period of quiet, before pronounced septic pericementitis arises. It appears as though the waste-products of the bacteria in the decomposing pulp acted as irritants upon the apical pericementum, and that by the formation of a DISEASES OF PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING AT THE APEX. 395 barrier of new tissue the pericementum wus temporarily protected. Its causes are found in all of the conditions under which moist gangrene of the pulp occurs. Purulent apical pericementitis is not always preceded by pulp-death and putrefaction ; although when the condition arises the pulp, if alive, dies. Considerable purulent destruction of the pericementum may occur near the apex of the root and the pulp of the tooth remain alive. The path of infection in these cases is unknown ; it is probably identical with that of pulp-putrefaction in cases without existing or previous caries. The possibility of infection by deposition of pyogenic organ- isms which have found their way into the circulation from other parts of the body must be admitted. The common infective organisms, those which predominate in purulent apical pericementitis, are the pyogenic staphylococci. Schreier ' stated that out of twenty cases he had found in fifteen a diplococcus which he termed the diplococcus pneumoniae. Miller's ^ experiments failed to confirm the identity of the diplococcus found with that of pneumonia. Schreier's studies ^ exhibit a prepon- derance of the staphylococcus pyogenes albus and aureus, diplococci, and occasional streptococci, virtually the same organisms that are found in the deeper portions of a sup])urating pulp : this fact in itself is enough to show the continuity of infection from the pulp-canal. It is a well-known clinical fact that acute outbreaks of septic apical peri- cementitis are most liable to occur under those conditions when patients " take cold." Schreier points out that these atmospheric states produce a bodily condition which favors the development of the diplococcus pneumoniae, and finds in the association of these factors the reason why this diplococcus should be pathogenic in the dental condi- tion. Morbid Anatomy and Patholog-y. — The general morbid anatomy of this condition is that of abscess, modified, of course, by the anatom- ical structure of the part. Pyogenic organisms gain access to the peri- cementum through the paths named, and a degree of inflammation is excited, governed by the virulence of the infection and the condition of the patient. An abundant, fibrinous, coagulable exudation is poured out into the interstices of the pericementum, not beneath the membrane — an exudation of leucocytes occurs ; the pericementum swells, its fibres at and about the apex soften, the fixed cells of the tissue undergo prolif- eration, and the tooth is protruded and loosened. The inflammatory cor- puscles are killed in great numbers by the waste-products of the organ- isms ; the exudation is peptonized — liquefied by ferments excreted by the bacteria, the dead corpuscles being also broken down into a granular detritus. The inflammatory process extends radially from the focus of 1 Dental Cosmos, 1893. ^ jjj^^ i894. ' Ibid. 396 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. infection, an inflammatory zone preceding the death and disorganization of corpuscles and eifusions. The destruction of tissue proceeds in all directions, advancing most rapidly in the direction of least resistance, until the abscess reaches the surface, points, and discharges its contents. From the pericementum the inflammation extends to the alveolar bone, which is melted down molecularly ; thence to the periosteum, which undergoes inflammatory degeneration ; the gum-tissue is next involved, Fig. 307. Showing the morbid anatomy of septic apical pericementitis (acute) : A, pus ; B, area of dying- leucocytes ; C, foreign matter in root-canal ; D, excavation of process (osteomyelitis) ; E, swollen periosteum and gum ; F, alveolar bone ; G, pericementum at edge of necrosis. until it is softened and perforated. While in the vast majority of cases the direction taken by the pus and the point at which it finds exit is the buccal or labial aspect, and immediately over the root-apex of the affected tooth, or near it, these being the directions of least resistance, other anatomical conditions or histological peculiarities (see Chapter VIII.) may make the direction of least resistance in some other path. Instead of the circumscribed suppuration described as the ordinary course of abscess-formation about the apices of roots (septic apical peri- cementitis) which accompanies infection by the staphylococci, clinical evidences of infection by a streptococcus occasionally appear. The inflammatory process, instead of being circumscribed, is diffuse ; the inflammation extends along the lines of connective tissues and of lymphatics ; the connective tissues are swollen, the swelling extending DISEASES OF PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING AT THE APEX. 397 to the tissues of the cheek, down the neck, and even to the shoulder — a phk'gmonous inflamnuition. Instead of the comparatively free flow of pus which follows incision of the swelling in ordinary abscess, pus-for- mation in streptococcus infection is seen, upon incision, to be limited and sero-purulent. While in alveolar abscess of the ordinary types evidences of septic intoxication or poisoning are unusual, the lymphatics being blocked, as a rule, by the inflammatory exudation ; septic intoxication and poisoning are the rule in the erysipelatous cases, those probably due to streptococcus infection ; bacterial poisons being taken up by the lymphatics find their way into the circulation. After spontaneous discharge of the pus from an abscess, the condition remaining is that of an ulcerous surface (the abscess boun- daries), which is being continuously infected from the putrescent pulp- remnants. The conditions, it is seen, are not like those of ordinary abscess, where the infective material is largely discharged in the pus- evacuation, and the cells bounding the abscess-wall dispose of remain- ing bacteria, so that regeneration of tissue occurs. Spontaneous healing of an alveolar abscess is the exception ; the embryonic tissue lining the abscess-walls being continuously infected, degenerates and dies instead of regenerating, leaving a condition known as chronic alveolar abscess, or chronic apical septic pericementitis piirulenta. Symptoms. — According to the severity of the symptoms, apical pericementitis may be divided into several grades, each of which repre- sents more or less well-defined pathological conditions. It is to be remembered that the normal progress and outcome of this condition are toward the formation and evacuation of pus, so that the symptoms will be largely governed by the difficulty or readiness with which the discharge is efl^ected. Infection represents the first stage of the acute disease, pus-discharge the last, after which the acute symptoms subside. The first symptom to ai)pear is tenderness upon percussion, the dis- ease being ushered in by an active hyperemia. As in other active hyperemias, the sensitivity of sensory nerve-fibres is heightened ; if the tooth be moderately pressed upon, it is tender ; but if forcibly pressed upon — /. e., the apical arteries be compressed — the hyperseraia is momentarily lessened, and the pressure brings a sense of relief. This period is succeeded by a protrusion of the tooth beyond its fellows ; it appears to be, and is, longer than the other teeth ; it is loosened and becomes very sore upon pressure, and soon tender or exquisitely painful to the slightest touch . Throbbing pain now occurs, and the gum overlying the atfected tooth, first heightened in color, becomes swollen and deeply colored. These conditions correspond with the exudation-period of the inflammation. The tooth becomes progressively looser, and so tender 398 SEPTIC APICAL PEBICEMENTFnS. that it will not bear the slightest touch ; the throbbing pain increases in severity, and the gum-tissue, and, it may be, the tissue of the cheek or lip, also become much swollen. The swelling of the gum, at first of board-like hardness, softens at its highest point ; soon a yellow spot appears, the mucous membrane bursts, and a discharge of pus follows. As soon as softening of the swollen gum occurs the excruciating pain — an acute alveolar abscess is one of the most painful of diseases — and the tenderness of the aifected tooth usually diminish, but some degree of protrusion and loosening remains. In multirooted teeth the inflammation and abscess frequently appear on only one root. If the case be seen early, before the active exudation- period of the inflammation sets in, the symptoms may be clearly localized in one root, the tooth exhibiting tenderness upon pressure over the affected root, but not upon the opposite side. The symptoms above described are those of average severity. Variations occur ; some cases have a lesser degree of intensity, some a higher degree. Pain and swelling may be comparatively slight and pus-discharge prompt. In other cases pain, swelling, and loose- ness of the tooth are pronounced at an early period, and several grades of constitutional disturbance may appear. The pulse increases in volume and tension, the tongue is coated, and the temperature of the body rises ; the rise of temperature may be ushered in with a distinct chill — i. e., a condition of fever is present, due to the absorption of bacterial products. As a rule, these general symptoms accompany the cases in which the vascular disturbance is widespread. Instead of the swelling extending but little beyond the overlying gum, the tissues of the lips, cheeks, or neck may be very much swollen and the eye of the aff^ected side injected. In some cases the outer skin may become reddened and dusky, exhibiting the evidences of extension of the inflammatory process far from its original site. Clinical History. — As shown in Chapter VIII., the apices of the roots of teeth lie nearer to the external alveolar wall than to the inner, with the exception of the palatal roots of the upper molars and the roots of the lower molars, the ends of the roots in some cases being covered by laminte of bone of extreme thinness. Apparently the alveolar periosteum and gum-tissue vary in density. Recognizing these differences, the clinical history of acute alveolar abscess may be divided into thr ee sta ges : first, that of initial inflammation and pus,-formation ; secondly, the destruction of the alveolar process ; thirdly, the passage of pus through the periosteum and mucous membrane. The second stage is usually the longest. The duration of the disease depends upon the readiness with which the tissues between the point of beginning pus- formation and its exit yield. When the pulp-chamber is open pus may DISEASES OF PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING AT THE APEX. 399 Fig. 308. find exit by this path, constituting the condition kno^yn as blind abscess — a misnomer, because a blind abscess is one without a point of dis- charge, without a fistula leading to it ; in the cases discharging via the canal, the latter may be considered a fistula. These cases usually run a short course, the inflammatory symptoms rarely being severe, and the tissue-de- struction limited (Fig. 308). Notably upon lower molars, and upon the pa- latal roots of upper molars, the dens- ity and thickness of bone overlying the roots may make paths of greatly increased resistance, so that the de- struction of tissue proceeds along the line of the pericementum, the pus finding exit at the neck of the tooth (Fig. 310). It is rare in cases of lower second molar, and still more rare upon the third molars, that pus finds exit over the apex of the root, the dense bone of the external oblique line (Fig. 309) offering the greatest resistance Blind abscess it the root of an upper incisor: a, abscess-cavity in bone; 6, drill-hole exposing the pulp-chamber for treatment. (Black.) Fig. 309. Fig. 310. Fig. 309.— Abscess upon lower third molar, showing the usual paths of pus-exit, A and B. Fig. 310.— Abscess upon palatal root of an upper molar discharging at the neck of the tooth. Over any teeth the outer fibrous layers of the external periosteum may offer unusual resistance to the perforative advance of pus, so that when the fibres of attachment of the periosteum have been softened by the inflammation, and pus gains entrance between bone and periosteum, it may travel or burrow along the course of this membrane (Fig. 311), depriving the bone of its main nutritive source, so that limited necrosis threatens. The roots of the central incisors may lie unusually close to the floor of the nose, and be overlaid externally by an unusually resist- ant layer of bone ; in these cases the path of least resistance may be in 400 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. the direction of the floor of the nose, the abscess opening at that point (Fig. 312). Fig. 311. Acute alveolar abscess of a lower incisor, with pus-cavity between the bone and the periosteum: a, pus-cavity in the bone; 6, pus between the periosteum and bone; c, lip; rf, tooth; e, tongue. (Black.) The root-apices of the posterior upper teeth, particularly of the first and second molars, may after the age of twenty-five or thirty be Fig. 313. Fig. 312. — Alveolar abscess at the root of a superior incisor discharging into the nose: a, large abscess-cavity in the bone ; 6, mouth of fistula on the floor of nostril ; c, lip ; rf, tooth. (Black.) Pig. 313. — Alveolar abscess at the root of an upper molar discharging into the antrum of High- more : a, abscess-cavity in the bone ; h, mouth of fistula on the floor of the antrum ; c, pus in the antral cavity. (Black.) encroached upon by the enlarging maxillary sinus, so that any or all of the roots of these teeth may be separated from the floor of the sinus DISEASES OF PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING AT THE APEX. 401 by but a very thin lamina of bone ; .should abscess arise upon any of these roots, pus-discharge into the antrum would necessarily follow (Fig. 313). _ ^ Resort to the use of poultices, for the relief of the pain of abscess- formation, may induce such a softening of the tissues over which they are applied, that the passage of pus is invited toward the exterior ; the abscess may thus open upon the face or neck, producing permanent, disfiguring scars. In patients who are in a cachectic condition, who have an evil heredity, or whose tissue-resistance is markedly lessened in consequence of tuberculosis, or more frequently of syphilis, septic pericementitis may run a riotous course ; the bone suffers extensively by direct action ; the periosteum is undermined, is stripped from the bone over large areas, and breaks down readily ; so that while in the healthy person alveolar abscess-formation may run a direct course and find prompt outlet, in the syphilitic patient extensive pus-infiltration, with necrosis, may occur. In cachectic persons lymphatic involvement is common ; waste-products of bacterial origin find their way into the lymphatics and set up sec- ondary irritative processes in the nearest lymphatic glands — lymph- adenitis. In persons whose oral hygiene is neglected the third stage of alveolar abscess is frequently violent and the inflammatory process widespread. In acute abscess-formation the inflammatory action precedes the advance of pus, which furnishes a guide to the direction the pus is pursuing ; viz., where the most intense coloration and the greatest swell- ing appear will he the ])oint at which the abscess will point or discharge. A subsidence of inflammation without an immediately discoverable point of pus-exit should lead to the suspicion that the discharge has taken place in an unusual situation. Diagnosis. — If a tooth have been the seat of acute septic pericemen- titis of high grade for twenty-four hours, pus has almost certainly formed, and its presence may be safely diagnosed. The symptoms rarely leave any doubt as to which tooth is affected, except where two contiguous teeth, evidently pulplcss, are both loosened and surrounded by a zone of inflammation. Even in these cases there will be found differences in response to tapping or pressure which will indicate which tooth is the disease-focus. Prognosis. — In the majority of cases the prognosis of acute alveolar abscess, as to the future retention of the tooth, is favorable ; and usually very favorable, if the case receive intelligent therapeutic aid. The future of the tooth depends upon the thoroughness with which sources of infection may be destroyed and permanently removed, and the com- pleteness with which regeneration of tissue can be induced. 26 402 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. If the first stage of abscess-formation be prolonged, destruction of pericementum is correspondingly increased ; a prolonged second stage pauses an increased molecular destruction of alveolar bone ; a prolonged third stage may mean stripping of the periosteum from the alveolar wall, or infiltration of pus into the connective tissue of the lip or cheek. Marked swelling of the tissues of the face, with an increasing redness of surface, leads to the suspicion of pus-presence and the danger of its external discharge. Rigors and fever, appearing during the course of the inflammation, are evidence of absorption of and the presence in the circulating fluids of bacterial products. Repeated rigors, with pro- nounced depression, diarrhoea, and delirium, indicate that pyaemia exists. Delay in the natural evacuation of the pus should lead to the suspicion that it is pursuing an unusual course, its direction being usually determined by the focus of inflammatory action. Treatment. — The first principle of treatment is the removal of the source of infection. As in all other septic diseases, there is no means com- parable with this in point of eflectiveness. After removing the source of infection the symptoms of the disease-process subside rapidly. If it be not removed surgically, the disease persists until the pus finds vent, when the inflammation subsides. The immediate accomplishment of this end may, however, be impracticable in some cases. Recognizing the putres- cent pulp-canal contents as the source of infection, primary attention is, of course, directed toward sterilization and removal of these con- tents. If the case be seen before the inflammatory process become pro- nounced, entrance to and cleansing of the canals can usually be accom- plished. If the pulp-cavity be open in such cases, direct approach is made to the canals through the carious cavity. A free syringing with strong solutions of meditrina precedes the opening of the canals. If it be a filled tooth, and the filling is in a situation that by an opening made through it, or by its removal, direct access to the canals can be gained, the opening should be made. The opening of the cavity is to be accomplished by means of a very sharp and small spear-point drill revolving in a per- fectly true hand-piece. Large drills, ill-sharpened and in worn hand- pieces, produce a jarring which adds notably to the tenderness of the pericementum. According to the amount of tenderness, the tooth will require a counter-pressure to that of the drill. If the entrance be made through the occlusal face of the tooth, or in a direction which would cause direct upward pressure on the apical pericementum, a liga- ture of linen thread with long ends may be placed around the tooth,^ and traction be made by drawing on the loose ends of the ligature. Effective counter-pressure against lateral entrance to the pulp-chamber may be made by softening a small roll of modelling compound and ^ J. Foster Flagg, Lectures on Dental Therapeutics- DISEASES OF PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING AT THE APEX. 403 moulding over the face of the affected tooth and several of tliose adjoin- ing- it, and permitting it to harden. This temporary splint is held in place by the index linger of the left hand. In case the inflammatory process is marked, it is frequently necessary to make a vent-opening by the most direct path — /. c, at the junction of enamel and cementum — directly into the chamber. As soon as entrance to the pulp-chamber is effected, the cavity is syringed with a strong antiseptic ; a 20 per cent, solution of meditrina answers well in this connection. Fine probes are paesed and repassed into the opening to free the outlet, so that gases may escape ^nd fresh portions of the antiseptic be worked into the cavity. The quickness with which relief is secured will depend upon the thoroughness with which the canals are entered and their putrid contents destroyed. A tedious class of cases are those in which a canal of a molar is unfilled or but partially filled. Unless entrance to and cleansing of the canal be accomplished, the inflammation will proceed until the pus finds external vent. An hour spent in gaining access to and cleansing such canals is well spent. If entrance to the canals is free, repeated applications of sodium dioxid solutions should be made, pumped into the canals, and the cavity washed from time to time with meditrina or hydrogen dioxid. Near the end of the canal the meditrina is used alone with broaches, and finally by syringing. The canals are dried, and an anodyne antiseptic, such as a mixture of thymol and menthol dissolved in glycerin, is pumped into the canals. If now provision for surgical rest of the irritated pericementum be made, relief is tolerably certain. A moldine impression is taken of the adjoining tooth, if a bicuspid or a molar, or of one the bicuspids, if a labial tooth be the one affected, and a fusible metal die is made. Driven into a block of soft lead, a counter-die is formed and a metal cap to cover the occlusal and part of the buccal and lingual surface of the tooth may be swaged in a few moments. About No. 26, American gauge, should be the thickness of the metal. The tooth is dried and the cap attached by means of zinc phosphate, and allowed to remain for a day or two. This will insure rest of the affected pericementum. If now the gum, at a distance from the tooth, be painted with tr. iodin and chloroform as a counter-irritant, the inflammation usually subsides and almost disappears in a couple of days. These several measures are to be regarded as the abortive treat- ment of alveolar abscess ; they apply to all cases if seen early enough, and will in the majority of cases prevent the disease of the peri- cementum passing the early inflammatory stages. In all cases the severity of the inflammatory process is lessened in proportion to the thoroughness with which the antiseptic measures are applied. 404 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. If the case be a more severe one, or at a later stage than that described, the excessive tenderness of the tooth may preclude any attempt at drilling into the pulp-chamber without the administration of a general anaesthetic. When the cause, clinical history, and indicated therapeutics in alveolar abscess, are viewed, there can be no two opinions as to the wisdom of anaesthetizing the patient and effecting an entrance to the pulp-canals. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that canal- sterilization is in order at any stage of abscess-formation, as is also the free and frequent use of antiseptic mouth-washes — pyrozone and medi- trina. Failing to administer a general anaesthetic, the canals are opened as freely as the tenderness of the tooth permits ; the use of any instru- ments, except broaches applied with the utmost delicacy of touch, is precluded by the intolerable pain. An effort is made to limit the extent of inflammatory action. After the early stages and up to nearly the point of pus-perforation, hot applications in the mouth and the use of counter-irritants to the gum but provoke the inflammatory condition. The most effective measure is local bloodletting by means of a leech, if possible, or by making several free cuts with a bistoury, which tend to relieve the engorged vessels of the pericementum. The mouth should be washed with warm antiseptics before and after the incisions. Dry cups to the back of the neck and hot mustard foot-baths are also useful derivative measures. In the still more severe cases marked relief of the inflammatory symptoms and the pain follows the administration of 10 gr, of Dover's powder, in addition to the measures advised. A saline cathartic, mag- nesium sulfate, should be administered the next morning, with a view to relieving the constipation following the use of the opium, and to act as a derivative by inducing free watery stools. If high inflammation persist for more than twenty-four hours, pus is almost certainly present in the pericementum, and possibly more or less molecular destruction of bone has occurred. In rare cases, where the bone-covering of the root-apex is extremely thin, the pus may be at this time at the point of exit. The dictum of surgery, to give vent to pus as soon as it is discovered, applies as well in the condition under discussion as anywhere else. When it is considered that prior to evacuation of the abscess destruction of tissue is going on in all directions, it is evident that tissue-destruction, complications, and the possibility of septic intox- ication, or even more serious general disturbances, will be averted by gaining quick access to the focus of infection and removing it. Some operators advise that an artificial opening be made even in the earlier stages of acute septic pericementitis, recognizing that the case is septic and that radical relief is only secured through complete antisepsis. If the case be seen early, however, the abortive measures previously de- DISEASES OF PERICEMENTUM EEGINNIXG AT THE APEX. 405 scribed can be instituted. The old practice of waiting until the pus has penetrated the alveolar periosteum is unsurgical. To insure quiet of the patient while opening into the apical space from the gum, it is advisable to administer nitrous oxid, if this agent be available. The mouth should be freely washed with strong anti- septics and a cut made through the gum over the apex of the aifected root. The incision is permitted to bleed, and is then packed with cotton containing phenol sodique. As soon as bleeding has ceased the nitrous oxid is administered ; if it be not at hand, a pellet of cotton containing a 10 per cent, solution of cocain is laid against the periosteum. The first cut, made with a stout-pointed bistoury, penetrates to the bone. A sharp scaler or chisel is used to scrape away a small area of the alveolar periosteum ; next a spear-pointed drill, revolving rapidly, is quickly passed through the outer alveolar plate into the apical space. The apices of the roots lie, as a rule, slightly higher than the line of mucous membrane reflection. The cut should be free and the peri- osteum scraped away, to avoid annoying and disfiguring emphysema of the cheek-tissues, which may occur if these precautions be not taken. The pain following the operation may be relieved, after bleeding has ceased and the cavity has been washed out with warm antiseptics, by pushing a crystal of cocain hydrochlorid into the cavity as far as it will go. As soon as the inflammatory symptoms have subsided sufficiently to permit working upon the tooth, the pulp-canals are to be opened and sterilized. The case may not be seen until its third stage, when the pus is in the tissues exterior to the alveolar process. In these cases a very sharp bistoury is passed into the swelling at its most prominent part and a deep and free incision made. In case the inflammation have extended to the tissues of the cheek, an outcome most to be feared in abscess upon the lower third molar or upon the upper first or second molar, antiphlo- gistics should, be applied to the cheek — Plumbi acetat., 3j; Tr. opii, Aqu£e, 5j; Oj.- -M, Compresses wet with this preparation are laid upon the cheek, and a free, deep incision made in the gum at the junction with the cheek. An examination should always be made of the palatal and lingual alve- olar aspects, to note whether the inflammatory and suppurative process tends to take either of those directions. If, in connection with the lower third molar, marked swelling is ob- served in the submaxillary triangle, free incision of the tissues of the o». 406 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. floor of the mouth should be made at the angle of junction with the bone. The cut should be made close to the bone and into it, but not too deep, lest the mylohyoid artery or nerve be injured. In all cases which threaten to open externally the antiphlogistic compresses are to be continuously applied externally, and after incision stimulant mouth- washes should be used ; that recommended by Prof. Garretson is excel- lent — tr. myrrhse et capsici in water. It is ever to be borne in mind that so long as the source of infection remains pus-formation continues, and so long as pus forms, tissue-de- struction is in progress ; furthermore, in proportion to the amount of tissue-loss perfect recovery after alveolar abscess is delayed or imperfect. While it is the clinical experience of nearly every operator that a tooth and adjacent structures may recover from inflammation which involves not only the first tooth attacked, but by an extension of the inflammatory process involves the general periosteum and neighboring teeth, provided the case receive prompt and decisive surgical treatment, yet the danger of septicaemia in prolonged cases is always imminent. When the general periosteum is involved, as shown by extensive boggy swelling in the mouth, if several free incisions carried to the bone do not aflbrd prompt relief, the tooth which is the centre of infection should be promptly extracted. If; in the course of the pericementitis, chills, followed by fever, a coated tongue, and much physical depression occur, a general infection is to be feared, and no time should be lost in steriliz- ing the mouth, extracting the tooth, and subjecting the socket to free spraying with antiseptics. CHAPTER XXII. SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS (CHRONIC). Chronic septic apical pericementitis exhibits several grades as to its extent and effects ; one of the more pronounced types or grades being the direct outcome of acute apical pericementitis, resulting in pus- formation, a condition known as chronic alveolar abscess. After the discharge of pus, either spontaneously or through surgical aid, as noted in the discussion of acute alveolo-dental abscess, the source of infection remains, and pus-formation continues as a chronic process, which rarely disappears spontaneously ; the acute inflammatory symptoms, however, subside and do not reappear unless there is some interference with the escape of the pus. Clinically chronic abscess presents itself in two classes : cases with- out a fistula communicating with the mouth-cavity or other part, and those in which the pus finds vent through a fistula. Chronic Alveolo-dental Abscess withouj Fistula. Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. — Although the acute inflamma- tory symptoms may subside and be replaced by those of atonic hyper- semia, as soon as pus finds vent through the canal of the tooth ; pus-formation — /. e., tissue-destruction — proceeds radially from the affected root. The conditions existing immediately after evacuation of the pus are a denuded root-apex, about which are peptonized (liquefied) effusions, in which are shreds of dead tissue, and dead, dying, and disintegrated inflammatory corpuscles, occupying a cavity bounded by embryonic tissue, which is being gradually invaded by pyogenic organisms ; the surrounding tissue is being transformed into or replaced by embryonic tissue, the result of inflammatory degeneration. The cavity bounded by this w^all of embryonic tissue is constantly increasing in size. In long-continued cases organization of the boundary-wall may occur, and the cavity be enclosed by a capsule of vascular fibrous con- nective tissue. If teeth be extracted at this stage, this fibrous sac may come away with the tooth ; it is the structure sometimes termed a pyo- genic membrane. The influence of gravity has much to do with the direction of 407 408 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. tissue-destruction in chronic abscess (Figs. 314 and 315). In the lower jaw the tendency is to burrow into the cancellated tissue of the bone Fig. 314. Fig. 316. Fig. 314.— Chronic blind abscess of upper incisor, showing tendency of pus to progressively destroy pericementum owing to the influence of gravity. Fig. 315.— Chronic blind abscess upon lower tooth, showing tendency of pus to sink into the sub- stance of the lower maxilla, owing to the influence of gravity. away from the tooth, so that destruction of the pericementum may not be very extensive. In the upper jaw the tendency is to spread along the pericementum and into the cancellated bone, so that the cavities of chronic abscess upon the upper anterior teeth particularly may cause extensive excavation in the palatal pro- cess of the superior maxillary bone (Fig. 316). The pus may burrow in irregular and circuitous directions, until it finds external vent. In long- established cases the denuded root-apex becomes the seat of calcic deposits. Symptoms and Diagnosis. — Attention is directed to some pulpless tooth or to a crownless root, around which the gum-color is deepened and which is more or less loose, indicating softening of its pericementum, but no fistula is present. After isolation under rubber-dam pus may or may not be discoverable in the canals. If pus is seen, the diagnosis is evident. If pus be not seen, and the canals be drenched with a 50 per cent, solution of sodium dioxid, the application being continued until it is reasonably certain that all infective material in the canals has been destroyed, the canals may be closed with the dressing usual in such cases, twists of cotton sat- urated with an antiseptic oil, when irritation should be allayed if an CHRONIC ALVEOLO-DENTAL ABSCESS WITHOUT FISTULA. 409 abscess does not exist ; but if, after some hours, or a day or two, in- flammatory symptoms arise, the presence of pus should be suspected, and its existence may be confirmed by its flow upon removing the <;anal-dressing. More or less pus should always be suspected about the roots of teeth which are crownless or pulpless, and have unfilled canals, when the tooth is loose, and the overlying gum injected. In doubtful <3ases canal-fillings, even after thorough cleansing with sodium dioxid, are made of an easily removable material, and are only made tentatively until it is certain that a tightening of the pericementum and a fading of the deepened gum-color, instead of an increased irritation, follow their insertion. Prognosis. — The fate of the aifected root depends upon the amount of tissue-destruction, the length of time suppuration has been going on, and the recuperative powers of the patient's tissues, together "vvith — most important of all — the thoroughness with which infection and the sources of infection are removed. If the last-named object can be at- tained, astonishing recoveries occur; in its absence, the tooth is certain to be permanently crippled and to be a menace to the surrounding tis- sues. It is remarkable, however, how long pus-formation may con- tinue about the root of a tooth, and cause comparatively little disturb- ance, except in a very circumscribed field. The presence of pus in any cavity of the body should never be regarded as without danger ; and, doubtless, constitutional eifects from pus-formation about the teeth are often present without the operator being cognizant of them. Treatment. — The principle of treatment is to remove all pus, dead tissue, and infective organisms, induce a regeneration of tissue to obliter- ate the abscess-cavity, and prevent future infection. The heroic and most successful method of treatment is to remove, as a primary meas- ure, the mechanical impediment to the thorough washing and sterilizing of the abscess-cavity. So long as the entrance to the abscess-cavity and the exit from it are but the constricted passage of a root-canal, it is evident that the complete filling and emptying of the abscess-cavity w411 be attended with difficulty, depending upon the size of the canal and of the abscess-cavity. If, however, an external fistula exist, the com- plete washing of the tract and emptying of the cavity are muc-h fiicilitated ; abscess with external fistula is much more amenable to treatment than when no such exit exists. The tendency of modern practice, there- fore, is to establish a free artificial fistula in all cases of so-called blind abscess. The canals are cleansed with sodium dioxid solution, and the canal length and direction recorded upon a broach. This length is measured upon the gum to determine the point of entrance. The most certain 410 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. 4 6 5 Tubular knives. 1 2 Walker-Younger trephines. and quickest method of making the proper entrance is to administer nitrous oxid, or, if that be not Fig. 317. Fig. 318. available, to inject a few drops of a boiled solution (10 per cent.) of eucain into the gum and re- move a cylindrical portion of gum-tissue by means of a Rollin's tubular knife, or make an incision to the bone and scrape off a por- tion of periosteum ; entrance to the abscess-cavity may then be made by means of a drill or small trephine (Fig. 318). The case is now treated as one of abscess with fistula (which see). Cases may be treated without making an artificial fistula, but the results are rarely so satisfactory and the cure seldom so complete as when an artificial opening is made. The best results are obtained where the destruction of tissue has been very limited, where the pus has found exit through the canal at an early period, and where the case is seen soon after subsidence of the active inflammation. The tooth-cavity is cleansed mechanically, syringing freely with meditrina or 3 per cent, pyrozone solution, and the rubber-dam adjusted. The canals are cleansed by repeated applications of sodium dioxid solu- tion, continued until the apex of the root is passed, when the canals are forcibly syringed with an acid solution of hydrogen dioxid until effer- vescence ceases. The canal is now thoroughly dried and filled with an antiseptic ; Black's 1-2-3 mixture, campho-ph^nique, oil of cassia, and thymol are all useful. If the canals have been well cleansed and the antiseptics employed have been carried into the abscess-cavity, further use of antiseptics is not absolutely necessary, but it is prudent to use them to complete a possibly partial sterilization. The antiseptic may be driven in spray into all portions of the abscess-cavity, by blowing a blast of air into the canal through a chip-blower. The canals are next partially dried and loosely filled with cotton, and the crown-cavity hermetically sealed. If in the course of two or three days, the tooth appears tighter and the vascular symptoms in the gum subside, a cure may be anticipated. As a precautionary measure, the tooth may be placed under rubber-dam, the seal and canal-filling removed, and the condition as regards odor and the presence of pus or blood-stains noted. If odor be present, a second cleansing with sodium dioxid should be practised as before, the canals CHRONIC ALVEOLO-DENTAL ABSCESS WITH FISTULA. 411 dried, and a cotton twist saturated with thymol packed into them. If no symptoms arise, this dressing may remain a week or hmgcr. At the expiration of this time the abscess-cavity is probably filled with organ- izing granulation-tissue. The canal may be opened under extraordinary antiseptic precautions and filled with melted paraffin and aristol, nosophen, euthymol, or iodoform. The crown-cavity may be filled with zinc phosphate, and the case be dismissed for six months or longer. If a gold filling is indicated, this time should elapse before it is inserted. If the tooth rebels against closing after more than one cleansing with sodium dioxid, it is scarcely worth while temporizing — an artificial fistula should be established. In rare instances a cure of even extensive suppuration, with large cavity, may be effected without an artificial fistula, by sterilizing the affected root, aspirating the pus, washing out the abscess-cavity, and inducing regeneration. The tooth should be isolated, its canals cleansed with sodium dioxid and washed. As deep into the canal as possible the nozzle of a large syringe is placed ; temporary stopping is packed into the crown-cavity tightly about the syringe ; the piston is withdrawn, drawing the pus into the syringe. The withdrawal may fiiil entirely owing to the apical foramen being blocked by shreds of dead tissue. If the attempt be successful, the stopping is removed, the canals dried, and a drop or two of a 25 per cent, solution of pyrozone pumped into the abscess-cavity, more being added until eifervescence ceases. When the canals are dried they are filled with an antiseptic — thymol, campho- phenique, etc. — driven in spray into the abscess-cavity by blasts of warm air. If the evidences of disturbance subside, the case is treated as in the former instance. If the tooth rebel against closiilg, an artificial fistula should be established. Chronic Alveolo-dental. Abscess with Fistula. Morbid Anatomy and Pathology, — The conditions found attend- ant upon this disease depend, first, upon the length of time elapsing between the inception of the inflammatory process and the evacuation of the abscess ; secondly, upon the surgical anatomy of the parts ; and, thirdly, upon the physical condition of the patient. In the majority of cases the pus from acute abscess finds exit almost immediately over the apex of the affected root, in the course of a few days, so that at this time a canal lined with embryonic connective tissue may connect with a cavity of any size lined with embryonic tissue, the walls of -which continue in a state of infection. If the process continue, organization of the abscess-wall occurs as in abscess without fistula. Instead of finding exit by a direct path to the exterior, the pus may burrow" along the length of the pericementum and discharge at the neck 412 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. of the tooth. One-half or more of the lateral aspect of the pericemen- tum may remain vital, although involved in a chronic inflammation, the remainder being destroyed. Where the apices of the roots of upper posterior teeth lie in very close proximity to the floor of the antrum, perforation of this floor may occur before tissue-destruction has pro- ceeded far enough in other directions to afibrd escape to the pus. Ex- tensive pus-accumulations may occur in the antrum in consequence. Other paths of pus-exit are noted in Chapter XXI., in connection with acute abscess ; at such points the discharge may remain persistent. In some cases, after the subsidence of the acute inflammatory symptoms, pus-discharge may lessen and finally cease, the fistula healing, although pus-formation in the substance of the bone continues. The discharge only ceases, however, when the pus finds some other point of discharge ; usually this is through the canal of the affected tooth ; the condition then becomes one of blind abscess. The burrowing of the pus continues, however, and at a late period may find exit at a distant point. Upon a lower tooth, particularly the incisors, the pus may burrow downward through the cancellated tissue of the bone and emerge at the base of the bone and open upon the face (Figs. 319 and 320). In other cases the pus may perforate the bone, and find passage along the submuscular tissue of the depressor muscles of the lip, opening -p^^ g^g above or under the point of the chin. The apices of the roots of teeth lying beneath the line of insertion of the mylohyoid muscle may cause an abscess to open in the neck- cavity. Cryer records a case where an ab- scess opening upon the face immediately anterior to the line of the facial artery, was traced to the root of a lower molar; Fig. 320. Fig. 319.— Chronic alveolar abscess of the root of a lower incisor, with abscess-cavity passing through the body of the bone and discharging on the skin beneath the chin : a, very large abscess- cavity ; 6, mouth of the ilstula. (Black.) Fig. 320.— Fistula passing down through the body of the lower maxilla. (Black.) CHRONIC ALVEOLO-BENTAL ABSCESS WITH FISTULA. 413 Fig. 321. the direction of the siuiis is .shown in Fig. 322. In a case having a similar anatomical association, the pus penetrated the bone lingually, was en- capsuled beneath the internal ])tervgoid muscle, and appeared as a swelling at the inner aspect of the angle of the jaw. Occasionally the apices of the roots of lower molars are separated from the inferior dental canal by only a thin lam- ina of bone, so that discharge into this Fig. :V22. Fig. 321.— Chronic alveolar abscess at the root of a lower incisor, with a fistula discharging on the face under the chin : a, abscess-cavity in the bone ; b, b. b, fistula following in the periosteum down to the lower margin of the body of the bone and discharging on the skin. (Blacli.) Fig. 322.— Abscess with tortuous sinus, opening upon the face : ,4, tissue of cheek : B, floor of mouth ; C, abscess-tract. canal may occur with infiltration along the vessels and nerves in the canal. While discharge into the nasal chamber is most frequently asso- ciated with abscess upon the central incisors, abscess upon molars may discharge into the same cavity. Symptoms and Diagnosis. — The symptoms of the condition are a fistulous opening in the gum or some other part, in proximity to or con- nected with a pulpless tooth. The tooth may have an open cavity, con- tain a filling, bear an artificial crown, or be* free from caries. In other cases, the root which is the centre of infection may lie buried in the gum and be invisible. The source of the trouble in rare cases may be an impacted tooth (see Chapter X.). As a rule, the seat of the affection is indicated by sluggish vascular disturbance in the gum overlying the offending root. Any fistula existing in the maxillary region, either within or without the mouth, should be suspected to have originated in a septic pericementitis of some tooth. A soft silver probe shotdd be pas.sed along the tract to determine its direction, and, if possible, which tooth is affected. As a rule, such a tooth exhibits objective evidences of abscess, and the patient will give a history of subjective symptoms — those of inflammation of pericementum. If the tooth indicated 414 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. as the affected one be free from caries, the thermal test should be applied to determine the degree of vitality of the pulp. Should the tooth not respond to applications of cold, it is possible it may offer slight response to applications of heat. It is next examined by light reflected from the ordinary, or, better, the electric mouth- mirror, when, if the pulp be dead, opacity of the crown will be detected. An abscess upon an upper incisor opening upon the nasal floor may cause a discharge simulating that of ozsena. An examination of the nose will reveal a teat-like elevation upon the mucous membrane covering the nasal floor and an incisor beneath will be found carious and having a putrescent pulp, or, if non-carious, there will be a history of traumatic pericementitis and upon inspection an opacity. It may be mentioned here, in connection with death of the pulp from trauma- tism, that continuous thread-biting, and biting very hard substances, such as pieces of ice, nuts, etc., may cause death of the organ, pre- sumably by thrombosis. It is possible that the direction taken by a probe passed into the fistula will point away from the teeth present, passing into a space from which a tooth has been extracted. In that event the presence of a root- fragment, or piece of necrosed process, may be suspected.^ If the neighboring teeth be excluded as causes of the inflammation, there should be no hesitation in making an exploratory incision down to the end of the probe which has been passed into the fistula ; cases of den- tigerous cysts have been detected in this manner. This condition, how- ever, should be suspected when there is an absence of a tooth or teeth from the arch, no evidence, past or present, of pericementitis in any of the teeth of the arch, and a cystic tumor present in the jaw, or a fistula discharging upon the face after a history of maxillary periostitis. Caries or necrosis, although in many cases the result of septic apical pericementitis, may exhibit fistulse opening into the mouth, without evident connection with the teeth. As a rule, cases of necrosis exhibit marked evidences of chronic inflammation of the tissues overlying the dead or dying bone ; there are usually several fistulse discharging from it. Caries may present but a single fistula and closely simulate ordinary alveolar abscess. Diagnosis is made by passing an excavator through the fistula. Dead bone is readily detected by touch ; it has a rotten feel. In caries the instrument may be passed through the dead bone in various directions, and a characteristic sound be elicited by tapping upon it. Careful examination of the teeth must be made in all of these cases to determine the condition of the pulps and pulp-canals. In pass- ing an instrument through a fistula to the apex of a tooth-root, where the disease-process has been of long duration, it may be found ^ See case of Black's, American System of Dentistry, vol. i. CHRONIC ALVEOLO-DENTAL ABSCESS WITH FISTULA. 415 that the a})ex of the root is denuded of pericementum and roughened ; that is, the apical eementutn is necrotic ; foreign deposits may be detected occupying portions of the necrotic area. Treatment. — The first step of treatment is the thorough eradication of the source of infection. The tooth, filled or unfilled, bearing arti- ficial crown, or no matter what its condition, should have its root-canals freely opened to their apices. The presence of a canal-filling should not hinder the complete opening, as the canal may appear to be filled, and in reality be imperfectly filled. If the abscess be upon a root which cannot be utilized by crowning, the root should be at once extracted. Impacted teeth should be removed by surgical operation. If the centre of suppuration be dead bone, it should be removed by like means. In cases where there are useful tooth-roots, the tooth should be isolated under rubber-dam, and saturated sodium dioxid solutions be pumped into the canals until it is certain they are cleansed and steril- ized. Fine canal-cleansers are then passed through the apex of the affected root, opening into the abscess-cavity. The canal and cavity are now freely syringed with 3 per cent, pyrozone until the contents of the abscess-cavitv are driven bubbliup; through the fistula. This forcible irrigation is continued until the fluid comes away clear and without bubbling. M. L. Rhein ^ advises that a solution of mercuric chlorid in hydrogen dioxid be used for this washing. The wall of embrvonic tissue lining the abscess-cavity being frequently infected with organisms which the hydrogen dioxid alone fails to kill, mercuric chlorid is added to destroy them. The same writer^ advises that a positive electrode, a fine wire of chemically pure zinc, be inserted to the bottom of the canal and the current from a cataphoresis apparatus applied. By electrolysis, zinc oxychlorid is formed at the positive pole by the action of chlorin and oxygen, liberated from the fluids of the part, acting upon the zinc ; the zinc oxychlorid in its nascent state is forced cataphorically into the walls of the abscess, where it acts as an efl^ective antiseptic and induces the formation of granulation-tissue ; hence the regeneration of tissue. The usual practice is to fill the root-canal with some ]iowerful anti- septic, such as campho-phenique, the 1-2-3 mixture of Black, or one of the antiseptic oils, and, by pumping witlf a smooth broach, force the antiseptic through the abscess-cavity and fistula. Fluids maybe induced to flow an astonishing distance if the pumping be persisted in. They will make their way along such tracts as shown in Figs. 319, 321, and 322. Their flow may be induced in some cases by dipping a sterilized 1 Items of Interest, 1897. '' Ibid. 416 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. 323. rubber cleaning-cap (Fig. 323) in mercuric-chlorid solution and pressing it firmly upon the gum over the fistula, then relaxing the pressure until the cap rises and draws the antiseptic in the canal, along the abscess-tract. The canal is dried and filled with the paraffin- aristol mixture, or with thread dipped in an anti- septic oil, and the crown-cavity hermetically scaled. Nature should now complete the cure by obliterating the abscess-cavity with embryonic tissue, which sub- sequently organizes. In twenty-four hours but a slight serous flow should be noted, the patient having been directed to use antiseptic mouth-washes freely. In about three days no exudation should be present, and in a week the fistula should be healed. Unless a pus-discharge be observed, the tooth should remain sealed for a week, or, better, two weeks, and if filled with paraffin may remain permanently sealed. If pus-discharge appear, the tooth should be opened and treated as before. If the case be one where an artificial fistula has been established, the wound should be kept from healing, after the antiseptic washing, by packing it daily with nosophen-gauze. If a serous discharge persist longer than a week, a root-apex denuded of pericementum, saturated with noxious material, and prob- ably encrusted with deposits of calculi, may be suspected (Fig. 324). A sterilized excavator should then be passed into the fistula and over the apex of the root, to discover the amount of denudation and the presence of deposits. If deposits be discovered, the root should be solidly filled; and nosophen-gauze ba forced into the abscess-cavity, distending the fistula ; if the latter be small, it may be enlarged by an incision and then packed. As soon as free exposure of the root is obtained a fissure-bur may be used to cut off the portion of root projecting into the abscess- cavity ; the cut edges of the root may be rounded by means of scalers. It is a serviceable measure to scrape the abscess-walls in these cases, removing the debilitated and degenerating tissue and inducing healthy granulation. The cavity is packed with cotton and phenol sodique until bleeding ceases, and a packing of nosophen-gauze is inserted, to be renewed in daily lessening amount until the abscess-cavity is filled with granulations. The patient should use freely antiseptic mouth-washes. Each fresh packing should be preceded by an antiseptic douche. Fig. 324. Chronic abscess, showing denudation of apex of root (a to h), with de- posits of calculi (a) upon cementum. CHRONIC ALVEOLO-DEXTAL ABSCESS WITH FISTULA. 417 Fig. 325. In some cases of anomalous root-form, such as a sharp bend upon the upper end of the root, which renders it imj)ossil)lc to gain access to the apex of the root even with the aid of sulfuric acid, it may be neces- sary to treat the abscess through the fistulous opening. The roots should be sterilized and cleansed to as great a depth as possible with the aid of sulfuric acid and fine cleansers, and an endeavor made to force hydrogen dioxid through the apical foramen and out of the fistula by means of a syringe. The cavity of the crown should be filled with pink gutta-percha, and through it the nozzle of a syringe filled with 3 per cent, pyrozone thrust well up the canal. When the piston of the syringe is forced down, the solution may appear at the opening of the fistula, or it may fail to penetrate the foramen, and the backward pressure may force the gutta-percha from position. In that event myrtol should be placed in the canal, which should be filled with thread holding the same material. Three per cent, pyrozone should then be injected into the abscess- cavity through the fistula until eifervescence ceases. The nozzle of a minim syringe (Fig. 325), charged with campho-phenique, or the 1-2-3 mixture, is then passed into the abscess-sac, and a couple of drops deposited. In very many cases the abscess will then proceed to recovery. The treatment should be repeated, if neces- sary. If several dressings applied at intervals of a week do not cause a disappearance of pus-formation, amputation of the offending portion of the root will be necessary. A heroic method of treating chronic ab- scesses wdiich obstinately refuse to heal is by extraction and replantation. The method applies only to single- rooted teeth, although it has been successfully per- formed upon molars. The patient's mouth is to be sterilized, and the tooth extracted. The tooth is im- mediately placed in a solution of 1 : 1000 mercuric chlorid at a temperature of 120° F. It has been repeatedly asserted, but without satisfactory demon- stration, that the cells of the deeper layer of the pericementum and the cementoblasts, and also the cement-corpuscles, retain their vitality for some period after extrac- tion, and immediate replantation results in a re-establishment of the physiological union between the teeth and alveolus. It is certain, however, that measures wdiich are necessary to thoroughly sterilize the tooth before its reinsertion would be fatal to any cellular vitality 27 Minim svringe. 418 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. which might exist in the cementam and its covering. The pulp- canal is opened from its apex and cleaned out with canal-cleansers, and a 25 per cent, solution of pyrozone placed in the canal, where it is allowed to remain for some time. In the meantime the socket from which the tooth has been removed is syringed with pyrozone, and should the pericementum not adhere to the tooth the depth of the socket is scraped by means of large spoon-excavators to remove the tissues impli- cated in the abscess. The cavity is washed with pyrozone, and a pledget of cotton, which has been dipped in campho-phenique, is placed in the socket at its bottom. The tooth is dried by means of warm air ; the soft tissues at the apex, if any be present, are cut away for about one-eighth of an inch. The canal is filled with gutta-percha or filled solidly with gold, the end of the root cut oif as far as it has been denuded of peri- cementum, smoothed, and returned to the antiseptic solution. The cotton is removed from the tooth-socket, which is syringed with 3 per cent, pyrozone, and the tooth returned to position. It is tied to the adjoining teeth by means of silk ligatures or held in place by an appro- priate retaining appliance. A chronic abscess may discharge into the maxillary sinus for a long period before being discovered, unless the pus-accumulation be extensive, when it escapes from the antrum into the cavity of the nose, discharging by one side. Smaller accumulations of pus find exit in the recumbent position, and attention is called to one antrum as the seat of affection by noting that in the morning pus appears at but one nostril. The discharges from purulent nasal catarrh appear upon both sides. A more common history of antral empyema is the patient's complaint of dull, heavy pains and uneasiness over one side of the face, and an offensive odor, which may not be evident to the operator. High illum- ination of the mouth by means of the electric mouth-mirror may reveal the presence of fluid in the antrum. Examination of the posterior teeth will show one of them to be pulpless. If such a tooth be extracted, a profuse flow of pus may follow, and a probe may be passed through an alveolus directly into the antrum. Although this is the usual surgical relief, dental conservatism rebels against the immediate condemnation of the offending tooth. Efforts at curing the antral condition through the pulp-canal are well-nigh hopeless — the antrum is entered at some other point. The tooth is treated as any infecting root ; is sterilized and filled. The most certain spot of entry to the antrum is about one-quarter inch above the buccal roots of the upper first molar. The part, or the patient, is anaesthetized, and the soft tissues incised or a section removed by means of a tubular knife ; a drill or trephine at least one-eighth inch in diameter, driven rapidly, is passed upward, backward, and inward, piercing the thin shell of the antrum at this point. The nozzle of an CHRONIC ALVEOLO-DENTAL ABSCESS WITH FISTULA. 419 atomizer, filled with a 3 per cent, solution of pyrozone, which has been rendered alkaline by sodium dioxid and warmed, is ])assed into the antrum and the cavity is freely sprayed. A probe is passed into the cavity and an exploration made; to detect the presence of any dead bone, which, if found, must be removed, the cavity of entrance being enlarged to permit its removal. Tiie cavity is sprayed about every other day with very dilute, warm Dobell's solution. In cases of long-standing chronic abscess, with fistula opening at a distance, the fistula may refuse to heal. In that event the tract should be scraped and painted with 20 per cent, silver nitrate solution. If healing does not occur, the offending tooth should be extracted. In fistulffi discharging upon the face the formation of scar-tissue may bind the tissue of the cheek tight to the bone. When this occurs beneath the tip of the chin, the scar, after healing, usually resembles a dimple, and calls for no interference. The scar and binding down along the border of the inferior maxilla, or beneath the malar bone in the upper maxilla, may produce deformity calling for remedy (Figs. 326 and 327). Black's operation is to be performed to lessen the Fig. 326. Fig. 327. Scar caused by alveolar abscess discharg ing on the face. (Black.) Operation lor the itmedy of scar on the face caused by alveolar abscess. (Black.) deformity, for its complete correction is not practicable. A finger placed in the mouth draws the cheek away from the alveolar wall, when the exact position of the cord of attachment is discovered. A tenotome- knife is passed into the tissues, dividing the band of attachment ; a long pin is passed through the most depressed portion of the scar, its centre, the long ends of the pin resting upon the face ; strips of adhesive plaster laid upon the skin under the head and point of the pin will prevent the latter sinking into the soft tissues. The pin is retained for several days, until the cut in the mouth heals. 420 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. Fig. 328. Chronic Septic Apical. Pericementitis (Non-purulent). Continued inflammation of a low grade, or what may in reality be continued atonic liypersemia, may exist in the apical pericementum for long periods without pus- formation. Cause. — The cause of the condition is the presence of decomposing matter about the apex of the root. This is most frequently associated with imperfect root-fillings. After apparent ster- ilization of canals, their filling has not been com- plete, so that serum percolates into the canal and in all probability mixes with decomposing tubuli- contents. As noted on p. 389, it requires a longer time and more complete and stronger antisepsis to completely sterilize canals than are usually given. Miller's^ experiments have shown that the infection of root-tubuli is only for a scant depth (Figs. 328 and 329), and that minute frag- ments of the pulp itself must be regarded as the offending agents. It is only by way of the pulp- canal that infection need be feared. The depth Fig. o28.— Sector of a cross-section from a diseased root: a, cement; 6, stratum granulosum; c, very narrow and finely branched tubules. X 150. Fig. 329.— Dentin from the root of an abscessed tooth, showing the penetration of cocci to a depth of about ^^ mm. (5^5 in.) ; the side a-h bordered upon the canal. X 1000. (Miller.) of bacterial penetration into the tubuli will show infection laterally 1 Dental Cosmos, 1890. CHRONIC SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. 421 through tul)ali and ccmentum to be highly improbable. A chronic inflammation is usually noted in connection with non-carious teeth whose pulps have died in consequence of injury to the apical vessels. Symptoms and Diagnosis. — The symptoms of" this condition are tenderness upon decided pressure or upon percussion ; the response may only be elicited by pressure or percussion in one direction. The tooth gives a dull note upon percussion and is usually looser than its neigh- bors. The red line of the gum extends farther toward the gum-margin than normal — quite to it in some cases. Evidences of a dead pulp are sought ; large fillings, the presence of opacity in the tooth, or a mark- edly different color from that of its neighbors, all point to this ; which an examination with the reflected light of an electric mouth-mirror con- firms. The tooth by this light is seen to differ in opacity from its neighbors. An effective method of application of the thermal test, is that sug- gested by M. L. Rhein : the tooth is isolated and a spray of methyl chlorid is directed against it. A live pulp responds immediately to the intense cold produced ; a dead pulp fails to respond. Examination of the tooth is made to see whether it occludes im- properly ; if a filling be present, whether the latter show occlusion- marks ; excessive occlusion gives rise to symptoms resembling those of chronic septic apical pericementitis. If faults in this direction exist, they are to be corrected and the effect noted. If they do not exist, a septic origin is diagnosed. Treatment. — The treatment is that of pulp-gangrene : the tooth is sterilized and isolated, and its root-canals entered to the apex and sterilized. The presence of decomposing organic matter is shown by the bubbling Avhich ensues when a 25 per cent, solution of pyrozone is placed in the canals. Canal-fillings are removed even when apparently perfect. The condition is common under cotton canal-dressings, the latter usually emitting an offensive odor. Gutta-percha stoppings are warmed by blasts of hot air and removed by fine hooks. Oxychlorid fillings are removed by means of sulfuric acid, which is also applied to all fine canals containing no fillings. Gold, tin, and amalgam root- fillings are practically irremovable. A careful examination is always to be made for extra canals. There can be no assurance of safety until a fine canal-cleanser can be carried to the apex of the root, until the patient winces. The cleansing is to be accomplished with strong sodium-dioxid solutions. In case of failure to reach the apex, after a prolonged cleansing with sodium dioxid, the canal is washed out Avith a solution of hydrochloric acid, a zinc electrode inserted in the root, and a cataphoric current applied ; the zinc oxy- chlorid formed is forced into all interstices. This action should not 422 SEPTIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. be prolonged, or the pericementum may become very much irritated by an excessive amount of the zinc salt. Such canals are best filled by first thoroughly drying, then flowing into them the melted paraffin and aristol mixture, and thrusting into the fluid filling a long, slender, metallic point, made hot. If the pericementitis have been of long standing, the thickening of the membrane will have caused protrusion of the tooth. The tooth should be ground off at its point of occlusion until it occludes with somewhat less force than its neighbors, the therapeutic principle in these cases being that of removing the source of irritation and procuring surgical rest. Indications of favorable results are found in the red gum-line assuming its normal jiosition, tenderness disappearing, and increased tightness of the tooth. This affection is extremely common about the roots of pulpless teeth, and always signifies more or less enforced disuse of the teeth, and, if uncorrected^ their ultimate loss. CHAPTER XXIII NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. Apical and general pericemental disturbances of a vascular type and of non-septic origin present in two classes, the acute and the chronic. For purposes of classification they may be grouped as follows : Acute Blows. Wounds. * Wedo;in2:. Orthodontia. Chronic Non-septic. I Septic. Canal medicaments. Acute also. Traumatic pericementitis Perforated roots Chemical agencies Perforated roots. Excess of root-filling Excess of crown-filling Resorption of roots. Hypercementosis (exostosis). r Traumatisms. Over-use of teeth Misuse of teeth Disuse of teeth Impacted third molars Drug-action. Gout. Scurvy. Syphilis. Traumatic Pericementitis. By traumatic pericementitis is meant an inflammation (profound irri- tation) of the pericementum, the result of mechanical violence. Accord- ing to the nature and mode of action of the injurious force, the apical or any other part, or all parts, of the pericementum may be affected. ^ Causes. — The causes of this condition are many and varied ; a transient traumatic pericementitis may be excited after arsenical appli- cations to kill the pulp, by forcibly removing the pulj) while it still 423 General Aseptic Pericementitis > Mal-occlusion. > Non-occlusion. 424 NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. retains a vital connection at the apex ; by forcing the root-filling material beyond the apex of the root, particularly if the material be of an irritating character, such as zinc oxychlorid. The presence of a neutral canal-filling projecting into the pericementum usually causes a continued pericementitis of a lower grade. The passage of irritating chemical substances used in sterilizing canals may light up a transient pericementitis. Pericementitis following the introduction of sodium-dioxid or sulfuric-acid solutions usually sub- sides quite promptly ; if strong solutions of zinc chlorid or mercuric chlorid have caused the inflammation, it may be more pronounced and of longer duration. The passage of reamers through some lateral aspect of a root may light up a pericementitis which resists all treatment. These cases, fre- quently, are infected either at the time of injury or at a later period. Too violent wedging is always followed by more or less pericemen- titis of the wedged teeth and their neighbors, more marked when elastic rubber wedges are used. In correcting irregularities of the teeth, if they be moved too rapidly, are not firmly directed during the operation, or subsequently not firmly maintained in position, pericementitis of a high grade is frequently excited. The excessive use of the mallet in building down fillings, particularly upon pulpless teeth, may be followed by pericementitis. The biting of hard substances, such as nuts and pieces of ice, and notably thread -biting, are prolific sources of traumatic pericementitis. In addition to these, falls, blows received upon the teeth, and blows received under the chin, bringing the teeth forcibly together, all induce pericementitis, which may vary in degree from a passing soreness to general osteitis and perhaps necrosis. Prophylaxis. — It will be observed that the majority of these causes are associated with operative dental manipulations, or dental abuse by the patient, and are in a large degree preventable. In treating pulp- canals with such agents as a 50 per cent, solution of sodium dioxid, or a 50 per cent, solution of sulfuric acid, care is taken as the end of the canal is approached not to pump them through the apex, and to neu- tralize, with an acid in one case, an alkali in the other, at the end of the sitting. Strong solutions of zinc chlorid or mercuric chlorid are kept away from the apices of roots. In case zinc oxychlorid is used as a canal-filling, the apex of the root is gently sealed with a small pellet of cotton containing an antiseptic oil, or, better, a small cone of softened gutta-percha. Canal-fillings are inserted gently and withdrawn as soon as sensitivity is noted ; by introducing too large a root-filling mass, air may be imprisoned between the filling and the apex of the root, exciting TRAUMATIC PERICEMENTITIS. 425 a reaction as though the filling itself had been passed through the apical foramen. Teeth are to be supported mechanically while large gold-fill- ings are being malloted into them. The support is derived through judicious placing of wedges. Severe malleting should not be practised except the pericementum be healthy. Gradual wedging should supplant the violent wedging with rul)l)er. The latter, when used at all, should be in thin layers, and the wedging completed with tape or wooden wedges lightly applied. Malleting should not be done upon wedged teeth until, after a period of rest, ])eri- cementitis has subsided, and unless the teeth are rigidly held during the filling operation. Orthodontic appliances should be of such types as permit a gradual, steady advance in tooth-movement ; and when the irregularity is cor- rected the tooth should be maintained firmly in its new position until the surrounding tissues hold it firmly. Patients should be warned against the evil effects of thread-biting and biting hard substances. Symptoms and Diag-nosis. — The general symptoms are soreness and looseness of the tooth, together with varying degrees of vascular disturbance of the gum overlying the tooth. A diagnosis may usually be made by obtaining a history of the case, by excluding septic influ- ences as probable causes, and by the disappearance of the disorder upon applying treatment indicated in traumatic injuries. Clinical History. — Cases due to the passage of irritating chemical substances through the root-apex subside, as a rule, after a period of a few days. Cases due to the presence of a protruding root-filling usually become chronic, and secondary pathological processes arise. Cases due to wedging subside, as a rule, after a period depending upon the severity of the wedging and peculiarities of the individual. Permanent injury may be done to pericementum from such causes, and a predisposition to degenerative changes be established. The pericementum may be- come permanently debilitated and perfect tissue-regeneration or organi- zation be prevented in tooth-regulating, if the teeth are permitted undue mobility during regulating or not firmly splinted afterward. In cases due to direct and sudden violence to the pericementum, blows upon the teeth, and the crushing of hard bodies, etc., the acute symptoms may disappear after a period governed by the degree of violence and of tis- sue-reaction. In these cases, however, and in those of thread-biting, strangulation or thrombosis of the pulp-vessels may occur in conse- quence of the pericementitis, and at later periods pulp-decomposition may occur and give rise to the septic forms of pericementitis. Patholog-y and Morbid Anatomy. — In cases caused by the action of irritating chemicals, the latter cause destruction of an amount of 426 NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. tissue, and the vascular system and cells react to remove the dead tissue. The amount of tissue-death depends directly upon the amount of the chemical present, the vascular reaction being in correspondence. Pre- sumably the pericementitis persists in some degree until the foreign (dead) material is removed by natural processes. An excess of root-filling material introduces a foreign body into a sensitive vascular tissue, and presumably the changes noted as due to the presence of foreign bodies in other parts occur — an attempt at removal by phagocytes and subsequent encystment (see Resorption of Roots and Hypercementosis). In cases due to traumatism, such as violent wedging, rapid move- ment in regulating, overmalleting, blows, thread-, ice-, and nut-biting, etc., the condition is surgically one of bruise. The phenomena of active inflammation make their appearance to an extent governed by the degree of violence — exudation, swelling, red- ness, and pain ; fibrinous and corpuscular exudations occur, and later a reorganization of tissue occurs, in some cases a degeneration, depend- ing upon the completeness with which the indicated therapeusis is applied and upon the vitality of the patient. Traumatic pericementitis in high degree in the young may be recov- ered from ; but in the middle-aged and aged it may give rise to a series of degenerative changes which only end with the loss of the tooth. Cases due to perforation of the root and wounding of the pericemen- tum, after the acute symptoms have passed, commonly assume an irri- tative and chronic type, the soft tissues included in the perforation being in a state analogous to an ulcer. Many of these cases become infected owing to the difficulty of completely sterilizing the apical portion of the canal which lies beyond them. Treatment. — If the cause of the condition be still in action, it is to be removed or neutralized. In all cases due to violence the treat- ment is that adapted to injury ; first, surgical rest of the pericementum. This may be accomplished in two ways ; either by preventing the tooth striking its antagonists, or holding it so rigidly that it cannot move if it does meet them. As a preliminary measure the tooth is gently but firmly lashed to its neighbors by means of ligatures so that it is rigidly held. A swaged cap is either fitted to a neighboring tooth, or the antagonizing teeth are ground away until they fail to strike the injured tooth ; the first method is to be preferred. In cases involving several teeth, such as all of the incisors, two me- tallic plates are quickly swaged to cover the posterior teeth and they are cemented in position. Cases due to mild injury may disappear after painting the overlying gum and surrounding territory with tincture of iodin. CHRONIC APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. 427 A mouth-wash Avhich affords marked relief in many cases is extract of haraamelis, used in one-half strength several times a day. Acute pericementitis due to the passing of a canal-reamer into some lateral aspect of the pericementum may occur once in the history of a practitioner ; it never should twice. Reaming should be done with such care and deliberation that the operator is certain of the direction taken by the reamer, and he should be prepared to cease reaming as soon as canal curvature is felt. Before a reamer removes the last portion of cementum, separating the instrument from the pericementum, sensitivity is announced by the patient, and tiie reaming should cease at once. Before reaming any canal, its length and direction should be recorded by measuring upon a soft, fine broach. Should sensation and bleeding occur before this end is attained, the root has been perforated. Sterilization of the canals has presumably preceded the reaming opera- tion ; if not, the difficulty is increased owing to the impracticability of thoroughly sterilizing the portion of the canal beyond the perforation. The canal is syringed freely with a styptic antiseptic ; for this purpose nothing is better than phenol sodique. As soon as bleeding ceases, the canal is to be filled with some unirritating material which can be placed without exercising pressure ; chloro-percha or the paraffin mixture meets the indication. Either filling is flowed into the canal until it is full, and a central core, a cone of gutta-percha, is gently inserted in the fluid filling. If evidences of persistent pericementitis are noted about the root after this operation, it may be inferred that either the portion of canal beyond the perforation is unsterilized or unfilled, or that the perice- mentum protests against the presence of the root-filling. Guilford ^ has advised and practised successfully in these cases amputation of the por- tion of the root beyond the perforation. Chronic Apical Pericementitis (Non-septic). Definition. — A non-infective condition produced by the action of a constant irritant about the apex of a tooth-root. Causes. — Many of the causes of acute inflammation, if of less intensity and continuous, or frequently repeated, give rise to the chronic condition. Prominent among these is the thread-biting habit. Another frequent cause is an overfull filling ; a filling projects in such manner that it receives an excessive impact during mastication. A projecting root-filling of any substance, causes continued irritation of the peri- cementum into which it projects. An analogous condition may exist in perforated roots which have been filled. Symptoms. — The symptoms of the condition are redness of the ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1897. 428 NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. overlying gum, tenderness upon percussion, and some degree of loose- ness of the tooth. Effects. — The effects of this condition may vary according to the extent of the irritation and its duration. The irritation may in point of eifect be but a continued stimulation of slight or high degree, in which event the effects of stimulation follow — i. e., prolonged arterial hypersemia and its results. The condition may be one of over-stimula- tion or irritation proper, with corresponding results. There is much evidence to show that the degree and quality of irritation vary. In- flammatory degeneration may occur — i. e., a formation of embryonic tissue which fails of complete organization, or degenerates. The debili- tated part may become infected. Diag-nosis and Prog-nosis. — The diagnosis of the condition itself is usually made without difficulty, but its nature and causes may at times be very obscure or difficult of detection. It is observed whether some part of a filling or of the tooth itself receives undue impact in mastica- tion ; if so, the redundant substance is ground away, and the effect noted. Look well to the incisors and note whether they occlude cor- rectly. A history of the case, when obtainable, is of first importance. Knowledge of the nature and thoroughness of the canal-filling, the medicaments used, etc., is a valuable guide. The discovery of the cause of the condition can only be made by exclusion ; possibly exist- ing causes are excluded one by one, in the order of their probability. The prognosis of the case will depend upon the completeness* with which the exciting cause of the condition can be removed, and the char- acter of the pathological changes which have occurred. Treatment. — The treatment of the condition consists in the removal of the cause, and giving surgical rest. When this is done, provided no secondary pathological processes have arisen, the pericementum recovers. The occurrence of this condition, due to traumatism about unfilled roots, is always a danger-signal. The pulp should be carefully examined to determine its vitality. Pulps frequently die of thrombosis arising from repeated traumatism of the apical pericementum, and the conditions then existing, dead material in proximity to tissues in a state of hyper- semia, invite complicated infections. Hypercementosis. Definition. — By hypercementosis is meant a secondary deposit, or an increase of volume of the cementum of a tooth beyond the normal limit. It may be circumscribed or diffuse. Causes. — Its occurrence is frequently associated with continued non- septic irritation of the pericementum ; its causes, therefore, may be any of those described in connection with chronic non-septic pericementitis. HYPERCEMENTOSIS. 429 It is found associated witli other conditions hosidc traumatic pericemen- titis, which conditions will be discussed later. In other cases no direct causes can be ascribed to it ; but ])ossibilities in this direction will be- come more evident from a survey of its probable ])atholoe excessive in amount. The most prominent cause of this condition is the loss of one or more other teeth, permitting undue stress to fall upon the neighboring teeth, or, in some cases, on far distant teeth. Too- 438 NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. prominent artificial crowns, particularly those of the all-gold type, cause a general increase of stress upon the pericementum. Enormous contour-fillings overfull may establish a similar condition. When but few isolated teeth remain in one denture and have antagonists, the teeth are certain to be overworked. Isolated and other teeth, to which are attached clasps of artificial dentures, are in the majority of cases being constantly overstrained. Pathology. — Like any other functional part which is overworked, the pericementum is first stimulated, causing the vessels to dilate. Soon evidences of overwork appear in a passive dilatation of the peri- cemental vessels, and atonic hypersemia is established. The condition passes into one of irritation ; the tooth projects, and is loosened ; the overlying gum deepens in color ; and evidences of venous engorgement are common. The result of the condition is a softening and degenera- tion of the substance of the pericementum ; the alveolar wall is involved in the degeneration, and it melts down — disappears to a greater or less extent. At any stage of the disturbance infection may occur, and the degeneration and destruction of the pericementum be hastened by sup- puration, or other secondary degenerations. The symptoms, diagnosis, and clinical history are involved in the description. The prognosis is the inevitable loss of the tooth if the causes be not removed, in which event, the prognosis is governed by the extent to which the degeneration has proceeded. Treatment. — The treatment is the removal of the causes and pro- curing surgical rest until the injured pericementum has recovered. The insertion of carefully made artificial dentures is indicated in those cases of scattered natural teeth having spaces between them. The prosthetic appliance must not be attached to these teeth, nor in its movements should it bear against them. No attempt is made, however, to cause the artificial teeth strike before the natural teeth in the hope of giving surgical rest to these organs. Such attempts always result in failure, as they cause injuries to the tissues upon which the plate and teeth rest, which are more severe than the pericemental disturbance. Properly adjusted bridge-work frequently does good service in these cases, provided the over-occluding tooth or teeth be first dressed down short of occlusion and are given a period of rest, until the peri- cementum recovers. The bridge, if carefully planned, may be made to direct and control the stress received by the injured teeth. Improperly occluding artificial crowns should have this fault cor- rected, by removing the excess of material or by setting properly made crowns. Overfull fillings should be reduced to correct proportions and shape. Teeth which are being strained by clasps should have the latter MAL-OCCLUSION OF THE TEETH. 439 removed. If necessary, a new ap})liance should be made on which clasps are either omitted, or are })ro})erly designed for other teeth. Surgical rest is the only hope of saving the tooth. Mal-occlusion op the Teeth. Each tooth of a denture is not only designed to receive a definite amount of force, but to receive it in a particular direction or directions ; any excess of this force, or alteration of its direction, is followed by abnormal stimulation of the pericementum (see Chapter VIII.), and by its overstraining. The effects following a general increase of stress have been considered under the previous heading. By mal-occlusion is here meant, the constant reception of stress by the pericementum in directions to which it is unaccustomed, or are not in accordance with the anatomical design of the tooth. Causes. — Original malpositions of the teeth may cause their faulty occlusion. The most prolific source of the condition is, however, altered occlusion due to those changes of position of the teeth which follow upon the loss of adjoining teeth. Artificial crowns which do not occlude in correspondence with the other teeth are a common cause. Improperly formed fillings are another cause. The shifting of positions of the teeth, in consequence of pathological changes occurring in or about the pericementum, cause the crowns of teeth to occlude improperly. Pathology. — The conditions established are either those of overuse or of disuse. A typical example of this condition is that of a lower second molar which has gradually tilted forward in consequence of the loss of the first molar ; or a central incisor which has altered its position in consequence of secondary formations in or about the pericementum, a common precursor of phagedenic pericementitis. Some portion of the tooth, an edge, which before did not occlude with an antagonizing tooth, is brought into occlusion ; if the occlusion be not unduly forcible, no immediate degenerative changes are evident. If the occlusion be excessive, the pericementum is not uniformly affected, but the greatest stress is brought to bear upon some lateral aspect of the structure. It responds in the degree of the overwork, and degenerative changes occur, which, if the active causes be not removed, gradually spread to other portions of the pericementum, and the phenomena noted in connection Avith overuse occur, but are not so general in distribution. The tooth becomes more movable in one or more directions — /. e,, is loosened ; it may develop some degree of tenderness upon percussion, and the gum- color toward the affected side deepens, although it may remain normal in other parts. As in the previous cases, infection may — indeed, is 440 NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. likely to — occur, and suppurative processes may hasten the pericemental destruction. In some cases the pericementum may degenerate and be destroyed about one root of a multirooted tooth, and remain about the other. Diagnosis. — In all malposed teeth a careful examination should be made of their mode of occlusion. If the tooth exhibit tenderness and looseness, mal-occlusion is almost a certainty ; it only remains to deter- mine its direction. The spots of faulty occlusion may be determined by placing a strip of carbon paper (articulating paper) over the tips of the antagonizing teeth and having the patient bite ; the spots of contact should then be ground away until the tooth is slightly short of direct occlusion. Fresh strips of paper are used, and the jaws moved laterally, as in mas- tication, to note other points of contact ; these should also be ground away. When several teeth are affected to any extent, whether by a primary shifting of position, without evident vascular symptoms, or infection have occurred, and pyorrhoea alveolaris is established, it may be advisable to make accurate models of both dentures, mount them in a Bonwill articulator, and carefully note the points of undue contact. If tin models be made, the points of mal-occlusion may be filed away until the occlusion is normal. The positions of the filed spots on the models furnish infallible guides for grinding the natural teeth. The study of these conditions of tooth-usage should be made paral- lel with a study of the conditions included under the generic title of pyorrhoea alveolaris. Prog-nosis. — If the condition be not corrected every time occasion requires, the degeneration progresses until the tooth is lost. While there are, no doubt, several other factors which act as predisposing causes of the ultimate atrophy or necrosis of the pericementum — pyor- rhoea alveolaris, phagedenic pericementitis, and gouty pericementitis — yet faulty, excessive, or non-usage of the pericementum must take first rank as local predisposing causes. Treatment. — The principle of treatment is the removal of active causes, implying correction of the occlusion ; the removal of dead tis- sue, including tooth-roots which are entirely denuded of pericementum ; and securing a period of surgical rest. The correction of the occlusion has been described under the head of diagnosis. Subsequent correc- tions are usually required at intervals. Artificial crowns need special scrutiny to see that the occlusal sur- faces are properly restored. When atrophy and death of portions of the pericementum have occurred, conditions are established which are described in subsequent DISUSE OF TEETH. 441 chapters, where their clinical histories, treatment, etc., are also dis- cussed. Disuse of Teeth. Definition. — By disuse of teeth is meant a degree of usage less than the amount, the forms, and structure of the teeth and contiguous parts fit them for. The disuse may be absolute or relative ; teeth may not occlude at all, owing to the loss of antagonists or to extremely irregular positions. PARTIAL DISUSE. Causes and Clinical History. — The meaning of relative disuse needs exhaustive inquiry. Black's ^ experiments have shown that the strength of the muscles of mastication, and the amount of stress the pericemen- tum will bear, differ with the individual (see Chapter VIII.). One person taking a morsel of food, such as a fragment of meat, between the teeth may crush it flat with one closure of the jaws ; another will require continued mastication to reduce it. The amount of exercise the teeth (the pericementum) receive in the first individual is much greater than with the second. Moreover, the teeth and alveolar process of the first are of a type called highly organized. If in either or any case, soft food be substituted for that requiring strong mastication, the functional activity of the pericementi is lessened because of lack of exercise. Naturally the eflJects are in the degree of lessened exercise, all other factors being equal ; and this amount is relatively least where the teeth are of a type designed for hard usage. Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. — Lack of exercise is necessarily followed by atony ; and if it occur in a part accustomed to vigorous exercise, degenerative changes proportioned to the degree of disuse are sequelfe. Atony, debility, etc., are followed by the less pronounced degenerations, and result in atrophy. In all cases, Avhether relative or absolute disuse, the bloodvessels of the pericementum share in the atony, and a passive dilatation or hyperemia results ; lacking in varying degree the stimulus derived from mastication (exercise), and the adjunc- tive circulatory force exerted thereby, the vascular current becomes sluggish, and areas of lessened resistance are formed. The vascular conditions are the antecedents of degeneration. The clinical importance of the condition at the stage described, is that it frequently precedes persistent atrophic conditions of the pericementum — i. e., phagedenic pericementitis. In gouty patients it establi.shes a weak joint, which may be the point of deposit of gouty poison. The gum-tissues also may become debilitated, owing to the absence of their normal stimuli, and passive hyperaemias result. Other evils follow ; food-debris collects ^ Dental Cosmos, 1895. 442 NON-SEPTIC GENERAL AND APICAL PERICEMENTITIS. in unusual amounts, and abnormal fermentations occur, producing gingi- vitis (whicli see). Diagnosis and Prognosis. — A diagnosis of disuse (relative) is usually made out by inquiring as to the food-habit of individuals. It is excessively common in civilized communities, particularly among the well-to-do, and is of almost constant occurrence in gourmands. Treatment. — Patients should have pointed out to them the results of insufficient mastication, together with the evils of faulty oral hygiene. Every effort should be made, by the use of antiseptic and mildly astrin- gent mouth-washes, to forestall the common sequel of these conditions, progressive degenerations and loss of the teeth. These and similar conditions are particularly to be feared in the degenerative periods of early and late middle-age. It is between the ages of thirty and fifty years that ill-consequences are most to be feared from acquired debility of the pericementum. ABSOLUTE DISUSE. Definition. — Teeth which perform no work directly in mastication, or indirectly by serving as abutments for a bridge-piece, may be said to> be in a condition of absolute disuse. Results. — A tooth or root whose pericementum receives no stimulus becomes relatively a foreign body to the organism. It is a useless part, and the body attempts to cast it out. Perhaps these phrases are in- sufficiently exact ; however, a disused tooth is lost through a series of pathological changes. Teeth which perform no work may be retained in the mouths of young children and young adults for long periods with- out marked changes occurring in their vital connections, but during the degenerative period of life they are usually lost with a degree of rapidity differing in individuals. The pericemental condition of passive hyperseraia following upon relative disuse of the teeth has been described ; the condition following upon absolute disuse differs in that the pericementum receives no exer- cise whatever. The clinical history of these cases is that of a progressive extrusion of the tooth ; it projects beyond its fellows in increasing degree. The borders of the alveolar process recede, but usually to less extent than the tooth protrudes or is extruded. The tooth becomes progres- sively looser, until in its latest stages a portion, which may be one-half of its root-length, is attached to the jaw through the medium of a mass of soft tissue alone ; all true alveolar connection has disappeared. After extraction or complete extrusion, the root of the tooth is seen to be devoid of pericementum except at the apex of the root. The alveolar process has undergone limited atrophy, although in some cases its outer walls may be thickened. DISUSE OF TEETH. 443 Patholog-y. — The passive hyperemia has apparently led to swelling and degeneration, with snbseqnent atrophy of the perieementum, and the normal atrophic ehanges whieh occnr in the alveolar process have become hastened and qnickened. These cases frequently become com- plicated by infections, when the tooth-loosening becomes pronounced. The pulp-vessels are cut off and the dead pulp-tissue furnishes a soil for micro-organisms, whose poisons hasten degeneration of the tissues in the abnormal alveolus. Suppuration may occur — /. e., abscess form. Through this process the jaws cast out crownless roots ; in these the local alveolar atrophy may be complete before there is external evidence of it. The danger of infection is always great in these cases. Some degree of infection, no doubt, exists in all of them, which serves to explain the increased rapidity of the degenerations. Prognosis. — If teeth can be directly or indirectly brought into use, so that their pericementi receive exercise, the cases may recover, pro- vided the atrophic changes are not very pronounced ; in which event the atrophy proceeds, although more slowly. Teeth crowned or made abutments for bridges, after degenerative chauges have become estab- lished — /. e., when the normal pericementum has been replaced by a thickened mass of partially organized connective tissue — usually be- come progressively looser ; the alveolar atrophy proceeds until all attachment is lost. Utilized early, the teeth may be saved. The results are better if the teeth or roots be utilized before the age of thirty than at later ages. Treatment. — The treatment, as might be inferred from the foregoing statements, consists in bringing the teeth into use, if the degeneration have not proceeded too far. Later, extraction is inevitable. The opera- tion, when determined upon, should not be delayed, for not only are bacterial growths invited about the loosened tooth, but the soft tissues are frequently increased in volume, if extraction be delayed until complete local atrophy of the alveolar walls has taken place, a soft and spongy mass remains, which interferes with the comfortable wearing of prosthetic appliances in the future. CHAPTER XXIV. PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM- MARGIN. Nearly all the degenerations of the pericementum which begin at the gum-margin are sooner or later accompanied by suppura- tive processes, which give a generic name to these conditions, viz., pyorrhoea alveolaris. Under this head dental writers have included several disease-processes which should be clearly differentiated from one another. In general terms, these diseases are characterized by an inflammation origiDating about the gum -margin, and followed by a jjrogressive degeneration and atrophy of the pericementum and of the alveolar walls. In the areas of pericemental atrophy and death, progres- sive deposits of calculi take place, and infection of the disease-territory by pyogenic organisms is the rule. Their characteristics, therefore, are loss of pericementum in any direction, forming pockets in which calculi deposit, and from which pus exudes or may be pressed. The primary cause of the atrophy, pericemental necrosis, calculi, and infection are so clearly associated with a primary affection of the gums about the necks of the teeth, that a critical examination of the causes, clinical history, and pathology of inflammation of the gum-margin is a neces- sary preliminary to the study of the later degenerations. Gingivitis. Definition. — The term gingivitis, as at present understood, applies to an inflammation confined to the margins of the gum about the necks of the teeth, in contradistinction to general inflammation of the gums, called ulitis. Fault may be found with this distinction as not being warranted by etymology or dictionary definitions, so that perhaps " mar- ginal gingivitis " would be a more correct term. The causes of marginal gingivitis are local and general, which may be subdivided into predisposing and exciting. Any conditions, general or local, which reduce the vitality of the tissues forming the gum-mar- gins Avill cause a predisposition to local disease, when exciting causes may become operative which before were inoperative. It is still an open question whether this is the mode of action of what are known as the general or constitutional causes of marginal gingivitis. Be this as it may — and it is an important question — marginal gingivitis is an 444 GINGIVITIS. 445 associate of several general disease-states and conditions of faulty metab- olism. Rhein ^ found after repeated examinations of hospital patients that " marginal gingivitis was an accompaniment of typhoid fever, tuberculo- sis, malarial disorders, acute rheumatism, pleurisy, pericarditis, and syph- ilis, among the acute diseases. Of chronic nutritional diseases, it was commonly observed in cases of gout, diabetes, chronic rheumatism, several forms of nephritis, scurvy, chlorosis, anaemia, leuksemia, and pregnancy. Also in disorders of the central nervous system and fol- lowing the administration of mercury, lead, and iodin." In some of these disorders, notably typhoid fever and other acute diseases, diabetes, pregnancy, and disorders of the nervous system, local causes are sufficient to account for the gingivitis, and may completely mask connection with the constitutional causes. The connection with gout and other arthritic diseases, Bright's disease, anaemic disorders, and tuberculosis is clear and undoubted. Rhein states that the S'inm- vitis produced by any of the causes named has distinctive features which may even serve as diagnostic signs of the nature of the general malady. To render the problem less complex, and discover more gen- eral causes, the nature of the tissue-changes induced by these diseases must be examined. Most of them, it will be observed, may be classified as diseases of suboxidation ; diseases in which the oxidizing element of the body — haemoglobin — is in reduced amount ; where products of insufficient oxidation are formed or retained, and where probably faulty oxidation is the result of cell-disorders ; oxygen in insufficient amount ; cells unable to oxidize and deoxidize ; oxidizable material in undue amount or of imperfect character ; and, lastly, a retention of waste-prod- ucts of tissue- and perhaps of food-metabolism in the circulating fluids. As in all nutritional disturbances, degenerative disorders most affect parts peripheral to the circulation — the parts become debilitated. The local causes of gingivitis, some of them probably necessary in all cases to the occurrence of the disorder, are more tangible. The local causes may be divided into predisposing and exciting. The local predisposing causes are lack of exercise, the gums not re- ceiving the usual friction and buffeting by food-masses during mastica- tion, and permitting the food-masses to remain in contact with the gums, where the products of their decomposition act as irritants. The local exciting causes are both mechanical and chemical, and act vigorously in the degree that local and general predisposing causes ex:ist. The mechanical causes are the presence of foreign bodies, such as deposits of salivary calculi resting upon the gum or beneath the gum- margin ; fillings projecting beyond cavity-margins ; gum overhanging cavity-margins ; projecting edges of artificial crowns ; tooth-brush 1 Dental Cosmos, 1894. 446 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MABGIN. bristles ; fragments of bone tooth-picks ; improper contact of the edges of prosthetic plates or appliances about the necks of the teeth ; injuries inflicted by rubber-dam clamps, ligatures, wedges, etc. The chemical causes are the presence in the gum-tissue of irritant drugs, probably in process of elimination — lead, mercury, iodids ; the contact of caustics applied in the treatment of other dental diseases, and chemical poisons generated through the action of mouth bacteria. The latter cause probably complicates all the others. Symptoms. — The symptoms depend upon the cause. Swelling and increased redness of the gum-margins are constant features. In gin- givitis due to any of the constitutional causes named, the aifection is general, but the symptoms are more marked in some diseases than others and usually are pronounced in proportion to the neglect of oral hygiene. In some cases there may be only a raised, rounded, softened ridge of gum, of a bright red color; but in other cases, the swollen gum may obscure fully one-half of the tooth-crown, and the softened tissue be purplish in color. Prognosis. — The prognosis of marginal gingivitis is governed by its causes, the length of time they have been in operation, and the age of the patient. Gingivitis commencing at the degenerative period of life, particularly when conditions exist which lessen the normal resistive power of the pericementum, is certain to establish degenerative changes in the latter structure. Degenerative and atrophic changes of the peri- cementum and alveolar walls are inevitable in long-continued gingivitis. If the trouble be purely local — that is, due to local causes alone — it usually subsides promptly upon the removal of the cause. The peri- cemental and alveolar atrophy which has occurred makes, however, a permanent loss, so that when recovery occurs, the gum-line is seen to have receded beyond its normal line of attachment to the teeth. Treatment. — The treatment of the condition consists in removing the source of irritation and restoring the normal circulation in the parts. If the source of the disorder be in some underlying constitu- tional condition, the symptoms may be ameliorated, although not entirely cured, by the correction of the general disorder. Cases due to mechanical irritation are commonly confined to one or several teeth, rarely to an entire denture, except cases continued in con- sequence of deposits of scaly calculi beneath the gum-margin. Foreign bodias, such as bristles and fragments of bone, should be removed. Projecting fillings or overhanging crown-margins should be made flush with the general tooth-surface. Salivary calculi should be re- moved. Antiseptic mouth- washes should be employed frequently, no matter what the cause. If the gum -tissue be soft and spongy, showing signs SALIVARY CALCULUS. 447 of venous hypersemia, antiseptic, astringent mouth-washes should be freely used. I^. Zinc, chlorid, gr. x ; Aq. nienth. pip., Sj. — M. used in spray from an atomizer or as a wash several times a day is an excellent local application, meeting both indications. Preparations con- taining carbolic acid and allied substances do not appear to act happily in these cases. Prescriptions containing eucalyptus and benzoic acid are to be preferred : ^. Acid, benzoic, 3 parts ; Tr. eucalypti, 15 " 01. menth. pip., 1 part ; Alcohol, 100 parts ; Saccharin, 2 " — M. (Miller.) The above formula diluted one-half is agreeable and efficient. Listerine, borine, borolyptol, and other preparations of thymol, boric acid, eucalyptus, etc., are all useful when conjoined with the removal of every local and general cause discoverable. Specific local causes of gingivitis, such as salivary calculi, require special consideration. Salivary Calculus. Salivary calculi are hard formations composed of the calcium salts of the saliva which have been deposited or precipitated, and combined in an unknown manner with organic substances, usually mucin. Occurrence. — They are found upon the surfaces of the teeth, notably in situations opposite the mouths of the salivary glands ; in the ducts of the muciparous salivary glands (sublingual and submaxillary), and beneath the margins of the gums. Varieties. — Clinically three varieties of salivary calculi are recog- nizable : first, the soft, friable, whitish-yellow deposits found u|)on the buccal surfaces of the upper molars and upon the lingual surfaces of the lower anterior teeth ; second, dark-colored and hard deposits found more frequently in the latter situation, less frequently in the former ; third, dark, hard, scaly deposits found first immediately beneath the gum-margin and extending from that point. Deposits u])on tlie teeth have been divided into salivary and sanguinary or serumal, j)tyalogenic and hsematogenic calculi (Peirce), and the scaly deposits named have by some writers been classified as hematogenic or serumal, which is incor- rect ; as stated by Peirce, their origin is ptyalogenic, not haematogenic. 448 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MABGIN. Serumal calculi are of two varieties, and of difFerent origin from the ptyalogenic calculi. Causes. — The causes of deposits of salivary calculi are local and, in some cases at least, general. The causes will be more evident after a study of the conditions under which the saliva deposits its calcium salts. The secretion of the parotid gland is more watery than that of the sublingual and submaxillary glands ; it contains a globulin but no mucin, and contains calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate being present in but minute amount.^ It contains sufficient carbon dioxid to hold the cal- cium salts in solution. The secretions of the submaxillary and sub- lingual glands contain calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate in nearly equal amounts and are rich in mucin ; that of the sublingual gland contains the highest percentage of solids, particularly of mucin. The mucous glands of the mouth have a viscid secretion (mucin) and contain some 20 parts per thousand of solids, organic and inorganic (Jacobowitsch). It is, therefore, thicker than the salivary secretion proper. The combined secretion, as found in the mouth in conditions of health, is a transparent, slimy fluid of alkaline reaction, containing epithelial (salivary) cells, and from which carbonic anhydrid may be jDumped ; sufficient carbonic anhydrid is present to hold the calcium salts in solution. As soon as the fluid is exposed, at rest, in a vessel, the carbonic anhydrid escapes, and the calcium salts, being no longer held in solution, are precipitated, the saliva becoming cloudy. In perhaps a majority of human mouths, certainly in the great majority of those tested by dental observers, the saliva has an acid reaction. Fermentation, particularly lactic fermentation, is so com- mon in the human mouth as to be almost a characteristic. It is due, no doubt, to the addition of the product of this fermentation, lactic acid, to the general saliva that the fluid acquires an acid reaction. Similar conditions are established in the mouths of animals fed upon cooked starchy foods ; carnivorous and herbivorous animals are affected, both domestic, and wild animals in captivity. It has been observed that mineral acids, and among the organic acids acetic acid, have the power of precipitating the mucin. Lactic acid has a similar property,^ exhib- iting particular features. If to a test-tube half-filled with saliva, a few drops or more of a 1 per cent, solution of lactic acid be added, a cloudi- ness will appear in the solution ; shred-like coagula of mucin are formed which slowly agglomerate and rise to the surface of the solution. If the amount of acid be increased, the coagula form more promptly and agglomerate quickly in a distinct mass at or just beneath the sur- face of the solution. If the coagulum be removed and dried, it is ^ Halliburton, Chemical, Physiology and Pathology, after Mitscherlich. ^ Burchard, Dental Cosmos, 1895. SALIVARY CALCULUS. 449 Fig. 335. found upon analysis to contain calcium salts. The conditions of the for- mation have been, therefore, a volume of saliva in quiescence becoming acidulated ; throughout the solution mucin is being coagulated, and at the same time calcium salts are being thrown down in consequence of the escape of their solvent, carbon dioxid. These salts are entangled in the mucin-coagulum as it agglomerates and rises to the surface. The dried coagula slowly change color, acquiring a greenish-brown hue. Kirk ' believes that the connection between the calcium salts and the organic substance to be more intimate than a mere cementing together of the calcium particles. Conditions exist somewhat analogous to those under which calco-globulin forms, and he advances the suggestion that salivary calculi may have a family resemblance to calco-globulin. To brinsj about these conditions it is not necessarv that mucin should undergo coagulation, its inspissation is alone sufficient ; but some ex- planation is required of the reasons why calculi are found in selective situations. The human mouth may be divided into two cavities, a buccal and a lingual ; so far as the accumulation of saliva is concerned, the recep- tacles form but parts of each of these two cavities. A lingual cavity, bounded laterally by the lower alve- olar walls, beneath by the floor of the mouth, above and behind by the tongue, is that into which the sub- maxillary, sublingual, and numer- ous mucous glands discharge their secretions (Fig. 336). A cavity bounded internally by the buccal alveolar wall and buccal surfaces of the upper molars, externally by the cheek, above by the junction of cheek and gum, below by the edges of the teeth and cheek, is that into which the secretion of the parotid gland is poured (Fig. 335). When the muscular appendages of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and lips, are at rest these cavities become filled with saliva. The almost constant muscular movements of the structures named keep the fluids in a constant state of agitation; the agitation, flow and interchange of fluids are much increased by active ^ Dental Cosmos, 1895. 29 A, maxillary sinus ; B, duct of Steno : C, parotid calculus ; E, submaxillary gland. 450 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MABGIN. mastication. Establish now a condition of quiescence, increase the secre- tion of mucus by irritating mucous glands, increase also fermentations, and new relations are established. The close sympathetic association of the branches of the trigeminus must be borne in mind ; irritation of the S.LG.L C, calculus ; S. L. C, sublingual cavity; S. L. G. L., sublingual gland. mucous surfaces of the mouth is followed by increased glandular activity, irritation of exposed dentin, or of an acutely diseased pulp, is followed by increased glandular activity, and if the irritation be prolonged, the character of the secretion is altered. The increase, or establishment, of these conditions is found in xion-mastication ; if one or more teeth, especially upper molars, be in Fig. 337. Right side, abrasion from over-use ; left side, deposits due to stagnation. continuous disuse, it is usual to find accumulations of calculi upon them (Fig. 337). If catarrhal conditions of the mouth (increased mucous SALIVARY CALCULUS. 451 secretions) occur aud persist for long periods, calculi are almost certain to form. As these cases are commonly associated with active oral fer- mentations, an increased production of acid occurs. The general composition of calculi is usually given ^ as "calcium phosphate and carbonate admixed with mucus and leptothrix." The secretion of the parotid gland, containing but a trace of calcium phos- phate with its calcium carbonate, gives rise to calculi having a corre- sponding composition ; in the calculi upon the buccal faces of upper molars calcium carbonate predominates. Formation. — Each of the three varieties of salivary calculi exhibits different conditions of formation. It is common, however, to find two varieties combined — /. c, the conditions of formation have been added to one another. The typical parotid calculus is soft, friable, and whitish-yellow, acquiring density with age. The conditions under which this variety forms appear to be more or less disuse of the teeth of that side. This is well illustrated in Fig. 337. Owing to the loss of the antagonizing teeth of one side, the upper posterior teeth of the same side have fallen into disuse : on the opposite side the teeth have all been worn down by mechanical abrasion. The disused teeth are heavily encrusted with the yellowish friable variety of calculi. The deposit itself probably occurs as follows : more or less disorder of the gum-structures follows upon lack of mastication — /. c, the mucous discharge is increased ; in the buccal cavity (Fig. 335) an accumulation of parotid saliva in a state of comparative quiescence takes place ; the gaseous carbon dioxid escapes and the calcium carbonate is precipitated ; combining with any adhesive matter which may be present, notably the diluted mucous secretion of the local glands, collections are formed which lodge in the interprox- imal spaces and in the small groove between the gum and tooth. Suc- cessive portions of a like character are formed and are added to the original deposit. The second variety of calculus, that which deposits first upon the linguo-cervical portions of the lower anterior teeth, and subsequently between the teeth and at the cervico-labial portions, contains a greater amount of calcium phosphate and mucin. The light mucous coagula found in the lingual cavity rise to the surfiice of the saliva contained in this cavity, and come to rest at the cervico-lingual borders of the lower incisors ; the pressure of the tongue, as may readily be tested, tends to drive the coagula or inspissated mucus, wliich entangle the pre- cipitated calcium salts, between the teeth, moulding them closely about their necks. Subsequent depositions and precipitations occur, which cause accretions to the first deposits. AVhen catarrhal gingivitis is ^ Vergue, Du tartare dentaire et de ses concretions, These, Paris, 1869. 452 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GTJM-MARGIN. lighted up from any cause, and it is an inevitable result of the presence of these foreign deposits in contact with the gum, it is seen that the calculi change their physical characteristics. The calculi deposited in the regions of the gingivitis are harder, less in amount, and usually dark green in color. They usually intrude beyond the gum-margin. The swelling incident to the gingivitis causes the formation of a V-shaped depression between the swollen gum-edge and the surface of the tooth. It is in these pockets that the hard, green, closely adherent deposits occur. Similar deposits may be noted beneath the vellow and softer calculi, and if sections of extensive calculi be made, these greenish deposits may be seen scattered through the mass. The greenish deposits, when they occur alone, are usually in the form of very hard scales, closely adherent to the necks of the teeth and lying within the free gum-margin. Sections of extensive calculi show them to be made up of concentric layers (Fig. 338). Foreign bodies are sometimes entangled in the mass. In some cases extensive salivary de- posits are found associated with highly A, nidus ; B, calculus. nc • ^ -xi j.i • oiiensive odors ; either their presence, or the conditions under which they are formed, appear to invite putre- factive decomposition in the mouth. In the mouths of smokers deposits of carbon are formed upon calculi, giving them a jet-black surface. Patholog-ical Effects of Calculi. — The effects of deposits of salivary calculi are immediate and secondary, and their nature is governed largely by the character of the deposits and by the existence or non-existence of predispositions to pericemental degenerations. In some forms they establish immediate predispositions to these degenerations. Their purely local significance and effects must first be considered. In contact with the mucous membrane, a salivary calculus acts as a local mechanical irritant and excites the reaction noted in connection with other local irritants ; the form, consistency, composition, and smoothness, however, represent a milder type of irritant, and naturally their presence is not causative of pronounced inflammatory reaction. Figs. 339, 340, 341, and 342, represent the relations of deposits of the larger, yellow deposits of calculus upon the loAver anterior teeth and upper molars. It is seen that these deposits rest on the gum, and do not insinuate themselves between gum and tooth in such a manner as to sever their attachment. They excite hyperemia of the gum underlying them, and resorption of the alveolar walls occurs, beginning at the margin ; the pericementum and alveolar periosteum recede with the shrinking SALIVARY CALCULUS. 453 alveolar wall, gradually lessening the attachment of the tooth. Succes- sive deposits of calculi occur, which encroach upon the denuded tooth- FiG. 339. ^-O ,-n¥kA Fig. 340. Section of a lower incisor, with a large deposit of salivary calculus impinging upon and causing inflammation of the gum. (Black.) Section of an upper molar, with deposit of cal- culus on its buccal surface, causing inflam- mation and absorption of the gum and lower border of the predental membrane and alveolar wall. (Black.) root. The process is a gradually progressive one, i3ut the rapidity of deposit and of alveolar recession varies widely. From beginning deposit Fig. 341. Fig. 342. Sectional illustration of a heavy deposit of salivary calculus on a lower incisor, with partial destruction of the alveolus of the tooth. (Black.) Sectional illustration of lower incisor with de- posit of salivary calculus less heavy than that shown in Fig. 339. but with greater destruction of the alveolus. (Black.) to almost complete loss of alveolar walls may occupy but a year or two ; in other cases the atrophy of the alveolar walls is very slow. Infection of the pericementum may occur, when the loss of the tooth is much hastened. 454 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MARGIN. The teeth become progressively looser until all bony connection is lost, being retained at the apex of the root by but few fibrous shreds. As soon as the alveolar loss is sufficient to cause marked loosening of the tooth, infection of the pericementum is common, and suppuration is grafted upon the results of mechanical irritation. Prog-nosis. — The prognosis of this condition depends upon the extent of alveolar atrophy. If the loss of support be not so extensive as to cause marked loosening of the tooth or teeth, the teeth may be retained for an indefinite period, if they be so attached to neighboring teeth as to render them firm. If left unsupported, the pericementum is certain to degenerate, owing to the increased mobility. The alveolar atrophy will continue, and probably infection of the degenerated pericementum occur. Redeposit is almost certain unless all morbid conditions are removed and extraordinary precautions be taken as regards cleanliness. Treatment. — The treatment may be divided under three heads : removal of deposits, correction of the effects of their presence, and pre- vention of their recurrence. The sole means of removing calculi should be instrumental. It is frequently recommended that mineral or some of the organic acids be used to soften the deposits to facilitate their Fig. 343. Scalers. removal. Anyone, having seen a case in which a solution (5 per cent.) of sulfuric acid had been used for this purpose, needs no further warn- ing against the application. Acid solutions will certainly soften the deposits, but at the same time inevitably cause a roughening of the enamel of the teeth by a solution of the calcium salts. To be sure, the Fig. 344. acid does aff'ect the calculus more than it affects the enamel, but the roughened surfaces of the latter not only invite widespread deposits of SALIVARY CA LCUL US. 455 fermentable material, but render certain tlie more extensive accumula- tions of calculi in the future. The gross deposits may be removed by means of large sickle-shaped scales and curved chisels, nearly all used witli a draw cut (Fig. 343). The instruments should have sharp edges and be introduced beneath the deposits, so that the gum is not unnecessarily wounded. The scaling should be continued until every surface which can be cleansed by these instruments is perfectly smooth. The case may then be dismissed for two days or longer ; in the mean time an astringent Fig. 345. Fig. 346. Fig. 347. mouth-wash is to be freely used. The zinc-chlorid prescription (given on p. 447) answers admirably, or a mixture of equal parts of listerine and extract of hamamelis, diluted one-half with water, is serviceable. The passive congestion of the gums will be reduced and swelling lessened by these washes, permitting a better view of the surfaces of the teeth. More slender instruments of chisel -form which will pass into the spaces between the teeth and beneath the gum-margin, without wounding, are now required (Fig. 352). All of the calculi visible, and all that can be detected by their roughness, are thoroughly detached and scraped away by these instruments. The surfaces of the teeth are next cleansed with pumice made into a paste with glycerin. The paste is applied to the surfaces of the teeth, and the rubber cups and small brushes are used to cleanse the labial, buccal, and such lingual faces of the teeth as the brushes will reach (Figs. 345 to 351). The lingual surfaces of upper and lower incisors are cleansed with moose- hide wheels (Fig. 344) and wheel-brushes. The approximal surfaces of 456 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MABGIN. the teeth are cleansed with linen tapes armed with the pumice- paste. The gums and teeth, as a final measure, are sprayed with 3 per cent, pyrozone to remove the 111 Fig. 352. George H. Cushing's scalers. The forms and general character of these scalers are well shown. All the instruments except No. 6 are Intended to be used with the push stroke. Nos. 1 and 2 are specially intended for application to the posterior surfaces of lower in- cisors; they are also admirably adapted for removing calculous deposits below the gum between molars and bicuspids, and from the posterior surfaces of the last molars. No. 2 can be passed quite to the extremity of most roots with less disturbance to the soft tissues than a thicker or more rigid in- strument would cause. Nos. 3 and 4 are for removing deposits at and below the gum between the teeth, particularly the lower front teeth. They can also be easily used upon the sides of the roots of many teeth, being passed toward the apex of the root in a line nearly or quite parallel with that of the axes. No. 5 is intended to be passed between the lower front teeth at or near the gum and then directly upward, to remove the deposits on the proximal stir- faces. No. 6 is a hoe, and is in- tended to be passed quite to the apex of the roots, where a hoe is desired. pumice. It is advisable to repeat the polishing with precipitated chalk and the same carriers. The astrin- gent mouth-wash is advised for a week's use ; at the end of this time all evidences of gingivitis should have disappeared, unless small cal- culi still remain under some portion of the gum-margin, when their pres- ence is denoted by the redness of the overlying gum. The smoother the surfaces of the teeth are made the longer will the redeposition of calculi be delayed. The operation described, so far as beneficial effects are concerned, is one of the most important in the practice of dentistry. No case should be dismissed before it is done ; and no long series of operations should be begun before the cleansing. The patient should, in all cases, upon dismissal, be given explicit direc- tions as to mastication and its im- portance, the wise regulation of the dietary, and the advisability and importance of using antiseptic mouth-washes. Subgingival Deposits. Definition. — By subgingival de- posits are meant calculi which are i^ I TL""!:. r.! 'llTt'. "'"."/": first deposited in the annular de- pression between the gum-margin and a tooth. They are harder, |S smoother, and much darker than T common salivary calculi, and collect in much smaller masses ; they are not found upon the crowns of the teeth, their encroachment being in the direction of the cementum (Fig. 353). Composition. — So far as imperfect analyses have shown, these SUBGINGIVAL DEPOSITS. 457 Fig. 353. deposits are composed of calcium phosphate combined with undetermined organic substances. Occurrence. — Tlic cavity in which they are found is open to the- saliva. They are associated with marginal gingivitis, being found after a marginal catarrhal condition has been established, and before any direct evidence of degeneration of the pericementum is observed. So far as clinical observations can indicate, their formation is in consequence of the gingivitis ; the primary causes of the deposit are, therefore, the causes of marginal gingivitis, both predisposing and exciting ; these causes have already been discussed. Following the general rule of cal- culus-formation, the source of the deposits would be, then, the precipi- tation of the calcium salts of the saliva into the inspissated or coagulated altered secretion due to the catarrhal disturbance. Effects. — The direct eflFects of the deposits are those of a persistent foreign body, a mechanical irritant in contact with vital tissue. The remote eifect depends upon whether any of the causes recognized as pre- disposing to pericemental degeneration exist, such as anaemic, leuksemic, conditions ; disuse, misuse, or overuse of the teeth, nephritic or arthritic disorders. Any and all predispositions in this direc- tion, it will be recognized, are noted in that period of life known as the degenerative period, beginning in most persons after the fiftieth year ; minor evidences of the advent of this period may be seen as early as thirty years of age, or even sooner. Predisposing causes, any of those named, existing, and activ^e causes of gingivitis arising during this period of degeneration, thirty to fifty years : the calculi form, and incite degenerative changes in the perice- mentum, attended by a more or less constant set of symptoms, consti- tuting a condition known as pyorrhoea alveolaris, better known in America as Rigg's disease. During the progress of pericemental destruction a fourth type of calculus makes its appearance, scattered as small islets over those portions of the tooth-root denuded of peri- cementum (Fig. 368). Predispositions to pericemental degenerative changes may manifest themselves in limited atrophies. Unaccompanied by inflammatory symptoms, and by no evidences of local irritation, the normal-looking gums may recede from about the necks of the teeth, exposing a variable amount of the cementum ; in molars the point of root-bifurcation is frequently exposed. The shrinkage of the gum may be confined to the (( / 'ill '~Wj A, subgingival calculus ; B, receding pericementum. 458 PERICEMENTAL DISEASES BEGINNING AT THE GUM-MARGIN. labial and buccal faces of the teeth, or the lingual aspects may also be involved. An atrophy of the alveolar margins has occurred and the point of pericemental attachment becomes progressively higher. This atrophy may affect one or more of the teeth. It is of frequent occur- rence when the adjoining tooth or teeth have been lost, and the normal resorption of the alveolar walls at the points of extraction is not limited to these sites, but involves the alveolar wall of the tooth adjoining, and at but one aspect. The process is most marked in the lower second bicuspids after the molars have been lost. Secondary and more rapid degenerative changes may succeed the slowly advancing atrophy at any stage of its progress. CHAPTER XXV. PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARIS. While the term pyorrhrea alveolaris implies but one symptom common to several distinct varieties of disease of the pericementum, that of a flow of pus fcom the alveolus, it is generally understood as a term descriptive of degenerative conditions which have some distinc- tive features ; these are a progressive loosening of the teeth attended by a loss of the retentive structures, alveolar walls and pericementum, the loosening of the teeth being in a majority of cases attended by a flow of pus from the affected alveolus, and by deposits of calculi upon the denuded roots. The disease ceases spontaneously with the loss of the teeth ; the resorption, loss, or atrophy of the alveolar wall being arrested at any period of the disease, if the affected tooth be extracted. All of the varieties of this disorder, of which there are at least three clinical types, are associated with all of the predisposing and active causes of degenerations of the pericementum, and are most com- mon from the age of thirty onward, although the disease may in excep- tional cases appear during childhood, notably in rachitic patients. Attempts to include all cases of tooth-loss, characterized by the features above named, into one class, based upon the pathogenesis of the disease, have thus far signally failed, and have done much to increase the confusion already associated with theories as to definition, causes, prognosis, and treatment of clinical cases. Disposition has not been wanting to assign a specific form of infection as the causative element of this peculiar mode of tooth-loss, but thus far the attempts have been unsuccessful, although in all cases where pus-formation is found the pyogenic sta])hylococci and streptococci are undoubted attendants. Miller's experiments in this direction ^ failed to isolate any specific bacterium. He quotes largely from other experi- menters, notably Galippe and Malassez, whose researches in the same field were all indeterminate. Leaving aside questions of direct and remote causation, the cases may be clinically divided into three classes : First, cases associated with and arising from a primary gingivitis, with the formation of hard, scaly, dark, annular calculi beneath the gum-margin. ^ Micro-organisms of the Human Mouth. 459 460 PYOBBHOSA ALVEOLABIS. Second, cases in which gingivitis may not be marked ; the early deposits may be entirely absent ; the necrosis of the pericementum advances in such a manner as to warrant the designation of Black — phagedenic pericementitis. Third, cases in which the degeneration and necrosis of the peri- cementum and deposits of calculi occur upon some lateral aspect of a tooth-root, the gum-margin being apparently normal. The differentiation between these several conditions is important, because while all three exhibit some features in common, they differ as to causes, clinical histories, prognosis, and mode of treatment. In the first class pericemental degeneration appears to be a secondary feature ; in the second the distinguishing feature ; and in the third degeneration and death of a circumscribed portion of the pericementum constitute the first evidence of the developed disease. They all agree in having the diseases of suboxidation as general predisposing causes of their occur- rence ; notable among which are the morbid conditions included under the head of the gouty diathesis ; the last differs from the others in having a gouty condition as the probable exciting cause of the disease. Pyorrhcea Alveolaris beginning as a Marginal Gingivitis. Causes. — The causes of this condition are both predisposing and exciting. The predisposing causes are the causes, both general and local, of marginal gingivitis (which see), and the causes which give rise to debility of the pericementum — overuse, misuse, and disuse of the teeth. The exciting causes are, first, those of marginal gingivitis ; secondly, deposits of calculi ; thirdly, infection of the irritated tissues. At later stages of the disease other factors enter into the case and modify its progress ; viz., looseness of the tooth and death of the pulp. Symptoms and Clinical History. — The symptoms of the disease differ at the stages of its progress. As a rule, the disorder is most com- monly seen after its first stages. The first stage is a marginal gingivitis ; the gum-margin is swollen oedematous, and reddened ; the extent of the swelling and discoloration varies with causes and individuals. In some cases the swelling may be pronounced and the gum purplish in color ; in others swelling and discoloration may be but slight. At a later period an instrument passed beneath the gum-margin may detect the presence of a scaly collection of dark-green calculus, partially enclosing the neck of the tooth. Cases are seen where the formation of this cal- culus appears to have preceded any evident morbid condition of the gum. In many cases the hypersemic condition of the gum-margin appears to lessen after a smooth calculus has formed. Apparently the calculus has formed in consequence of the union between the calcium PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARTS {FIRST CLASS). 461 salts of the saliva and the inflammatory exudations, the vascular condi- tions afterward subsiding. Infection and swelling of the gum are, how- ever, the usual condition. The swelling and discoloration persist ; the calculus-formation encroaches further upon the pericementum, and the root becomes progressively denuded. As a rule, a recession of the line of the alveolar process is constant with the degree of root-denudation. At any period, and usually early, evidences of infection appear; pus may be pressed from beneath the gum-margin. Except in the later stages, or unless pus is confined, it is unusual to find the tooth particu- larly sore upon percussion. When about one-half or more of the root has been stripped of pericementum and deprived of alveolar support, looseness and extrusion of the tooth become marked. The teeth are nearly always looser than normal, even in the early stages. The advance of the disease now becomes more rapid ; the undue mobility of the tooth excites an inflammatory reaction beyond the directly infected j)art, so that soreness and looseness are further in- creased. A scaler passed into the pocket formed bet^veen the gum and tooth will now usually detect marked roughness of the root. If the latter be scraped, small, hard, nodular deposits of calculi are detached with difficulty. After the looseness of the tooth becomes marked, the pulp of the tooth is usually killed by strangulation of its vascular supply. Infection of the dead pulp readily occurs, and septic apical pericementitis arises. The symptoms of the latter condition Fig. 354. Section of an upper molar with its alveolus, etc., showing deposit of serumal calculus under the gingival borders ; a, o, serumal calculus. (Black.) Section of an upper incisor, showing at a, a, a deposit of serumal calculus within the free margin of the gum. (Black.) are modified, according to the facility with which the pus finds vent along the degenerating pericementum. The disease proceeds until the aifected tooth or teeth are cast out, the alveolar walls and pericementum having entirely atrophied. The disea.se ceases with the loss of the affected teeth, leaving a flattened or absent alveolar ridge covered by a 462 PYOBBHCEA ALVEOLABIS. mass of more or less spongy gum-tissue. The duration of the disease may be months or years. A general subcatarrhal condition of the mouth usually attends the disease. Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. — Figs. 354, 355, and 356 exhibit three distinct relationships of this form of calculus. Present data relative to the pathology and morbid anatomy of all three classes of pyorrhoea have been derived from clinical observations of teeth in the mouth and from an examination of teeth which have been lost at some period of the disease. The Teeth. — In all of the varieties of pyorrhoea it is the general rule to find the teeth singularly free from dental caries. In a majority of cases their forms are of a type considered characteristic of the bilious and the nervous temperaments — broader at the occlusal surfaces and cutting-edges than at the necks of the teeth. Upon section all Section of an uppei mcisor, showing p ,i i , i ,• , i n at a a deposit of serumai calculus of the dental tissucs are secu to be ot a and destruction of the lower hor- highly organized type ; they offer unusual der of the alveolar wall and peri- o -' o jl j^ j dental membrane, with a slight resistance to cutting-mstruments. ihe recession ofthe gum, exposing the gj^^mcl haS a fliut-like hardneSS, the den- calculus. (Black.) tin is much increased in translucency, and the pulp-chamber is much contracted — i. e., the formative activity of the pulp has been carried to its extreme limit. The pulp-tissue is increased in density, and there is a notable increase in its fine fibres. One section exhibited an apparent loss of odontoblasts (atrophy) over a considerable surface of the pulp-periphery ; others of these cells were reduced to comparative flatness. This, however, was a clearly gouty case. The appearance of the root depends upon the stage of the disease when the tooth was lost. In the early stages a band of dark, smooth, ..„ scaly calculus surrounds a portion of the neck of the tooth, and embraces the ce- mentum, slightly overlapping the enamel. Beyond the calculus is an area of denuda- tion, the cementum free from pericemen- tum ; beyond this, the pericementum is in- tact, but its fibres are swollen, and its color ^, thickened pericemetitura;B, sub- deepened. The presence of a ring of bare . gingival calculus. cementum between the pericementum and the calculus was constant in all of the specimens examined. The infer- ence is that after the primary deposit, necrosis of pericementum precedes PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARIS (FIRST CLASS). 463 subsequent deposits. Teeth extracted at later periods exhibit usually two varieties of calculus : first, that which formed beneath the gum-margin ; second, beyond, upon the denuded cementum, are small islets, bead-like deposits of rough, hard, dark calculi, which appear also in other dental conditions attended by continued pus-formation. They appear identical with the deposits which are found upon the apices of roots in long-con- tinued chronic septic apical pericemeutitis (alveolo-dental abscess), and on the sides of roots in cases of the same disease discharging at the gum- margin, in cases of phagedenic pericementitis, and as secondary deposits in gouty pyorrhoea. Their association with chronic pus-formation appears clear, their presence being evidence of continued suppu- ration. They are to be regarded as resultant from, not causative of the pericemental degeneration. They are more often present in cases of delayed than in rapid tooth-loss. Teeth extracted at the latest stages of the disease show that the apical pericementum still maintains attachment, and is much swollen. Examining the tooth or teeth before they are extracted, a pocket is found to exist beyond the calculus, and its direction and situation depend upon the position of the calculus. If this be, as it frequently is, upon the palatal surface of the root, the formation of a pocket at the labial aspect may not be marked until the posterior pocket is much deepened. In most of the cases of the first class of pyorrhoea a probe fails to discover uncovered alveolar bone, although it may do so ; a matter of some importance, as it indicates in some measure the mode of alveolar degeneration. If the bone be covered, its resorption is more of the nature of an atrophy ; if uncovered, it is probably lost in part through peripheral molecu- lar necrosis. The conditions point to a progressive recession of the pericemen- tum, with the loss of alveolar wall, as an atrophy, a secondary process. It is to be remembered that all evi- dences of alveolar disease cease promptly with the loss of the affected teeth. A condition sometimes met with is recorded by Black, in which a dual peri- osteal disease is in evidence (Fig. 358). The irritation caused by the presence of a subgingival deposit has resulted in an atrophy of the immediately adjacent alveolar process; at the labial aspect of the alveolar edge the pericementum has been irritated to a constructive stage and a new deposit of bone has occurred, resulting in Fig. 358. Section of an upper incisor, showing de- struction of the peridental membrane and aversion of the alveolar wall, with thickening of its border : a, seru- mal calculus; b, thickened border of the alveolar wall; c, pus-cavity. (Black.) 464 PYOERHCEA ALVEOLABIS. a distinct thickening of the alveolar margin. This condition illustrates well the effects of grades of irritation ; how one grade is productive of increased functional activity, another of degeneration and atrophy. It is rare for this variety of pericemental destruction to proceed to any considerable depth without abundant manifestations of pyogenic infec- tion. The infection, however, exhibits no disposition to invade the outer maxillary periosteum ; it follows the direction of the pericemen- tum, and ceases promptly as soon as the teeth are extracted, no matter at what period. Diag-nosis. — Usually but little difficulty attends the diagnosis of this varety of pyorrhoea. As a rule, several teeth are affected ; those in in which the characteristics of the dis- FiG- 2^^- ease are most marked are the upper incisors. If the disease is fully es- tablished, it will be confounded with no other condition : the tumid gum, the presence of easily discoverable calculi in a subgingival pocket, and the oozing of pus, all furnish a clin- ical j)icture not associated with any Absorption of the septum of bone and re- other dental disorder. The occur- cession of the gum between the central „ , . . i i and lateral incisors, caused by deposits reuce of thesc pericemental degenera- of serumal calculus under the gingivae. tious cau be forCshadowed at timCS. In any of the three forms, evidences of marginal atrophy of the alveolar walls may be noted before any deposits of calculi can be detected, or before there are any indications of the initial gingivitis ; the septum of gum between the teeth recedes, obliterating the normal gum-festoon (Fig. 359). The existence of a persistent gingivitis, with an exaggeration of the space between tooth and gum-margin, means a future pyorrhoea. Differential Diagnosis. — In the later stage care will be nec- essary to determine which variety of pyorrhoea is present. In the tirst variety the bottoms of the pockets are usually found, not far be- yond evident deposits of calculi. Indications of the existence of an annular alveolar wall are also observed. Gingivitis keeps pace with the loss of pericementum. In phagedenic pericementitis the deposits may only be recognized with difficulty ; the degeneration proceeds in a direct line toward the apex of the root ; the pericementum may still be attached along the other portions of the root ; the gingivitis may be very slight ; the gum-edge although receded, may retain its normal festoon. In gouty pyorrhoea (proper), deposits about the neck of the tooth are unusual, and, except in later stages, the gingival attachment appears almost normal. A slender instrtiment is passed Avith some PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARIS (FIRST CLASS). 465 difficulty beyond the gum-margin ; its introduction may, again, be entirely resisted. Pressure upon the tooth shows it to be loose, and pressure over the gum near the apex may show a boggy softness due to an out- lined loss of alveolar wall. The family and personal history is of great importance. In goutv pvorrhcea, and in phagedenic pericementitis but few teeth are attacked at once, as a rule ; frequently but one tooth is affected ; in the first variety several teeth are attected simultaneously. Prognosis.— Of all the varieties of pyorrhoea, the first is that having the most favorable prognosis. If properly treated medicinally and me- chanically, proper directions given the patient, and frequent super- vision exercised, the disease may be arrested in any but its latest stages. If predispositions to pericemental degeneration exist, they will modify the prognosis in the degree of the difficulty of eliminating them. The assertion is made by many practitioners that in their hands pyorrhoea alveolaris is an entirely curable disease. These assertions refer, no doubt, to the first class, for, as will be seen, the prognosis of the second and third classes of pyorrhoea may be independent of therapeusis. Treatment. — From the point of view of therapeutics, several condi- tions exist in the morbid phenomena described. First, infection ; second, the presence of foreign bodies ; third, teeth in any degree of partial luxation ; fourth, mal-occlusion ; fiftli, vascular disturljance of the gum and pericementum ; sixth, probably an underlying constitu- tional predisposing cause. Treatment is directed, first, to a removal of all sources of irritation. The sources of offence are to be removed in the order of their danger to the teeth. If the disease have progressed far, the imminent danger is mechanical dislodgement of the loosened teeth ; the affected tooth is to be lashed to its firmer neighbors, so that it is immovably held. A careful examination is next made of the occlusal relations ; in the majority of cases the occlusion wall be found excessive. The teeth and in some cases tlieir an- 1 , ..1 Fig. 360. tao-omsts are ground awav bv means oi corundum wheels until they are slightly short of occlusion. The exposed portions of the crowns and roots are scaled free from all deposits. As it will be neces- sary to hold the affected teeth immovably during the period of liealing, the nature of the splint required is determined upon. If but two or three anterior teeth are to be held, rings made of thin platinum plate form effective splints (Fig. 360). The teeth to be splinted are ligated firmly together at their necks, and a strip of platinum plate, No. 34, is annealed and moulded against the lingual faces of the teeth ; it is passed between the teeth to be splinted and 30 466 PYORRHCEA ALVEOLARIS. Fig. 361. those posterior, and its free ends are overlapped ; a scratch is made to indicate the overlap, and the piece is detached and soldered. Returned to the teeth, the thinnest separating saw is passed between the teeth, groov- ing the splint deeply upon both sides ; in these grooves straight strips of platinum plate are placed. If the piece can be lifted from the teeth without force, it is so displaced ; if not, a plaster impression is taken, a cast of investing material made, and the strips soldered in their grooves. The investment and splint are thrown hot into sulfuric acid, which cleanses the splint and removes the investment without force. The splint is washed in running water, the teeth are wiped off with chloroform, and the splint cemented in place with zinc phosphate. Where several teeth are to be held a swaged plate is usually the most effective splint. After the occlusion has been overcorrected, a plate to cover the loose and the immediately adjoining teeth is swaged and cemented to the teeth (Fig. 361). The ojaerator's ingenuity will show him which of the great number of retaining appli- ances devised will serve best in a particular case. Many of the retainers used in ortho- dontia serve admirably as splints. The splint position, surgical rest is assured. The agent second in import- ance, as threatening the pericementum, is the infection. Antiseptics are to be freely used during all operations and frequently by the patient after, and between operations. The pockets are first freely syringed or sprayed with hydrogen dioxid until effervescence ceases ; wisps of cotton dipped in 25 per cent, pyrozone are next placed in the pock- ets (Ottolengui) ; a white eschar forms at once, and any pus or decompos- ing organic matter remaining is de- stroyed. The next threatening element is the calculus ; so long as deposits of calculi remain, irritation will continue. Beginning with the tooth most threat- ened, delicate scalers (Fig. 362) are passed beneath the gum, and used with a push cut to chisel away all depos- its. The instruments must be delicate in order to detect the granule-like deposits. The cutting is to be firm and decided, but slipping of the instru- ment must be guarded against by rest- ing the fingers upon the tips of the teeth (Fig. 363). The scraping is m Fig. 362. Showing the application of a thin, flat instrument to the labial and approxi- mal surfaces of an upper bicuspid (pushing motion). PYORRHfEA ALVEOLARIS {FIRST CLASS). 467 alternated by syringing with liydrogen dioxid to cleanse the pockets. If much swelling of the gum be present, tampons of cotton saturated with 10 per cent, solution of trichloracetic acid packed in the pockets Fig. 363. Showing the manner of holding an instrument for detaching calcareous deposits when using the pushing motion. The third finger rests on the edges of the teeth, allowing freedom of the hand to make rapid and effectual movements in dislodging the calculi. for a few minutes will check oozing and permit a better view of the pockets.' The scaling of one tooth is to be completed before passing to a second tooth. This, however, does not apply to the first visit after splinting the teeth ; as it is frequently advisable to then remove the coarse subgingival deposits from all of the teeth, cleanse the pockets with 25 per cent, pyrozone, and prescribe an astringent antiseptic mouth-wash to be used several times daily for two or three days : ^. Zinc chlorid, Aq. menth. pip., gr. x; ;j.-M. The tumefaction of the gum will be much reduced and pus-formation 1 Kirk. 468 PYOBRHCEA ALVEOLARIS. checked by this means. At the second visit the scaling should be begun and continued upon a tooth until it appears entirely free from roughness before passing to a second, and so on. Partial scaling, repeated at inter- vals, interferes with or prevents the regenerative process. After each scal- ing the pockets are syringed forcibly with hydrogen dioxid. The use of acids, particularly two of the organic acids — trichloracetic (Kirk) and lactic (Younger) — is advised ; they have been found serviceable as an application after scaling and syringing. They act as solvents upon the minute calculi which escape the scaler, and as caustics, stimulating healthy action in the ulcerous pericementum. Unless pus-formation or congestion persist, the scaled teeth are to remain undisturbed. After the operation, the use, several times a day, of the astringent and anti- septic mouth-wash given above is advised. Truman advises the use of hydronaphtol in an astringent vehicle as an effective germicide for use by a patient : ^. Hydronaphtol, gr. x; Glycerol, §j ; Alcohol, 5J ; Aq. destill., Sij. — M. (Peirce.) S. Use as wash several times a day. In case of recurring or persistent pus-formation the pocket should be again explored, cleansed and dressed as described. The splints are to remain in position until the gum appears to grasp the teeth firmly, is of normal color, and pockets have closed. If more than half of the root has been denuded, permanent splints are advis- able. Eegeneration of alveolar process does not occur ; the gum gradu- ally shrinks to its normal relation with the process in its atrophied condition. Constant care upon the part of the patient, both as to general and oral health, and occasional inspection by the operator are necessary for even reasonable assurance against a recurrence of the disease. Recur- rence is more or less probable, no matter what precautions are taken. Even when pus- and calculus-formation are not re-established, atrophy of the alveolar process is common. The advent of these diseases ex- presses a degenerative impulse against which the best of therapeusis frequently fails, almost entirely. Phagedenic Pericementitis. The term phagedenic pericementitis was suggested by Black to desig- nate a condition Avhose most prominent feature is a progressive death of pericementum, beginning at its marginal attachment, not caused by me- PHAGEDENIC PERICEMENTITIS. 469 chanical injury, chemical agencies, specific vims, or the selective action of drugs ; and whose usual, although not constant, accompaninionts are pus-t'ormation and deposits of calculi. Its progress is phagedenic, and ceases with the loss of the tooth. From the pus-flow this disease has been included under the generic head of pyorrhoea alveolaris, although it is clearly distinguished from the disease already described as due primarily to subgingival deposits. Definition. — In light of present data phagedenic pericementitis may be defined as a condition which comprises degeneration, atrophy, and molecular necrosis of the alveolar process and a molecular loss of peri- cementum, accompanied in its developed state by pyogenic infection and usually by deposits of nodular calculi. The pericementum and alveolar process covering a root may be entirely destroyed without any distinct evidence of inflammation, suppuration, or calculus-formation. Causes. — The causes of this condition appear to be divisible into predisposing and exciting. The predisposing causes are those named as productive of pericemental debility and degeneration. Among the general predisposing causes are heredity, particularly as to arthritic diseases, and the diseases of suboxidation and faulty elimina- tion. Among the local predisposing causes are overuse, disuse, and misuse of the teeth. Overuse and misuse often act as direct excit- ing causes. The primary gingivitis noted as inviting the first variety of ])yorrha?a alveolaris, appears to play a subordinate part in the causa- tion of phagedenic pericementitis, although it does usher in the disease in some cases, when a deposit of subgingival calculus appears to act as the excitino' agent of the degeneration. Symptoms. — It has been maintained that this disorder is essentially infective, but thus far all attempts to di.scover organisms M'hich are pathognomonic have failed. It is more than probable, however, that future studies will discover in bacteria an acute etiological factor in the disease. The symptoms most characteristic and distinctive of this disease are best noted upon an upper central incisor, and others upon the palatal root of an upper molar. At a period antedating any evi- dences of pericemental affection a tooth, frequently an upper incisor, shifts its position, moving outw^ard, or rotat- ing and separating from one of its neighbors ■ (Fig. 364). There is no peculiarity of the occlusion which will explain this shifting. At a later period — it may not be for many months — the shifted tooth is seen to be looser than its neighbors. This loosening is hastened if, in shifting, a condition of mal-occlusion is established. Before the tooth loosens, evidences of 470 PYOBBHCEA ALVEOLARIS. atrophy of the alveolar margins may be seen in a recession of the gum- festoon between the teeth. As soon as looseness is marked, evidence of pericemental loss may be detected by passing an instrument beneath the gum-margin, which is seen to be detached at some point, commonly between the teeth where the gum-recession was first noted, or at the EiG. 365. Fig. 366. Illustration of a case of phagedenic pericemen- titis : a, a, dotted lines representing the out- lines of the roots of the teeth ; 6, h, irregular lines representing the extent of the destruc- tion of the peridental membrane and -nails of the alveolus. It will be noted that the gums appear nearly perfect. (Black.) The same case shown in Fig 365, denuded of the soft tissues to show more plainly the loss of the walls of the alveolus. This drawing was made after raising a semicircular flap of the soft tissues over each root for the purpose of thor- ough exploration. (Black.) labial aspect of the root (Figs. 365 and 366). While the gum-margin usually presents signs of irritation, it may be apparently unaffected. If gingivitis be, or have been, present, subgingival calculi will prob- ably exist. Exploration of the pockets will show them to be the conse- quence of death of pericementum, which has followed the length of this structure along the side affected ; the -^^- ^^'^' remainder of the pericementum and alveolar process may be intact. The root may exhibit no roughness what- FiG. 368. A, calculi of pyogenesis ; B, ulcerous pericementum. A, thickened pericementum ; C, subgingival calculus ; B, calculi of pyogenesis. ever. A careful exploration usually shows a portion of the atrophying alveolar wall over the necrotic area to be denuded ; the pericemental death has proceeded more rapidly than alveolar atrophy. The pockets increase in size, and the alveolar process disappears until the teeth can be extracted with the fingers. It is unusual for the pockets to attain any considerable depth before evidences of pyogenic infection occur ; so that PHAGEDENIC PERICEMENTITIS. 471 pus may usually be pressed from the pockets. In cases where pus-dis- charge is present, the small nodular calculi may be detected upon the roots. When pericemental destruction has involved the apical pericementum death of the pulp occurs, and infection of the necrosed pulp results ; abscess forms and pus discharges via the pyorrhoea pocket. When the disease attacks but one root of a molar, destruction of the pericementum around that root, death of half of the pulp, and abscess- formation may result, and the other roots be unailected ; a portion of the pulp of the tooth may retain its vitality for some time, notwithstand- ing the apical abscess upon one root. In these cases pus-discharge from about the root of a tooth may be continued by the infected dead pulp, after all pericementum and alveolar process are gone from about the root. While the disease is usually first noted about a single tooth ; it is rare that a lengthened period elapses before it makes its appearance about other teeth ; usually an adjoining tooth, or, it may be, on a distant one. This disease may make its appearance in the mouths of patients who take extraordinary care of the teeth, in mouths where the teeth are apparently entirely free from deposits, where the gum appears nor- mal, and where the teeth are free from caries. It is of more frequent occurrence in dentures comparatively free from caries than in those where caries prevails or has prevailed. Morbid Anatomy and Pathology. — Teeth lost through this disease may exhibit no abnormal appearances at all, except the entire absence Fia. 369. Fig. 370. Fig. 369.— Section of upper incisor, showing destruction of its peridental membrane and alveolus by phagedenic pericementitis : o, gum-tissues covering pus-cavity (6) formed by the destruc- tion of the peridental membrane and alveolar wall. (Black.) Fig. 370.— Section of an upper moJar, showing destruction of its membrane and alveolar vrall by phagedenic pericementitis : a, deposit of serumal calculus ; h, b, gum covering pus-cavity (c, c) formed by the destruction of the peridental membrane and alveolar wall. (Black.) of even shreds of ])ericementum. They may be entirely free from all deposits. The teeth are nearly always of the type assigned to the bil- 472 PYOBBHGEA ALVEOLARIS. ious and sanguine temperaments, and are singularly free from dental caries. The enamel of the teeth may be abraded in some degree, in which case the areas are seen to have a glossy polish. Upon section enamel and dentin are seen to be of the highest type of organization. The pulp-chamber is much contracted. Data are wanting relative to the condition of the pulp in these cases ; but it is inferred from the condition of the pulp-chamber, and the age at which the disease makes its appearance, that atrophic changes are probably present. An examination of alveoli and pockets will show two types of the disease : those aiFected by the subgingival deposits and those without (Figs. 369 and 370). The root is denuded of pericementum to an un- usual depth, and the edge of the alveolar process is found to be bare, A pocket may extend to the very apex of the root upon one side of a root, and the attachment upon the opposite side remain normal for a long period (Fig. 371). The alveolar septum between two adjoining teeth may be destroyed together with the corresponding portions of pericementum, and the remainder of pericementum upon both teeth remain intact for a long period. In cases Avithout deposits an absence of gingivitis is frequently noted ; even more, an atrophy of the gum- tissue occurs which bares to some extent the denuded root. Where subgingival deposits are present, gingivitis is the rule. The effects of the occurrence of constructive pericementitis upon the outer alveolar margin may be noted in some of the long-continued cases. Fig. 371. Showing loss of pericementum and alveolar process over one face of one root of a molar tooth from phagedenic pericementitis. Several of the other teeth were the seat of the first variety of pyorrhoea. What was said of the first variety of pyorrhoea, relative to the loca- tion of the disease, applies with equal force to phagedenic pericemen- titis. It is a disease of the pericementum, and alveolar necrosis is a secondary feature, which ceases as soon as the teeth are lost by extrac- tion or by the progress of pericemental necrosis. There is an atrophic variety of the disease which exhibits peculiar features. Marginal alveo- lar atrophy is seen to occur about the roots of several teeth. There is no vascular disturbance in the gum-tissue, so that the gum-line PHAGEDENIC PERICEMENTITIS. 473 recedes with the alveolar wall. The ceinentuni of the root becomes exposed almost always at the labial or buccal aspects. Later, death of an annular portion of pericementum and infection by pyogenic organ- isms occur ; immediately beneath the gum-margin small, hard, nodular calculi are formed. Instead of deep pockets, the pericemental loss is attended by a constant recession of the gum-line until the roots of the teeth become exposed for a great part of their length ; the reces- sion of the gums exposes the calculi which have formed (Fig. 372j. Fig. 372. The alveoli irreparably destroyed by calcic inflammation. (Black.) This process is far from uncommon in the mouths of persons who pos- sess fine dentures, but who neglect the care of their mouths. Diagnosis. — The differential diagnosis of phagedenic pericementitis from the first and third varieties of pyorrhoea has been given in connection with the first variety. Its direct diagnosis consists in dis- covering the peculiar pockets, denuded roots, and alveolar edge. Its occurrence can almost be certainly foretold in the mouths of patients who have fine dentures of the type described, who have particularly an arthritic history, and who, about the age of thirty or later, note the change of position of one or more teeth without evident cause. It Avill be recalled that the pockets in phagedenic pericementitis have a depth out of all proportion to their lateral extent. As pointed out by Black, the condition may be confounded with apical abscess opening along the side of a root. If the latter be acute, the acute symptoms of alveolar abscess, absent in phagedenic perice- mentitis, point to a diagnosis. If chronic, there may be noted evi- dences of pulp-death, absent response to thermal stimuli, and the pres- ence of large fillings. An examination should be made of the other teeth, for it is unusual that phagedenic pericementitis will progress to the end of the root of a single tooth before other teeth are involved. Doubt will be dispelled by opening the affected tooth, Avhether carious or non-carious. If the pulp be alive, it is phagedenic pericementitis ; if dead, it may be that or alveolar abscess. If the latter, a cure is accomplished by treatment as described in Chapter XXII. 474 PYOBBHCEA ALVEOLABIS. Prognosis. — The prognosis of this disease, so far as the teeth affected are concerned, is in general decidedly unfavorable. While it may be tem- porarily arrested in its earlier stages, its recurrence and ultimate loss of the aifected teeth are the rule. It may attack but few teeth of a denture and progress until they are lost, the other teeth remaining unaffected. The common history, however, is that when the disease makes its appear- ance the denture is ultimately lost through it, although the period of loss may cover many years. Several years may elapse between the loss of one tooth and the aifection of the second, Upjoer incisors and molars appear to suffer more frequently from the disease than any of the other teeth. Treatment. — Treatment of the case, based upon the relief of dis- coverable morbid conditions, will serve to stay the process. The con- ditions demanding correction are, faulty occlusion, undue mobility, the presence of necrotic tissue, usually an infection and foreign deposits. These latter are to be regarded as pathogenic in that they prevent a return to health of the gum-tissue overlying them. The treatment is both prophylactic and remedial. Patients having an arthritic history and the type of denture named should be warned of the dangers of establishing a pericemental debility through relative dis- use of the teeth, and of permitting morbid gingival conditions to arise from neglect of oral hygiene. The relations of food-habit and gen- eral disease, notably those of suboxidation, to dental disease are to be pointed out. In the early stages of pyorrhcea, that of tooth-shifting, it has been asserted ^ that, if the tooth be opened, the pulp destroyed, and canal filled, the impending degeneration and necrosis of the pericementum will be averted. There is good clinical evidence, both of the writers quoted and others, to substantiate the assertions. The probable expla- nation is that the diversion of the apical blood-supply entirely into the pericementum protects this structure against threatened degeneration. There is reason to believe, although histological data in this connec- tion are wanting, that changes in the bloodvessels and nutrition of the pericementum are antecedents to the degenerative and necrotic changes described. When the pockets have formed and alveolar atrophy is marked the conditions resemble in some particulars, but are bv no means identical with, those noted in connection with the first variety of pyorrhcea. The treatment, as regards splinting of the teeth and sterilization of the pockets, is the .same as in the first class. Black emphasizes two points of much importance in the next stage of treatment — i. e., the removal of deposits — first, that the gum-margin must not be unnec- 1 M. L. Ehein ; D. D. Smith. PHAGEDENIC PERICEMENTITIS. 475 Fig. 373. Scalers (three times natural size). essarily injured ; secondly, that vigorous scaling of the roots may be done without special regard to avoid cutting the tissues lining the pocket, instead of avoiding such injury, as in the first class of pyorrhcea. The pockets are freely syringed with hydrogen dioxid, or with a 1 : 500 solution of mercuric chlorid in hydrogen dioxid. The alveolar edges are to be freely scraped with the scaling instruments, which should have slender stems and comparatively broad cutting-blades (Fig. 373). The use of cauterants, such as trichloracetic and lactic acids, is more important than in the former type of disease. The same astringent antiseptic washes are to be prescribed. After removing all foreign material, includino; dead matter and steriliz- ing, correcting occlusion, and securing immobility, the astringent antiseptic wash is expected to draw the tissues tightly about the teeth and to prevent infection, so that a regenerative process can be established in the vital tissues of the former disease-pocket. In case the pockets are so deep or have such form that the alveolar margins cannot be well trimmed without overstretching or injuring the gingival edges, Black advises that gum- flaps be raised, exposing the alveolar margins (Fig. 374). A semicircular incision is made and turned back, and bleeding checked. By means of sharp chisels the alveolar borders are freely scraped, the pockets are flushed with hydrogen dioxid, and the flap secured by a couple of stitches. The same writer advises in cases where eversion of the alveolar margin has occurred, that the process be exposed by cuts and broken down by three cuts made with a sharp chisel and mallet ; the loosened segment of bone to be pressed firmly against the root. It is desired next that the entire pocket will fill with granula- tion-tissue, and organization of the granulations take place, furnishing re-attachment. That this occurs in some cases is undoubted. Black believes that a reproduction of alveolar margins also occurs in some cases. The hope of good results lies in keeping the parts aseptic after all foreign deposits and dead material have been removed. A great number of agents have been advised as medicinal applica- tions to the disease-pockets. They are all antiseptic and most of them cauterants. These are to be used after the primary cleansing. During Fig. 374. Illustration of the position and form of incision through the gum for exposing the root of the tooth and injured alveo- lar process ; a, incision. (Black.) 476 PYOBBHCEA ALVEOLABIS. the period of granulation no solutions stronger than stimulants should be used. A 20 per cent, solution of zinc iodid (Harlan), the hydro- naphthol solutions (Truman), and the zinc-chlorid wash primarily given may all be taken as representative medicines. The indiscriminate use of strong solutions of antiseptics retards the granulating process. The silver salts, lactate and citrate, 3 per cent, solutions of silver nitrate, and powdered nosophen should be mentioned as useful agents in this connection, particularly the silver salts. The records of experiments with sponge-grafts are not encouraging, there being too great difficulty in maintaining them sterile. CHAPTER XXYI. DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM BEGINNING UPON A LATERAL ASPECT OF THE TEETH. Gouty Pericementitis. From its common occurrence in persons who are the victims of the gouty or arthritic diathesis, a third variety of pyorrhoea alveolaris has been designated as gouty pericementitis. Definition. — Gouty pericementitis may be defined as a condition in which degeneration and necrosis of the pericementum begin in some portion of that structure between the apex of a root and the gum- margin, usually attended by a deposit of calculus in the disease-area, which exhibits a combined reaction of urates and of calcium phosphate. As noted in connection with the first and second varieties of pyorrhoea, many general diseases included in the family of diseases called gouty, act as predisposing factors in their causation. In the third variety, not only does a gouty condition act as a predisposant, but it appears to furnish also the exciting cause of the disease. The pathology and pathogenesis of the disease will be more evident after a survey of its clinical history and symptoms, and a review of the mode of action of the gouty poison. For many years gout and the gouty diathesis have been recognized as causative of a number of local, including among them, several dental diseases, periodical dental neural- gias, pericementitis, and phagedenic destruction of the pericementum. In 1886 AV. J. Reese ^ pointed out clearly the association of the gouty condition with what he termed " phagedena pericementi." In 1891 J. S. Marshall demonstrated the analogy of certain pericemental degenerations with a gouty condition. Impetus was given the study of this association when, in 1892, C. N. Peirce demonstrated that deposits found upon the lateral aspect of the pericementum gave a murexid reaction, proving the presence in them of urates, the salts found in gouty concretions in other parts of the body. He also pointed out that the deposits occurred without primary destruction of the marginal pericementum, so that the primary disease-focus is found upon some portion of pericementum lying between the root-apex and gingival attachment. Symptoms and Clinical History. — The symptoms of gouty dental diseases depend upon the stage at which they are seen. In the earliest stages vague functional disturbances appear before there is any evidence ^ Dental Cosmos. 477 478 ' DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. whatever of structural changes. Like other gouty affections, dental gout rarely makes its appearance before thirty years of age, and most frequently between forty and fifty-five years. Beginning with the earliest visible evidence of disorder, dental gout appears to exhibit itself about as follows : in the mouths of persons presenting a clear family history of gout, or of rheumatoid arthritis in the female line, who have been the victims of gout, evident or obscure, more often the latter, or, again, suffer from the condition called " lithsemia " (professional man's gout), it is commonly noted that the teeth are singularly exempt from dental caries. This is a general, although not universal truth. The teeth are frequently of highly organ- ized type, and of the variety said to be indicative of the bilious or nervous temperament. Frequently they are the seat of mechanical abrasion ; their occlusal faces may be worn to any extent, the character of the wearing depending upon the nature of the occlusion ; it is less marked in teeth having long cusps than in those having an originally short overbite. The long cusps show the spots of enamel-wear as areas having a glossy polish. Erosion (which see) is of frequent occurrence in such dentures, particularly among females. The dentures are of the class in which phagedenic pericementitis is apt to make its appearance. In the mouth and about the jaws of such an individual, after the age of thirty, neuralgic pains may be of nightly occurrence ; these pains are vaguely referred to the teeth. An examination of the teeth exhibits no direct reason for their occurrence ; there may be no dentin-exposure and no tenderness upon percussing the teeth. It will be noted, though, that the response of the teeth to thermal changes is decidedly increased : a general heightened sensitivity of the dental pulps exists. These pains and the pulp-hypersensitivity disappear after a time. In some cases this may be spontaneous ; in others it will be found that the patients have been receiving general medical treatment, and the maxillary pains disappear with the cure of the disorders treated by the general practitioner. At later periods occasional attacks of general pericemental tenderness may occur, which make their appearance and disappear as did the maxillary neuralgia. In both cases there is a return to apparently complete normality. These symptoms are also of frequent occurrence in the mouths of patients who suffer from dental erosion and abrasion. The exposed dentin in these cases furnishes a tangible cause for the reflex pains about the jaws. If the teeth be examined after this period, the comparative exemp- tion from caries, and usually from calculous deposits, is noted, together with the firm fixation of the teeth in dense alveolar process. However, a slight recession of the gum-line may be noted, as though a very limited marginal alveolar resorption had occurred. Later, periods of GOUTY PERICEMENTITIS. 479 pericemental soreness may be more frequent, and one or several teeth during this period are loosened from their former firm implantation. The soreness may disappear, but the slight looseness of the tooth may remain. It is at later periods and in some single tooth, that degenerative and necrotic changes become unmistakable. Some one tooth of a denture becomes sore and tender upon percussion ; the gum overlying the apical half of the root exhibits the evidences of an underlying inflammation. The tooth is loosened, but the attachment of the gum-margin remains unbroken ; indeed, unless the inflammation be marked there may be no evidence of marginal gingivitis. The symptoms closely resemble those of acute septic apical pericementitis, although less in degree. The inflammation may subside and leave the tooth permanently loose. In other cases a circumscribed swelling appears, indistinguishable from that of acute apical abscess ; the surrounding inflammation is, however, less. If an incision be made into this swelling, a glairy, mucus-like discharge may vent ; in other cases a flow of pus is observed. In the latter case pyogenic infection is certainly present ; in the other, infection is uncer- tain. Many of these cases have been diagnosed as septic apical peri- cementitis due to dead pulp : the tooth being probably non-carious, the death of the pulp is assigned to one of the conditions described under diseases of the pulp. Upon drilling into the tooth dentinal sensitivity may appear to be absent, and the instrument may be plunged into a vital pulp — i. e., the inflammation and suppuration have no connection with a dead pulp. If the incision into the abscess-cavity be enlarged and bleeding checked, it will be seen that a portion of the alveolar wall has disappeared, exposing the side of the root of the tooth, which is found to be denuded of a portion of its pericementum, and on the root rough bodies are noted, which if scraped away, are seen to be calculi. In some cases the symptoms of pericementitis persist without the formation of a circumscribed swelling over the root, and later a discharge of glairy, mucus-like material or of pus exudes from beneath the gum- margin. The same errors of diagnosis, and discovery of live pulp noted above, are frequently made. In other cases the pericemental destruction may be so extensive and accompanied by a disappearance of such an amount of alveolar process that the teeth are very much loosened. If the teeth be non-carious, as they usually are, and the looseness have not been marked, an examination of the interior of the tooth shows uniformly the presence of vital pulp. Teeth have been extracted during this period, one of which exhibited these significant features : the apical pericementum was intact, as was also that portion toward the gingival margin ; between the two was an area of denudation, in which, loosely attached to the root, was a rough, irregular calculus (Fig. 376). 480 DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. Calculi scraped from the roots of such teeth exhibit in a varying degree a response to the murexid test, the test for urates. The reaction may be A and C, vital pericementum ; B, gouty calculus ; D, a A, calculus in area of necrosis ; B and subgingival calculus. C, vital pericementum. very faint in some cases, being overshadowed by the calcium phosphate, which makes up the bulk of these masses ; in others it is pronounced — i. e., urates make up a portion of the deposit. A significant feature is that in the irritative and inflammatory stages of the disease, except in those where pus forms, if the patient receive vigorous anti-gout treatment, the dental inflammation subsides. While pericemental irritation may involve many teeth, acute out- breaks are usually confined to but one or, at most, two teeth. The disease subsequently attacks other teeth singly, although these may escape involvement for years. Diagnosis. — The symptoms and clinical history given clearly dif- ferentiate this condition from the pyorrhoea due to subgingival deposits and phagedenic pericementitis. When, however, the discharge of pus at the gum-margin occurs the case may be indistinguishable from phagedenic pericementitis ; the difficulty of differentiation is all the more increased from the fact that both occur in patients affected by the same classes of general disorders. In phagedenic pericementitis, however, some local explanation of the disease-process may be elicited ; in gouty pyorrhoea the symptoms may arise and the disease progress, frequently to its end, without any evident local sources of irritation, except that in some cases, sources of pericemental debility exist in faults of occlusion, leading to overuse, disuse, or misuse of the teeth. Mode of Action of the Gouty Poison. — The conditions called gouty are held to be due to the retention in the circulating fluids of an excess of urates, a waste-product of tissue- and food-metaboHsm ; this excess of material acts as an irritant and inflammation-exciting agent in the tissues of the body, producing alterations of function and structure in many tissues and organs, but most palpably in the members of the con- GOUTY PERICEMENTITIS. 481 nective-tissue group. The association of an excess of urates with gout was demonstrated by Garrod, who detected crystals of urates in the serum of blisters from gouty patients. The association became still more clear after an examination of the calculi of gout, which were found to contain urates. In gouty joint-atfections urates of sodium are found in the diseased areas. Uric acid belongs in the group of animal poisons generated in tlie living tissues of the body, to the general class of leucomains. It is an oxidation-product of albuminous matter. There is a series of these sub- stances formed in the body, each representing a degree of albuminous decomposition by oxidation. The first and least oxidized, is hypoxan- thin ; second, xanthin ; third, uric acid ; and, fourth, urea, a substance freely soluble in blood-serum, which is excreted by the normal kidneys as a product of the nitrogenous waste of the body. That uric acid is formed instead of a corresponding amount of urea in conditions of faulty oxidation, is the general opinion of pathologists of the present day, an opinion not entirely demonstrable, as criticism ^ will show ; still, it furnishes the only tangible explanation of the conditions of its for- mation and action at present available. Uric acid exists in the blood- serum as a quad-urate of sodium and magnesium. Sodium bi-urate is relatively a very insoluble material ; if the sodium be displaced by lithium or potassium, the urates of these metals are formed, wliich have a greater degree of solubility. If for any reason, notably disease of the kidney, the excretion of the urates be interfered with, they accumulate in the circulating fluids, caus- ing an excess of urates without an increased production. Its increase may, on the other hand, be due to increased formation of uric acid. This is observed following upon the ingestion of unusual amounts of niti'o- genous foods. After the consumption of malt liquors and sweet wines, particularly champagne, an increase of uric acid is observed, showing that food-metabolism as well as tissue-metabolism is concerned in the production of its excess. An increased production is also noted in conditions where there is an increased production of leucocytes and a diminution of the red corpuscles — the oxygen-carriers — so that the for- mation may be clearly traceable to a deficiency of oxygen carried to the tissues. Another point to be noted is that an accumulation of waste-products, even a slowing of the lymph-flow about cells, interferes seriously with oxidation, even though oxygen be present in normal amount. The existence of these conditions, which cause sluggish vascular flow to and from tissues, must, therefore, be regarded as an important factor in the presence of an excess of the products of insufficient oxidation. ^ Levison, Gout, 1896 ; Luff, Croonian Lectures, 1897. 31 482 DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. Under some conditions deposits of crystals of urates occur in the connective tissues of the body, mainly those in which the circulation and the nutritive currents are sluggish, as in articular cartilages, usu- ally of small joints ; that is, the deposits occur in parts not freely flushed by the movements of intercellular fluids. Ebstein believes that local tissue-changes precede and determine the point of attack and deposition. His opinion, as originally set forth,^ was that coagulation-necrosis of the cells of a part occurred, and the tissues acquired an acid reaction, which determined the precipitation of urates in the area. Van Noorden^ believes that the point of deposition is determined by the local formation of a ferment, and that the deposition is indepen- dent of an excess of urates in the circulation. A predisposition to degenerative changes exists in the tissues of gouty patients, notably in the arteries, leading to atheromatous changes, caus- ing increased arterial rigidity. These changes are in part explainable by the presence of an excess of the waste-product — urates. Certainly in gouty patients, before deposits of urates occur and cause their char- acteristic effects, changes in many fibrous tissues are observed which are only explainable by constant irritation. Fully developed gout repre- sents a degenerative and partially necrotic disease ; but antedating these changes, it appears that there is an irritative, perhaps preceded by a stimulative stage. Increase of connective tissue, as in atheroma of arteries, beneath mucous membranes and other situations is found in gouty patients before any history of acute outbreaks is noted. Such functional disorders as neuralgia, no doubt due to anatomical changes, are also observed. All of these point to a long-continued period of irritation leading to an increased formation of connective tissue. A corollary of this state is a diminished vascularity, followed by diminished nutrition, hence debility of the part affected. Given, then, a cause of tissue-debility, such as overuse or disuse of a part, with an accumulation of the waste-product, urates, the deposi- tion of these salts is probable in the ill-nourished and debilitated tissue or structure, such as small joints. It will be recalled that the metatarso- phalangeal joint, from its anatomical situation, is one of the joints of the body subjected to the greatest use ; and lack of normal exercise of it (disuse) would be followed by its debility, and determine in a gouty patient the deposition of urates in it. These deposits occur first in the least vascular part, upon the surfaces of the articular cartilage, and excite irritation ; if present in sufficient amount, inflammation of the surrounding vascular parts is aroused, and necrosis of the tissues which ^ Flint's Practice of Medicine, 6th ed. '^ Medical News, Nov., 1895; and Ziegler. GOUTY PERICEMENTITIS. 483 are the seat of the dejjosit occurs. This constitutes tlie condition of acute gouty outbreak. Any of the joints may be attacked, although usually it is one of the small joints, most frequently the metatarso- phalangeal. Gout, or uric-acid poisoning, may exist as a chronic affection without acute outbreaks ; deposits accumulate in small joints (tophi), as of the fingers, causing stiffness and deformity, as the joints are successively affected. An injury to a joint may determine the affection in that joint, and any joint may be affected (Flint). Gout may exist as an obscure affection without any of the joint- affections noted. Disorders of the stomach, liver, kidneys, heart, blood- vessels, and lungs may all attend chronic gout, and be caused by it. The evidence of connection of obscure conditions, such as headache, hebetude of mind, lassitude, digestive, circulatory, or respiratory troubles, with the gouty condition may only be made manifest by their relief through anti-gout therapeusis. All forms of gout are largely hereditary. The manifestation of the diathesis may skip one generation and appear in the next. Hereditary gout in the female may manifest itself as rheumatt)id arthritis. In a proportion of cases no heredity can be traced, although the existence of gout in the individual is unmistakable. The deposits in gout are only readily detected when they exist as defined concretions. They may be present as fine crystals and escape detection. Patholog-y. — The test of the soundness of the theory that there are distinctive gouty dental affections depends upon whether their causation, pathology, and symptoms are ex]>lainable by the phenomena of gout exhibited in other parts, and, again, by the effects of anti-gout therapeusis. First, an examination of the teeth themselves. Teeth lost through the disease whose symptoms and clinical history have been given present the exterior appearance before described. Upon section enamel, dentin, and cementum are found to be highly organized. The pulp-chambers are frequently almost obliterated, even without external evidences of abra- sion or erosion. Data relative to the condition of the pulp and peri- cementum are wanting, although from the degree of immobility of the teeth, it may be inferred that the pericementum is markedly diminished in volume prior to the beginning of the disease. A tooth lost through this affection has, as stated, a degree of root- denudation — pericemental necrosis — governed by the stage of disease at which the tooth was extracted. Calculi found in the neci^osed area give the reaction of urates, masked by the presence of calcium-phos- phate deposits. 484 DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. Without the existence of any of the local causes of acute perice- mentitis, the symptoms of this disease arise ; they may subside, and leave the pericementum permanently crippled, or they may cause necrosis of more or less tissue and then subside. The same tooth is liable to succeeding attacks until the destruction of pericementum is complete. Local therapeusis alleviates, but does not cure the condition. In its earliest stages anti-gout therapeusis aifords marked relief. Are these phenomena explicable by the pathogenesis of gout ? Acute and chronic gout may persist for years in joints of gouty patients, and yet the peri- cementum escape ; again, the dental disease may exist and no history of gout, hereditary or acquired, be elicited. Dental hypersesthesia, a disposition to grind the teeth at night, shifting of positions of the teeth, and abrasion have all been noted as accompaniments of gout by Graves, Duckworth, Bartholow, Garretson, and others. All of these factors admit of explanation upon the theory of a gouty causation. First, as to the character of the teeth. The high degree of organi- zation of the teeth — i. e., the formation of intercellular substance, formed matter of dentin — is explained upon the hypothesis of it being similar to sclerotic changes in other connective tissues. It is inferred that the soft tissues of the pulp and the pericementum are also involved in the process which leads to an increase of their fibrous elements. Doubtless, also, these changes involve the bloodvessels of these struc- tures, lessening their calibre and their elasticity. This would represent the primary irritative stage of the uric-acid dyscrasia. Another expres- sion of the irritative stage, altered glandular secretion, has been dis- cussed under the head of erosion. Why should gout attack the teeth (the pericementum) of some persons, and not those of others ? and Why should it attack some teeth in preference to others ? It must be remembered that the pericementum is anatomically a ligament as well as a periosteum, and that the union of a tooth with its alveolus is a joint. It is attacked for the same reason that any joint may be attacked : because it happens to be a weak articulation. The probable explanation of the selective action of gout-poison for the metatarso-phalangeal articulation is because this joint normally, in walking and standing, does a great deal of work, receives a blow and pressure with every step, and therefore would suifer early from disuse, according to a general physiological law. If it is not vigorously used, and it is not, in many gouty patients, its nutri- tion is disturbed and its vascular currents become sluggish. Analogous conditions may be established in the dental ligament, the pericementum. Owing to an increase in its tenuity and a decrease of its vascular GOUTY PERICEMENTITIS. 485 supply, its nutritive exchanges — its currents — become sluggish. If the teeth be used vigorously, the sluggish circulation may be partially coun- terbalanced ; if" not, vascular sluggishness is increased and a further predisposition to degenerations is established. Lack of mastication, a common failing in nearly all persons, is very common among gouty persons, particularly excessive eaters, who usually take food requiring little mastication. It is among this class of persons that gingivitis, accompanied by subgingival calculi, is common, producing the first variety of pyorrhea, which may complicate or be aggravated by the local action of tlie gout-poison. The conditions of debility resulting from disuse of a structure exhibiting incipient degenerations, need but slight exciting causes to give rise to acute disease. The wedging of teeth, chance blows, and, among women, thread-biting, may determine an injury to the pericementum sufficient to make it the weak joint in which the gout-poison settles. In many cases a slight mal-occlusion may be the medium of injury to the dental articulation. This is most notable in those cases where chronic constructive changes in the peri- cementum have caused a thickening of some portion of the alveolar process between two teeth, causing the teeth to shift their position, and giving rise to the condition termed by Duckworth the "buck teeth" of gout. The teeth are brought into mal-occlusion, which determines the point of attack — the point of least resistance. These causes, both pre- disposing and exciting, may not be in evidence, in which event the teeth escape attack. Given the predisposing and exciting causes Avhich result in an area of lessened resistance in a portion of the pericementum of some tooth, when an excess of urates in the circulating fluids occurs, urates are de- posited in the area of pericemental irritation ; necrosis of the injured tissue, the seat of the deposit, occurs. Whether the deposit precedes necrosis, or the necrosis precedes the deposit, as originally set forth by Ebstein, is not known : an acid reaction is established which causes pre- cipitation of urates. Inflammation is excited in the neighboring por- tions of the pericementum, which breaks down, as does also the adjacent alveolar process. An outlined or general swelling occurs, which may subside, or, if the inflammation persist, a discharge of glairy, mucus- like material may occur at the neck of the tooth, or in some cases pus — gouty abscess — discharges. The discharge may occur through the gum over the site of a circumscribed alveolar loss. As the gum-attach- ment is unbroken before the period of discharge, infection of the part has presumably occurred in the same manner as it occurs in cases of pulp- death without caries. The original uratic deposit afterward becomes ob- scured by deposits of the calculi which occur in continued pus-formation. These act as continuous irritants, so that the remainder of the periceraen- 486 DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. turn and alveolar wall degenerates and disappears molecularly. In the absence of pus-formation the uratic deposits may be covered in or mixed with light phosphatic concretions, as in common tophi. In the ab- sence of an apparent exciting cause for the location of the attack, it is presumed that the changes in the vessels have proceeded farther in some portion of the pericementum of one tooth than in others ; the de- bility is most pronounced there in consequence. The general pulpal hyperaesthesia noted in connection with the earli- est stages of the disorder, may be attributed to the presence in the periph- eral circulation of irritating material. The same explanation applies to the occurrence of attacks of pericemental hyperaesthesia, in which there is a disposition to grit the teeth. It will be observed that in both of these states there is early active hypersemia of the parts. It is pre- sumed that this is the antecedent and the cause of sclerotic changes which cause increased dentinal formation and increased density of alve- olar walls, attended by increased tenuity of the pericementum. Prognosis. — The prognosis of the disease depends largely upon the form in which it first exhibits itself, and also upon the length of time an increased amount of waste-products has been present in the circulation. In all grades of the inflammation, except that attended by pus-forma- tion, the cure of the general condition is usually followed by a more or less prompt subsidence of the dental symptoms, although if a tooth be loose, the condition may improve, but does not disappear. If pus form, as indicated by the unusual activity of the inflammatory symptoms, destruction of tissue, pericemental and alveolar, it will progress until it is given vent, no matter how active or efiective in other particulars anti- gout therapeusis may be. In these cases the tooth is usually lost sooner or later. One or more teeth may be repeatedly attacked, and if the underlying cause be promptly removed, they may partially recover. Because one tooth of a denture is afi'ected it does not necessarily fol- low that others will become affected ; a single tooth, or two teeth, may represent the weak articulations or points of selection of the gout- poison, and others remaining unaifected. It is usual, however, if the gouty condition be not held in abeyance, for successive teeth to become affected. Treatment. — The treatment is both general and local ; the import- ance of general therapeutics outweighing that of local measures of treat- ment. The local treatment will depend upon the local conditions present. Some of these may be similar to those noted in connection with the previously described varieties of pyorrhoea — looseness of the teeth, mal-occlusion, infection, the presence of dead and foreign material, etc. GOUTY PERICEMENTITIS. 487 Each of these conditions requires correction by means already described. As reo:ards tlie peculiar mode of infection and some of the anatomical conditions, the treatment in many respects is similar to that of phage- denic pericementitis. The site of actual infection, the situation of calculi and of dead tissue, the degenerating alveolar edges, and the unbroken gingival margin are similar, except that in the gouty cases the gingival attachment may be intact. It is even more important then in such cases that entrance to the area of necrosis be made through a special opening. A semicircular flap, as described in connection with the treatment of phagedenic pericementitis, should be raised and the disease-area explored and freely scraped to free it from all dead and dying tissue. The pockets should be syringed with hydrogen dioxid solution and touched with an antiseptic stimulant preparation ; any of those previously given will answer (Fig. 377). The flap should next be stitched into place. An antiseptic mouth-wash should then be prescribed. In pyogenic cases find- ino; vent at the gum-margin the treatment should , ''. T • 1 • 1 1 o ^ 1 • • . • ^.calculus. be identical with that oi phagedenic pericementitis. If the existing constitutional disorder do not receive correction, all local measures of treatment will be of but slight avail ; not only may the disease appear upon other teeth, but the regenerative processes about the teeth which receive local treatment Avill entirely fail. The treatment of the general condition concerns the general prac- titioner more than the dentist, but there are frequently attendant cir- cumstances in these cases which render it not only advisable but impera- tive that the dentist should furnish direction as to diet and ]H'escribe medicinally. In many cases the evidence of a gouty condition, aside from the dental disease — and this is also true of dental erosion — are so faint that general practitioners, even if advised of the probable existence of masked or obscure gout, refuse to be guided by the indications pointed out and the diagnosis made by the dental practitioner. These dental signs will, no doubt, in the near future, come to be regarded by the general practitioner as valuable diagnostic indications of the existence of obscure gout ; the evidences of dental induration, the existence of dental erosion, or the occurrence of pericemental degenerations, will all be regarded as pointing to the existence of some gouty disorder. The general therapeutics of gout embraces medicinal agents and regulation of diet, the elimination of the gout-poison and the preven- tion of its formation. The principle of general therapeusis applied in the treatment of goutv conditions is diuresis. All agents which increase 488 DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. secretion of urine have a beneficial eifect. The ingestion of large quantities of water raises the blood-pressure and flushes the tissues of the body and the kidneys ; hence elimination of formed waste-products is increased. If the water (as many " mineral waters ") contains salts of potassium, the diuretic eifect is increased. Solutions of potassium bitartrate (acid tartrate of potassium) are in general use for this purpose, forming the basis of many " fever mixtures/' whose object is to rid the body of the products of nitrogenous waste. The citrates, tartrates, and acetates of potassium, sodium, and lithium, all neutral salts, when taken into the circulation are converted in the tissues into alkaline salts — carbonates — which render the urine alkaline, if present in sufficient amount, and increase excretion, provided they be taken in large volumes of water. The danger from the presence of urates consists in the excessive formation of acid urates, the solubility of which is low. If converted into neutral urates, their solubility is increased and the tendency to de- position is correspondingly diminished. Upon this fact depends the efficacy of salts of lithium in conditions of gout. Taken into the cir- culation, neutral lithium urate is formed from the acid urates, an increased volume of which can be held in solution by the circulating fluids, the tendency to deposition being lessened. If the lithium salt be taken with free draughts of water, there is the additional factor of free diuresis. E. C. Kirk has introduced the bitartrate of lithium as a substitute for the citrate usually employed ; its solvent power is greater and it has a specific diuretic action. Increase of the alkalinity of the blood and the induction of free diuresis are the objects sought. It is by reason of their eliminant action that preparations of colchicum act as curative agents in acute gouty inflammations. Piperazin (C4Hi|,N2, diethylene-diamin) is said to possess twelve times the solvent power for uric acid that lithium carbonate has. Hare,' however, failed to obtain any beneficial effects from the use of this drug in gout. Stewart ^ has recorded ill cerebral effects from its use. The salicylate of sodium is commonly used in gouty affections as a uric-acid eliminant,^ but more particularly to relieve attendant pains. As the cases of acute gouty affections are usually readily recognized and treated by the general practitioner, the advice of the dental prac- titioner applies only in cases without classical symptoms ; his recom- mendations, therefore, need scarcely exceed advising the free use of water containing potassium or lithium salts. A tablet of lithium bitartrate dissolved in a half pint or more of water, to be taken three times daily, is usually sufficient medicinal treatment. 1 Practical Therapeutics. ^ Ibid. '^ Haig. GOUTY PERICEMENTITIS. 489 Advice should always be given as to a dietetic course which will miuiniize tlie fbrraatit>u of urates and secure elimination of the waste formed. Measures should he advised to increase the oxidizing function. Free exercise in the open air is of first importance, and is only second to the correction of anaemic conditions ; this, however, concerns the general practitioner, as it involves the prescribing of a course of iron or arsenic. Disorders of the intestinal tract and its appendages, par- ticularly hepatic disorders, also demand correction. The diet should be of a character which will lessen the formation of urates. The amount of vegetable food, in proportion to animal, should be increased, thus raising the alkalinity of the body-fluids. Red meats, and white meats difficult of digestion, increase the formation of urates. Poultry and shell-fish in the dietary lessen the formation of urates. The consumption of malt liquors notably increases it, and sweet wines, particularly champagnes (both sweet and dry), are poisonous to gouty patients. Spirituous liquors are also harmful, since they lessen tissue- oxidation and produce gastric and hepatic disturbances which cause faulty metabolism. Recognizing the predisposition which exists in gouty persons to active pericemental degenerations, the operator should guard against injuries to the pericementum, which might induce a weak articulation and precipitate gouty pericementitis. Such teeth should not be wedged ; injury to the gum or gum-margins, by the use of improper rubber-dam clamps, ligatures driven beneath margins, etc., may excite the first stages of a degeneration which will end only in the loss of the abused tooth. SECTION VI. CHAPTER XXVII. DISEASES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH AND THEIR TREAT- MENT. The deciduous teeth are subject to several diseases which affect the permanent teeth. Their crowns may be the seat of deposits — rarely, however, of salivary calculi. They may be affected by mechanical abrasion, dental caries, and acute diseases of the pulp, pericementum, and alveolar walls. In deciduous teeth septic pericementitis frequently runs a chronic course, but other chronic degenerations of the pericemen- tum are rare, except in connection with constitutional diseases, notably rachitis. Owing to peculiarities of structure and anatomical associations, diseases of the temporary teeth present features different from those of the same diseases occurring in the teeth of adults. The dentin of the deciduous teeth appears never to possess the high degrees of sensi- tivity noted in the adult teeth of some persons. In acute affections of the pulp the pains have less of a reflex character, being confined to the dental region ; nor, so far as subjective phenomena are observed, are these pulp-pains of such severity as in adult teeth. The lymphatic con- nections of the deciduous teeth appear to be more free than those of the permanent teeth, so that involvement of the lymphatic glands — i. e., evidence of septic absorption — is more frequently observed in connec- tion Avith diseases of the deciduous than with those of the permanent teeth. Acute catarrhal inflammations, including several forms of ulcerative action, belong so distinctively to the period during which the temporary teeth are in position that they are classified as diseases of the mouths of children. All therapeutic measures, medicinal and mechanical, are directed toward insuring the non-septic retention of these teeth for a period of but five years, so that they may be and frequently are of a type differ- ing from those directed toward the retention of dental organs for a life- time ; moreover, they are modified by peculiarities of anatomical rela- tionships. Loss of the deciduous teeth through other than physiological pro- 491 492 DISEASES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH. cesses should not be regarded with unconcern, for while it is true that pyogenic processes may exist for a long period upon the roots of a tem- porary tooth, its permanent successor underlying it being, at least so far as outward form is concerned, unaffected, it is more than probable that it is affected in its deeper histological structure and anatomical organization. The effects of too long retention and too early extraction of the deciduous teeth have been already discussed under the head of malpositions of the teeth. Deposits upon the Teeth. The deposits upon the deciduous teeth are usually confined to the cervical portion of the labial and buccal enamel, appearing as creseentic lines of green stain. These deposits, together with white deposits of debris in the gingivo-dental depression, are most frequently observed in the mouths of children whose teeth receive little or no care. They are probably due to the growth of chromogenic fungi in the remains of the enamel-cuticle, which persists longer in this situation than in any other. The only clinical significance, or rather pathological significance, of these deposits, is that they appear to furnish a predisposition to dif- fuse and ulcerative stomatitis ; the connection between the two is by no means clear, although the association is frequent. Such deposits are to be removed as described in Chapter XXIV. This trifling operation, as well as those of greater extent upon the deciduous teeth, is attended by difficulties absent in operations upon the teeth of adults. Children may be presented for dental treatment as early as the third or fourth year. At this age they are too young to appreciate the importance of dental service, or to be reasoned with ; difficulties which are still further increased by insubordination, frequently abetted rather than curbed by the child's guardian. Children will rarely submit to inconvenience, much less to any degree of suffering incidental to den- tal operations. The physical character of the infantile mouth furnishes additional obstructions : the entrance to the mouth is small ; the mouth- cavity is shallow owing to the shortness of the teeth and the alveolar process ; and the salivary secretion is very free ; thus dryness of the parts, one of the most efficient aids to accurate and painless dental ope- rations, is but imperfectly attainable. It is rare that the rubber-dam can be used before the sixth or seventh year. The muscles of the tongue and lips of children are singularly uncontrollable. Much may be accomplished with children through tact upon the part of the operator. Until the child has become familiarized with the dental chair, and with having its mouth examined, teeth touched, pressed upon, etc., operations should be confined to trifling procedures occupying but few minutes at most. The growing familiarity will ABRASION OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH. 493 secure quiet of the patieut, the most essential })relimiiuiiy to operating. Lack of patience, or tlie use of force upon the part of the operator, is, exccipt in rare cases, an eflPei^tual bar to present or any future opera- tions. Many children may be given a ])ermanent dread of dentists and dental operations by some ill-considered move upon the i)art of the operator. Even premising quiet of the patient, the form of the mouth, lack of dryness, and necessity for short sittings make operations on the deciduous teeth a compromise between what should be done and what can be done. It is quite as important that the temporary masticating apjiaratus should be kept in full working condition as it is for the permanent. As em})hasized by Guilford,^ during the period that the deciduous teeth are in position the alimentary canal and its glandular appendages are still in a developmental stage, and any disturbance of oral physiology, resulting in the stomach receiving poorly masticated food-stuffs, may react upon its normal development. Such cases may at least induce functional gastro- intestinal disturbances of some gravity. The existence of painful dis- eases of the teeth materially hinders mastication, so that their correction is demanded to relieve ])ain and to restore the partially lost function. Abrasion of the Deciduous Teeth. The occlusal surfaces of the deciduous teeth may wear away to a great extent. In some cases, this appears to be due to active fermentative changes in the mouth, which cause a general acid reaction of the fluid contents of the mouth ; owing to faulty organization of the cusp-enamel, it may be readily soluble, and the teeth may be worn down and abraded through the combined action of solvents and the mechanical abrasion of mastication. The cases of this condition observed, while associated with the presence of dental caries in some of the teeth, showed an exemption from caries in the teeth most abraded — those which were washed clean. More than this, in some of the teeth, worn nearly to the gum-margin, evidences of secondary constructive action upon the part of the pulp appeared ; the teeth were worn beyond the original limits of the pulp- chamber and the pulps were still vital. Another form of abrasion may be seen in teeth whose tissue-organ- ization is not faulty. Children whose rectums are infested with parasites, as the ascaris lumbricoides, taenia (taj)eworm), etc., and who suffer from irritable bladder due to hyperacidity of the urine, com- monly have a reflex stimulation of the muscles of mastication during ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1896. 494 DISEASES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH. sleep, which causes the forcible grinding of the teeth. The enamel of the teeth may be worn down and abraded, as observed in adults. Treatment. — The treatment of abraded surfaces M'here the dentin is exposed is to wash the mouth with an antiseptic, not one containing chlorids, but hvdrog-en dioxid. Drv the dentin-surfaces and rub them vigorously with fused silver nitrate. This silver salt, rubbed upon dentin, forms with its organic constituents an albuminate of silver, which is persistently antiseptic. Under the influence of light it is reduced to the oxid of silver, which is slowly converted into silver lactate through the lactic acid produced in the mouth. Silver lactate, as contemporary surgical practice tcBtifies, is a most efficient antiseptic. Contrary to previously held opinions, Truman's experiments ^ indicate that silver nitrate is a very penetrating coagulant, so that the reactions above given persist for a long period. It is in consequence of these peculiarities that silver nitrate is found so effective in checking and preventing dental caries. The continued use of antiseptic mouth-washes is advised. Listerine, to which a minute portion of saccharin has been added to sweeten it, diluted one-half, is an agreeable antiseptic for continued use. In cases of grinding of the teeth, the source of the reflex disturbance should be removed by the general practitioner. Belladonna, which chil- dren stand well relatively large doses of, is the medicinal agent most used to lessen vesical irritability. The urine, however, must have its acidity lessened through an increased vegetable diet, and, if required, potassium salts. Rectal parasites should be removed through the use of vermifuges — santonin, male fern, or others, depending upon which parasite is present. Small seat-worms, causing pruritus, may be destroyed by rectal injections of weak solutions of phenol sodique, a teaspoonful in a half pint of water. Caeies of the Deciduous Teeth. Unless constant supervision of the deciduous teeth be exercised, caries is very liable to progress to the extent of pulp-exposure without the previous warning sign — dentinal sensitivity. While the canal-portions of the pulps of these teeth are frequently fine, flattened, and tortuous, the pulp-chamber has a relatively large size, so that pulp-exposure follows quickly upon loss of a section of enamel. Eternal vigilance is the price of pulp-salvation in the deciduous teeth. The approximal surfaces of the deciduous teeth appear to be more quickly and generally affected than the occlusal surfaces. Again, the occlusal surfaces of the second molars are more frequently affected than those of the first molars. The anatomical forms and arrangement of ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1895. CARIES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH. 495 the teeth explain these conditions ; the approximal surfaces particularly of the molars, and the occlusal surfaces of the second molars, aiford lodgement for food-debris more readily than do other situations. It is rare that decided pain, increased by applications of cold or heat, and excited by the presence of sugar in the mouth, occurs before actual exposure of the pulp. In a majority of the cases which present themselves throbbing pain, indicative of pulpitis, is present. If cavities are observed before pain has been complained of, and prompt and quickly subsiding response to applications of cold water is obtained, indicating a normal pulp, the cavity should be excavated, with more regard to removing the marginal caries than to thorough ex- cavation, and an application of hydrogen dioxid made. The dentin is dried, and an application of a 20 per cent, solution of silver nitrate is made for a few minutes, the cavity being subsequently filled. In cases of adjoining approximal cavities there is a disposition for the aifected teeth to press together and lessen the size of the dental arch. Bonwill advises as a practice, followed by uniformly good results in such cases, to cleanse the cavities (Fig. 378) and insert masses of pink gutta-percha base-plate. The constant biting upon the gutta-percha causes a separation of the teeth which in- Fig^8. creases the size of the arch and affords additional space for permanent successors. He advises that before the gutta-percha masses are inserted that small pieces of blotting-paper saturated with carbolic acid be laid against the dentinal walls and the gutta-percha be packed over them. The more efficient and persistent '^^"^^ '^^ preparing . .., . , ,.,. 1 approximal cav- antiseptic silver nitrate may be applied instead of the ities. carbolic acid. Kirk advises that asbestos-felt be heated to destroy any organic matter present in it which might combine with the silver, and then be soaked in a saturated solution of silver nitrate, dried, and kept in dark bottles away from the light. Small pieces of the prepared felt may be used as described. The silver-nitrate method is particularly applicable to shallow cavi- ties in which excavation for filling is impracticable. The dentin-surface is cleansed and dried, and the fused silver nitrate is rubbed upon the surface. This may be done after the method of Craven : a platinum wire is dipped into the powdered salt and held over a flame until the powder fuses into a button. By this means applications can be directly and accurately made. These shallow cavities frequently form upon the distal walls of second molars, and the erupting permanent first molar crowds into the carious area, not only reducing the space for the future bicuspids, but inducing caries in the mesial wall of the permanent tooth, and permit- 496 DISEASES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH. ting the deep invasion of, and pulp-destruction in the temporary tooth. If these cavities can be given a retentive form/ it should be done, and a filling having an exaggerated and rounded contour inserted, against which the erupting permanent tooth will press with a minimum of con- tact-area. In case of non-retentive form a disk is used to cut away the surface, leaving above the neck of the tooth a shoulder-like projection to hold back the permanent tooth (Fig. 379). The cut surface should be treated with silver nitrate. Diseases of the Pulp. If the case be seen at a stage when paroxysmal pain is caused by applications of cold, indicating active hypersemia of the pulp, an attempt should by all means be made to soothe, protect, and maintain the vitality of the pulp. The principal object in maintain- ing vitality of the pulp is that the physiological process of root-resorption may not be aborted, prevented, or deranged. It is undoubtedly // /f\\ \\ Vv...4\-----v\ true that root-resorption does occur in the ab- ■i-/J^'' ~%^Vi '~--..,'' '•-—-'' sence of a pulp, if the roots be in an aseptic i'\ / ) condition f but in the absence of the pulp the ''--::::::'--'' process is irregular and incomplete (Fig. 380), '"ZS'"X 1 STa"! ^-xJ ""y °«t occur. Again, it is probable that of the temporary second mo- the destruction of the pulp and the resulting imperfect resorption may disturb the nutritive balance in the developing alveolar structures in a manner at present unknown. The obtundent oils are of essential service in all of the pulp-disturbances of children. The oils of cloves and gaultheria are well-known domestic remedies for the toothache of children ; thymol is the most effective. The cavity of decay is syringed with tepid water and dried, and a pellet of cotton dipped in one of these oils is inserted. The cavity is given a retentive form, its walls painted with a non-conducting varnish, or, what is better, a pulp-cap filled with a paste (thymol, glycerin, and zinc oxid) is laid upon the deep wall of the cavity and a filling of zinc phosphate flowed over it. If evidences of active pulpitis — repeated paroxysms of pain, par- ticularly throbbing pain — occur, it is advisable to destroy and remove the pulp. If soothed, and the cavity filled, the pulp dies and decom- poses, and septic pericementitis arises. In any event, the pulp is first reduced to a condition of quiet. As to the means of destroying the pulp, it should be remembered that pulp-exposure, although it may occur at a very early age, usually occurs ^ Woodward, Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1896. ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1896. DISEASES OF THE PULP. 497 where the process of root-resorption has made some degree of advance ; hence the communication between the pulp and apical tissues is more free than when the constriction of the apical foramen existed. It is evident, therefore, Fig. 380. that the devitalizing agent (arsenic) must be nsed with extreme care, and in minimum amount, to prevent its passage into the apical circulation. The usual concomitant of the specific necrotic effects of arsenic upon j_ root-resorption of puipiess adult pulps— iugulation of the pulp-circula- tooth: B. normal resorption; I I J ts 11 yital pulp. tion at the apical foramen — will probably not be in evidence because of the increased size of the foramen. The usual shapes of cavities leading to pulp-exposure in temporary teeth demand that extra precautions be taken to prevent the escape of arsenic from the cavity upon the gum ; .moreover, that most useful adjunct, the rubber-dam, may not be applicable, so that the dryness of the cavity is imperfect. For these reasons the arsenic should be con- tained in devitalizing fibre. The amount used should be very minute and v.ell diluted. The fibre is laid upon the exposure and retained by means of cotton and sandarac, or temporary stopping. If the evidences of acute pulp-disturbance have been very severe, it is advisable to retain the fibre by flowing over it thin zinc phosphate to avoid pressure. The application is not to remain more than twenty-four hours, and, if root- resorption have progressed, for not more than twelve hours. After this time the pulp-chamber is to be opened, when it may be found that the pulp has still a slight degree of sensitivity. Goddard ' advises that gly- cerole of tannin be then sealed in the cavity for a week to tan the pulp. Other means have been suggested and employed to effect pulp- destruction, to avoid the dangers incident to the use of arsenic. Darby uses with success a paste of about ^-^ gr. of cantharides in carbolic acid. Dunbar^ states that aqua ammonise applied to a pulp will effect its destruction. Tr. iodin has been advised by others. Increasing press- ure by cotton pellets charged with oil of cloves is a slow method of destroying a pulp.^ The pulp is removed as from the adult teeth, any living filaments being destroyed by a drop of trichloracetic acid. Previous to opening the canals the mouth should be drenched with antiseptics, and the carious cavity be repeatedly washed with pyrozone. Dryness should be maintained as well as possible, and the rubber-dam used where- ever it can be applied. The cleansed canals are filled with an antiseptic oil, dried, and filled at once. Two materials offer themselves ^ American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. 2 Quoted by Goddard, Ibid. ' Flagg. 32 498 DISEASES OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH. for this purpose in preference to all others — melted paraffin and balsamo del deserto. The paraffin may be combined with one of the iodin preparations, iodoform, aristol, or nosophen. Septic Pericementitis. Septic pericementitis presents itself as an acute or a chronic condi- tion following upon death and putrescence of the pulp. It may arise in open cavities, or under fillings which were placed over dying pulps. Its symptoms are those of septic apical pericementitis : the swelling is pronounced ; pain is not so severe as in adult teeth, the tooth be- comes very loose, and the duration of the disease is shorter than in the adult. The general symptoms, however, are fre- ^^" ■ quently much more pronounced than in the adult ; the inflammation may be attended by a chill, and frequently by a pronounced fever ; the neighbor- ing lymphatic glands may in a few hours exhibit evidence of the presence of septic matter in them, by swelling and tenderness. The point of exit of the pus is usually directly over the affected root, and not very far from the gum-margin (Fig. 381). Showing the relations of If pus-cxit be delayed, there is frequently a dispo- an abscess upon a tern- gition to a strippiup; of the outcr alveolar perios- porary tooth with the ... . . . crown of a developing tcum. This, in Connection with wide spreading of permanent tooth under- ^j^g inflammation, is marked and common in stru- lying it. _ ' mous children. Treatment. — The treatment consists in immediate evacuation of the pus and washing out the infected tract with antiseptics. The patient's head is steadied with the left hand, which also prevents the child seeing the bistoury. The last fingers are rested upon the teeth to prevent slip- ping of the knife through movement of the head of the child, and a direct cut is made to the process. The nozzle of a syringe charged with pyrozone is passed into the tooth-cavity and the fluid is driven through the abscess-tract. This is to be repeated until bubbling ceases. The cavity of decay is sealed after placing in it a pellet of cotton saturated with 2 per cent, formalin solution or similar disinfectant. As .'^oon as acute symptoms have subsided, an examination of the canals should l)e made to determine the amount of root-resorption. If this have progressed far, it will preclude the use of the more powerful germ- icides used in canal-cleansing. In any event, strong sodium dioxid can be used in the pulp-chamber, but its introduction into the canals must be guarded. Sterilization is effected there, by repeated washings with hydrogen dioxid or meditrina, followed by drying the canals and filling SEPTIC PERICEMENTITIS. 499 them with cotton and an anti^^eptic oil — thyme or cassia — to test the thoroughness of disinfection. If the fistuhi heal and the tooth be- comes tight, and the cotton when removed from the root has no odor of putrefaction, the canals should be filled with paraffin and aristol, or balsamo del deserto. In cases of high fever, where immediate access cannot be gained to the root-canals for disinfection, the immediate extraction of the tooth may be necessary. The treatment of chronic abscess is similar to that of the acute variety after active inflammation has subsided. A longer time, how- ever, is required for sterilization, as the dentin of the root is usually badly contaminated by noxious material and the soft tissues are in a state of debility, a condition identical with chronic infective ulcer. Sodium dioxid may be used with comparative freedom in these cases, as the passage of a small amount of the solution acts as a caustic to the diseased tissues beneath. Campho-phenique may be pumped into the canals of such cases without fear of ill-results. If inflammatory symptoms run high, particularly in debilitated children, before root-resorption has progressed to any considerable extent, limited alveolar necrosis may occur, and a sequestrum be formed, which will require removal. In such cases, however, the tooth need not be extracted, if the sepsis can be controlled and the tooth be not markedlv loose. CHAPTER XXVIII. REFLEX DISORDERS OF DENTAL ORIGIN. Recognizing pain as a condition produced through the overexcita- tion of sensory nerves, a reflex pain may be defined as a pain referred to some point other than that of its origin. Pain referred to the distribu- tion of a sensory nerve may be due to overexcitation of any portion of the nerve ; in its terminal distribution ; to diseases aifecting any portion of the nerve-trunk, or to disorders aifecting the central termination of the nerve. Again, irritation of one sensory nerve may be referred to some other sensory nerve. The condition is called neuralgia. As both the upper and the lower teeth and their surroundings receive their neural supply from branches of the fifth pair of cranial nerves, discussion of this subject is confined to causes operating within the distribution of that nerve. As such general conditions as malaria, syphilis, and forms of ansemia, operate to produce neuralgia which may be referred to the teeth, or the parts about them, only those cases will be regarded as dental which have undoubtedly a dental origin, as evidenced by disappearance of the neuralgia following cure of the exciting dental condition. It should be noted, however, that vague and sometimes severe pains referred to the teeth may entirely disappear after the cure of some constitu- tional disorder. For example, cases of periodically recurring dental pain have been entirely relieved through the administration of quinin and arsenic ; the pains were clearly of malarial origin. Pain about the teeth in syphilitics has disappeared after the administration of iodids. Pain referred to the teeth in anaemic patients has disappeared after a long course of chalybeates. Reflexes of dental origin are both motor and sensory, the latter far outweighing the former in importance. Motor reflexes may be noted in the quick spurt of saliva from the ducts of the salivary glands upon infliction of pain in the teeth, and by the spasmodic contraction of the muscles about the mouth when the pulp of a tooth is deliberately irri- tated. Twitching of the muscles about the face is a common accom- paniment of trigeminal neuralgia. Before direct association of dental diseases with pains in other parts can be clearly demonstrated a review of those conditions of the teeth attended by pain must be made. 500 Fig. 382.— Plan of the fifth cranial nerve, showing the relationships of the dental nerves. (After Flower.) 502 REFLEX DISORDERS OF DENTAL ORIGIN. Dental pain arises in consequence of disorder of the sensory struct- ures ; these are situated in the pulp, and by continuation throughout the dentin ; and in the pericementum. The roots of teeth may have unusual anatomical relations with other sensory structures than their own pericementum. Dental pains, therefore, may be discussed, first, in connection with affections of the dentin and pulp, and, secondly, with those of the pericementum. It was stated, in discussing the diseases of the dental pulp, that this organ is not the seat of the tactile sense, and that, like other organs having a kindred physiological relationship, irritation excited in it is not located, but is referred to some other part. While all reflex dental disturbances are, as a rule, located in some part of the great nerve- branch supplying the source of irritation, the irritation may be reflected to distant parts : first, of the same cranial nerve, and, secondly, to other nerves. That is, pain having its origin in one of the upper teeth is most likely to be referred to a point or points in the distribution of the superior maxillary nerve. Disturbances in or about the lower teeth are usually referred to the distribution of the inferior maxillary nerve. In affections of either upper or lower teeth the pain may be referred to the first division of the fifth nerve. In all of these cases, but most notably in connection with disturbances of the upper teeth, the usual symptom of trifacial neuralgia — tenderness of the supra- and infra-orbital nerves at their points of emergence upon the face, the supra- and infra-orbital foramina — is commonly present. Cases are extremely rare where the reflex pain is referred to the opposite side ; indeed, so unusual is this occurrence that its mention warrants suspicion that other sources of irritation exist upon the side referred to. The extent or acuteness of reflex pain bears no direct relation to the apparent extent of the source of irritation. As might be surmised from the function of the dental pulp, painful reflex dental disorders are more common in connection with diseases of the pulp than with those of the pericementum. Reflex Neuralgia from Exposed Dentin. The exposure of the dentin to external sources of irritation is fol- lowed by reactions governed, first, by the degree of sensitivity inherent in the protoplasm of the tissue ; and, secondly, by the degree of hypersensitivity induced in it. Reflex disturbance due to these irri- tations is more common in the class of women called " neuralgics " than in other persons. Like direct pulp-pains, unless actual pressure be exerted upon the affected tissue, there is no localized pain. In the absence of deliberate irritation, the pain may be referred to any portion REFLEX NEURALGIAS FROM PULP-DISEASES. 503 of the peripheral distribution of the fiftli nerve upon the face ; but if an acid liquid, such as lemon-juice or vinegar; or sugars, be taken into the mouth, pain is excited, which is referred indefinitely to the teeth of one side, frequently of one jaw. Reflex pains due to this cause are much more likely to appear when there is but little loss of dentin. Wiien carious cavities have proceeded to any depth evidences of direct pulp-disturbance are obtained through the increased response to thermal changes. Reflex pains from exposed dentin appear most common in connection with exposures at the neck of the tooth and upon abraded areas. Obstinate and persistent neural- gia, positively referred to another nerve-branch, may apparently owe its origin to so slight a cause as ex- posure at the neck of a tooth (Fig. 383) of a line of dentin. The proof of the connection between the two is made clear by a disappearance ^^'"' °^ <^'^"^ ".^p°'"/' ^^^^^^""y associated '' '^'^ with reflex pains. of the neuralgia after the exposed dentin has been subjected to the action of powerful caustics, destroy- ing the dentinal filaments to some depth. The connection between the two may be revealed only by accident ; the contact of a tooth-pick, a dental instrument, or the finger-nail may induce a paroxysm of pain. While in some cases the dental origin of reflex pain may be made clear by the induction of a painful response in the area of reflection, by irritating a tooth-pulp, this reaction is not constant. The causal relation is only certain when the cure of localized dental disease is fol- lowed by a disappearance of the neuralgia without further treatment. This proof should be exacted in all cases. The most common sources of neuralgic attacks about the face are diseases of the eyes and teeth. In general terms, diseases of the eye give rise to reflex pains referred to the distribution of the first branch of the fifth nerve ; diseases of the teeth usually cause reflex pains in either the superior or inferior maxillary divisions, according as the upper or lower teeth are affected. In all painful affections of these nerves attention should at once be directed to the organs named. Reflex Neuralgias from Pulp-diseases. The disturbances require classification according to the distance between their source and their manifestations. In the Fifth Pair of Nerves. — Pain referred to a different spot or area than its origin is a characteristic of all pulp-diseases. The extent of its reflection depends, first, upon the patient, as noted in con- 504 REFLEX DISORDERS OF DENTAL ORIGIN. Fig. 384. nectioD with the reflex pains from exposed dentin ; and, secondly, upon the variety of pulp-di.sease. In neuralgic patients any variety of pulp- disease may cause comparatively distant pains. But, as Black has pointed out,^ the general rule is, that the more chronic and profound degenerative diseases of the pulp are much more liable to give rise to distant reflex pains than are acute pulp-diseases. The pains of acute hypersemia and of acute inflammation of the pulp are usually referred to the region of the tooth affected, or to a corresponding nerve-trunk. In conditions of venous hypersemia, nodu- lar calcification, chronic inflammation, and, later pulp-degenerations, the pains may be of such character that their dental origin is only determined after persistent search. Particularly is this true of the growth of pulp-nodules. The source of the reflex pains is all the more obscure from the fact that in these chronic degenerations direct dental symptoms may be entirely absent, and are only elicited upon the most searching examination and exhaustive tests. There is no constancy in the location of the jmin due to any of these causes ; but tenderness of the eyeball upon pressure ; persistent pain in the temporal and anterior auricular regions, particularly in con- nection with pulp-diseases of the lower posterior teeth ; in the ear itself, a common site of the reflex pain excited by chronic pulp-inflammation and sup- puration of that organ ; behind the ear, back of the lower border of the mastoid processes, tender spots may develop ; ten- derness to pressure may appear at the supra- and infra-orbital or mental fora- men, and about the chin. In the same class of diseases the pains may frequently radiate as far as the shoulder. Many of these cases receive attention from the gen- eral practitioner, and the painful attacks recurring at irregular intervals are re- lieved by analgesic remedies — phenacetin, acetanilid, exalgin, etc. — and no attention paid to a probable dental source of the disorder. It should be a routine practice to examine the teeth in cases presenting pains of the type and in the situations described. Immediate search should be made for teeth containing pulps in late degenerative stages (see Symp- toms of Disease of the Pulp). Acute diseases of the pulp, including suppuration and, notably, abscess of the pulp, usually have attention directed to the teeth through pain induced by thermal changes, so that their diagnosis is quickly made. Not so, however, with the chronic ^ American System of Dentistry, vol. i. Spots of tenderness in reflex neural- gias of dental origin. REFLEX PAINS FROM DISEASES OF THE PERICEMENTUM. 505 degenerative changes, except possibly of pulp-nodult's ; for if tlic pulj) is in the late stages of degeneration, it may require repeated a})plications of cold and heat to elicit a response from teeth which do not' respond by tenderness upon percussion. Failing to obtain evidence of pulp-disorders, examination should be made for ex})osed and hypersensitive dentin. Then, examination of the pericemental reaction of each tooth should be made and for any evidences about the teeth pointing to pericemental disturbance (see later). Lauder Brunton ' records that, in his own case, temporal neuralgia accompanied by tender eyeball was found due to exposed dentin upon the posterior cervical surface of a lower third molar (Fig. 383). The same writer ^ announces " that so frequently are headaches dependent upon de- cayed teeth that in all cases of headache the first thing I do is to care- fully examine the teeth ;" as should everyone else. Brunton explains the painful reaction upon the accepted hypothesis of the pathology of megrim, that it is due to spasmodic contraction of the peripheral end of an artery, with dilatation of the proximal portion. " Irritation in the tooth is reflected to the cervical sympathetic ganglia and causes spasmodic contraction of the arteries through irregular stimulation of the vasomotor nerves." Reflex Pains from Diseases of the Pericementum. As a general rule, pericemental pains are located at the affected tooth ; but in some of the disorders, particularly those in which either hypersemia or inflammation, acute or chronic, is not present, the teeth may not be tender upon percussion, and yet excite reflex pains in other parts, the proof of the connection being determined by a dis- appearance of the pain upon extraction of the tooth. The roots in such cases usually present either a hypertrophy of cementum, or show that resorption of a portion — it may be a major portion — of the root has occurred. In cases of hypercementosis it is assumed that the source of the irri- tation is pressure upon the nerves of the pericementum by the hyper- trophic growth. Very widespread disorders may arise from this source (see cases of insanity, etc.). Flagg records'' many varieties of trifacial neuralgia; pains in remote parts of the body ; grave functional disorders of the eye and ear ; and motor disturbances — chorea, epilepsy, and paralysis — having a direct demonstrable connection with hypercementosis. He mentions violent ^ St. Bartholomeid's Hospital Reports, vol. xix. Reprinted in his DmnJers of Digestion. '^ Ibid. » Dental Cosmos, 1878. 506 REFLEX DISORDERS OF DENTAL ORIGIN OF PERICEMENTUM. attacks of trifacial neuralgia as the most common reflex disturbance from this source ; and next, long-continued pains in the ear or eye of the aifected side. The existence of acute disease of these organs is usually diagnosed by the general practitioner. He states that oral and ocular disturbances, both functional and painful, are of gradually increasing severity. In examining for a dental source of such pains, exposed dentin, pulp- diseases, and inflammatory affections of the pericementum should be first excluded. In examinations by percussion a different response may be obtained from some one tooth than from the others. Hypercementosis of a particular tooth is indicated by finding the gum-line slightly re- ceded, and the tooth-attachment unusually firm ; if, in addition, vague, heavy dental pains have persisted at intervals over a long period, the diagnosis is probable. It is only certain when tapping upon the tooth brings on a paroxysm of neuralgia, or where a skiagraphic view actually exhibits the hypertrophic growth. The remedy is extraction. Any root-fragment left unextracted may perpetuate the reflex disorder. Painful affections referred to the neighboring region of the affected tooth, or diffused through the distribution of the corresponding nerve- trunk, or to the eye or ear, may accompany the process of resorption of the roots of permanent teeth. Gillman ^ records a case where facial paralysis disappeared upon extraction of a tooth which had long been the seat of disturbances, and which upon extraction revealed resorption of its root. All of the acute or chronic, septic or non-septic inflammations of the pericementum, may give rise to reflex pains. In many of these cases the cause of the reflex irritation is due, perhaps, to sepsis, rather than to a pure neurotic connection. The most common causes of the reflex pains are found in that stage of pericemental irritation which antedates acute septic apical pericementitis, and which accompanies the chronic inflammations of the apical pericementum from any cause. In some of these cases reflex neuralgia may play a subordinate part to general infection from the focus of disease. The reflex nervous disorders con- sist in painful disturbances in the distribution of the fifth nerve and dis- orders of special senses, particularly that of hearing. Unless an exacer- bation of the reflex disorder, or symptoms referable to that region, be induced by pressure or percussion on the tooth, a causal relationship is only made out by either relieving an existing dental disorder or extract- ing the teeth. The symptoms of septic intoxication and septicaemia must be carefully differentiated from reflex neuralgias in such cases : the latter are rare ; the former probably more frequent than supposed in connec- tion with septic dental diseases. ^ Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, 1867. PAIN REFERRED TO NERVOUS TRACTS OTHER THAN FIFTH. 507 Impacted Teeth as a Cause of Neuralgia. Neuralgia of varying degrees of severity is a common accompaniment of impacted teeth. It is most frequently noted in connection with erup- tion of the lower third molars, not only because this tooth is the one most frequently impacted, but because of the anatomical relations of its roots with the inferior dental nerve. In the milder forms of impaction, those in which eruption, though delayed, is subsequently completed, the pains are commonly localized and associated with but occasional attacks of rigidity of the masseter muscles. If, however, the crown present horizontally or nearly so, and its progress is arrested by impaction against the posterior wall of the lower molar, or if its progress be arrested by permanent imprisonment of the advancing crown between the posterior surface of the second molar and the base of the coronoid process, not only may intense local pains be induced, but severe reflex disturbances of both a sensory and motor character may occur. In some of these cases root-formation is completed, although the crown of the tooth does not advance, in which case compression of the inferior dental canal and its contents may occur and cause grave reflex disturbances. The local irritation about the root, due to root-growth, may excite continued constructive action by the pericementum, and the hypertrophic growth in its turn may be the source of reflex neuralgias. Complete imprisonment of the entire tooth has been found to be the exciting cause of facial neuralgias, for the cure of which extensive sur- gical operations have been performed. Impacted cuspids and other teeth may excite no other symptoms than reflex neuralgia. The possible connection between an impacted tooth and neuralgia is made out after excluding other dental causes, when it may be observed that one or more of the permanent teeth are absent from the dental arch, at dates long after their normal time of eruption. A condition equivalent to partial impaction, in which dental irrita- tion may be the source of reflex neuralgia, is seen when the teeth are crowded — jammed into arches too small for their accommodation. Dur- ing the period of eruption severe maxillary pains may recur at intervals. Pain referred to Nervous Tracts other than the Fifth. The most common disturbance appearing in other cerebro-spinal nerves than the fifth, due to dental diseases, is an affection of the eighth or auditory nerve. Cases of deafness have been recorded due to dis- eases of both pulp and pericementum, notably to hypercementosis. Deafness which has persisted for a long period has been markedly lessened by the extraction of teeth the seat of disease. Cases of sup- 508 REFLEX DISORDEES OF BEXTAL ORIGIX. purative otitis media have been regarded as having pathological associa- tion with septic diseases about the teeth from the fact that the aural trouble subsided immediately after extraction of the diseased teeth. Sensory disturbances of the eye, associated with dental diseases, have been alluded to ; in addition to these, grave structural and functional diseases of the eye, traceable to dental causes, have been recorded, such as motor, sensory, and special sense-disturbances, together with trophic disorders/ Among the latter may be mentioned corneal inflammation and ulceration and phlyctenular conjunctivitis. Irregular paralyses of the third, fourth, and sixth nerves of the affected side have been noted. Amaurosis, amblyopia, and functional blindness without retinal con- ditions to account for it, have been found to arise from notably advanced degenerative changes in the dental pulp, sight returning to the eye after loss of a diseased tooth. De Witt- records a most instructive case where temporary blindness was associated with septic apical peri- cementitis, disappearing after evacuation of the abscess, and reappear- ing when secondary inflammatory action arose in the pericementum. The ocular affection disappeared permanently and almost entirely with the loss of the tooth. The history of this case illustrates the important causal relationship of reflex disturbances with late pulp-degenerations ; for the blindness arose two months after some teeth were filled, and existed for twelve years before the septic apical pericementitis appeared. A careful examination of these and all other reflex disturbances shows that pulp-degenerations outnumber all other affections as causes. Many or most of the cases are recorded by general practitioners, who make no distinction between diseases of the pulp and those of the peri- cementum, but a reliable diagnosis of the conditions is made possible by the accompanying descriptions. Cases of ovarian and uterine neuralgia and sciatica and cases of obstinate pains in the toes and fingers have been traced to dental irrita- tion of some one of the varieties named ; the proof of association being disappearance of the pain with loss of the tooth. Motor Disturbances from Dental Diseases. Motor disturbances due to dental irritation may occur as recurrent or persistent contraction or paralysis of muscles, together with more or less general chorea ; in rare instances epilepsy and hystero-epilepsy. Twitching of muscles of the affected side of the face, ranging from slight affection of the occipito-frontalis, to recurring spasm of the ele- ' See Erubaker, Araerican System of Dentistry, vol. iii., for very full and detailed dis- cussion of these subjects. '' Quoted by Brunton, I)isorders of Digestion. DENTAL PAIN ARISING FROM OTHER THAN DENTAL SOURCES. 509 vators and depressors of the lower lip, are far from uiicoiumoii phe- nomena attendant npon pulp-diseases. Contraction of the masseter muscle is a common accompaniment of retarded eruption of the lower third molar, which may be intensified until the condition is fitly termed trismus, in some cases of partial im- paction of the teeth. Partial trismus has been found due to a general overcrowding of the dental arch.' Records of cases of torticollis, due to dental diseases, are also given by Brubaker. Cases of facial paralysis, and cases of paralysis of one arm, of para- plegia and hemiplegia, and even of general paralysis, have been noted as disappearing after the extraction of diseased teeth. It is noteworthy that in these cases, as well as in several cases of tetanus recorded, the possibility of an infection entered into the pathogenesis of the nervous diseases. Stellwagen^ records a case where symptoms of partial hemiplegia followed n])on the operation of capping the pulps of two molar teeth ; the symptoms disappeared promptly upon extraction of these teeth. Cases of insanity arising from dental diseases have been recorded ; they were both maniacal and melancholic. In several of them a res- toration to a normal mental state followed promptly upon remt)val of the offending teeth. In some of these cases a pre-existing maxillary neuralgia directed attention to the teeth as possible sources of the nervous diseases. Dental Pain arising prom other than Dental Sources. Conditions of pain the reverse of those discussed — /. e., pain defi- nitely or indefinitely located in teeth which exhibit no morbid condi- tions whatever — demand occasional attention at the hands of the dentist. These painful states are most commonly found in gouty patients, in whom the pain may have the character of pulp-pains, or of perice- mentitis. The pains may recur at intervals, and be associated with headache, constipation, etc. The gouty origin of the pains is indicated by the efficacy of sodium salicylate in their treatment, without any dental treatment whatever. Chronic malarial poisoning, as stated in the beginning of this chapter, may give rise to periodical attacks of maxillary neuralgia. As in the gouty cases, the constitutional cause of the disturbance is made clear through the therapeusis most effective, viz., the periodical recurrence of the pain leads to the inference of a malarial origin, and to the administration of quinin. Syphilitic pains in the jaws have a pericemental character, and other evidences of syphilis are present which point to a diagnosis. ' Brubaker. ^ Private communication. 510 REFLEX DISORDERS OF DENTAL ORIGIN. Pains in or about the teeth are occasional accompaniments of dis- eases of the brain or its vessels, and of diseases of the uterus, kidneys, and bladder. Disease in any portion of the fifth cranial nerve may be referred to the teeth. Dental pain during pregnancy, without any direct evidence of dental disease, is relatively common. Disorders of the lower bowels, causing constipation, may give rise to pain referred to one or more teeth, the pain ceasing promptly upon the administration of au active evacuant. CHAPTER XXIX. INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH, AND STERILIZA- TION. The conditions found in the human mouth, as pointed out in Chap- ters III. and YI., are of a character which afford lodgement to, and opportunities for multiplication of, many forms of hacteria, both sapro- phytic and parasitic. The oral conditions are, however, not entirely constant, so that at different periods they may favor the develop- ment of some special bacterial forms more than others. The nature of these variations has not been made out, although their effects are indubitable. Again, the oral bacterial inhabitants are not constant as to species, for while there are many forms which appear to be invariable occupants of the oral cavity, many pathogenic forms are but accidental residents. Becoming resident, they may or may not develop according as they find in the mouth a suitable soil. The nature of what constitutes a suitable or unsuitable soil has not been determined, although in some cases extra-oral culture-experiments furnish some indications. Bacterial growth, as causes of dental caries and diseases of the pulp and pericementum, have been discussed in connection with those several diseases. It was shown that the pyogenic cocci are almost constant inhabitants of the human mouth. There appeared also evi- dence that some of the reflex disorders of distant parts are directly traceable to septic processes about the teeth, and, in addition to these, suppurative diseases in other parts become curable after removal of a septic tooth ; such conditions representing infection from a local dental infection, an important aspect of dental pathologv. The infections arising from the growth of mouth-fungi are local and general. The phrase fungi is used in this connection, because other classes beside the fission-fungi (schizomycetes) are pathogenic also. Both the thread-fungi (hyphomycetes) and bud-fungi (blastomycetes) induce morbid conditions in the human mouth. The notable fungus of the blastomycetes, is the saccharomvces albi- cans ; this organism, when classified by mycologists as a thread-fungus, was known as the oidium albicans (Fig. 3; ever present, iiuist alwavs play a part in either origi- nating, modifying, or associating with all oral diseases. That the progressive decomposition of albuminons substances, always present in the mouth to a greater or less degree, by the action of sa- prophytic fungi, must give rise to derivatives of all)umin, many of them toxic in effects, would be surmised even in the absence of experimental demonstration, a suspicion confirmed by experiment. Vulpian^ pro- duced septicaemia by vaccinating animals with the saliva of a healthy man. Griffin^ showed that the parotid saliva (pure) is harmless. The saliva, if boiled, exerts no toxic action, from which it is clear that it derives its toxic substances from the mouth. The saliva of individuals differs at times in the degree of its poisonous action. In some diseases it becomes intensely toxic. Of the many oral bacterial forms, some are cultivable and some are not; hence the specific effects of some are discovered, others are doubtful. With regard to local affections, other than those described in the body of this book, a bacterial causation has been made out in some, but in others it has not. Stomatitis. Definition. — By stomatitis is meant a catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Varieties. — It may be localized, as in marginal gingivitis, or be diffuse ; and, again, be accompanied by localized ti.ssue-destructions — ulcerations ; the character of the ulceration differs according to its prob- able causes. Occurrence. — Most of these diseases belong to the period of childhood, although localized ulcerative stomatitis may appear in the adult. Causes. — The causes of stomatitis are so many and varied as to suggest a classification under heads according to assignable causes. While it is true that bacterial infection has not been shown to be a direct cause of all of these conditions, some degree of causal rela- tionship is probable in all of them. The disease may, however, be included under two heads according as they are or are not localized, and necrotic. The less localized cases appear as a diffuse catarrhal affec- tion, affecting wide areas of the oral mucous membrane ; the others appear as spots of localized tissue-destruction attended by surrounding hypersemia. 1 Quoted by Miller. -^ Ibid. 33 514 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. Catarrhal Stomatitis Local Symptomatic r Simple. { L Infectious . . . ^ Eruptive fevers. Syphilis. Tuberculosis. Typhoid fever. Drug-action . . r Fermentations. A Diphtheria. '^ Gonorrhoea. Local lodids. Mercury. Lead. Pilocarpin. Symptomatic Aphthae. Thrush. Noma. Herpes. Ulcerative Syphilis Stomatitis ..A ^ (primary). r Syphilis / Secondary. I -^^ L Tertiary. "] Tuberculosis [^ (local). SIMPLE LOCAL CATARRHAL STOMATITIS. The general symptoms of catarrhal inflammation — heat and swelling, with deepened color of the mucous membrane, followed by increased secretion and exudation — attend several types of oral irritation, such as the irritation induced by erupting teeth, particularly of the deciduous teeth. Inflammation of any degree may follow the taking into the mouth of caustic chemical substances, such as caustic alkalies, mineral acids, carbolic acid, etc., which are occasionally taken by children. Other irritant drugs, and very hot fluids may produce similar results. General catarrhal stomatitis is a frequent affection of confirmed smokers, and of drinkers of distilled liquors. The cure of these conditions consists in the removal or neutralization of the cause, and the use of local sedatives and antiseptics to allay irri- tation and prevent infection. The most effective method of treating the inflammatory condition is by antiseptic sprays, such as diluted Dobell's solution, followed by sprays of strong solutions of potassium chlorate. If much pain exist, phenol sodique is an admirable sedative antiseptic, used in 10-20 per cent, solution, as a spray. INFECTIVE LOCAL CATARRHAL STOMATITIS. This in some degree is a common, perhaps the necessary, antecedent condition to many of the ulcerative forms of stomatitis. It is probable STOMATITIS. 515 that many of the cases of stomatitis found in infants, children, and adults are due to unusual fermentations occurring in the mouth. Chil- dren whose nursing-bottles are not kept clean ; those who at a later age suffer from neglect of the teeth and from the effects of improper food ; adults in whose mouths dental diseases are widespread, and whose oral hygiene is very faulty : all exhibit abnormal conditions of the oral mucous membrane — more or less swelling, softness, and deepened color of the mucous membrane, a coated tongue, and offensive breath, with an increase of oral secretions. The complexus of oral symptoms is commonly, and also by the general practitioner, regarded as symptomatic of gastric, intestinal, and hepatic disorders, as doubtless they are, but the causal relationship is in many cases probably the reverse of that implied in such opinions, for it is probable (see later) that the disturbances of digestion are fermenta- tive in character, and the organisms causing them find their way to the stomach from the mouth, which was first affected. The treatment of this condition consists in the correction of its causes, their non-repetition, and the continued use of oral antiseptics. While the point of first attack of the diphtheria bacillus is most marked about the soft palate and tonsils, the false membrane forming there and spreading to the pharynx, more or less general inflammation of the oral mucous membrane also occurs. The gonococcus may be lodged in some portion of the oral cavity and excite its specific effects upon con- tiguous mucous membranes. SYMPTOMATIC CATARRHAL STOMATITIS. Stomatitis in its catarrhal form is usually associated with the early and later stages of the eruptive fevers, scarlet fever, smallpox, etc. In scarlet fever and smallpox evidences of direct infection of the moutli exist and the inflammatory reaction is pronounced. Catarrhal stomatitis is one of the manifestations of secondary and tertiary syphilis, antedating the appearance of tissue-necrosis (ulcera- tions). More or less catarrhal stomatitis, confined, it may be, to the mucous membrane of the gums, is common in the mouths of phthisical patients ; this condition exhibits no evidence of direct association of the local development of the bacillus of tuberculosis, because no tubercular ulcers may arise or threaten. The stomatitis of typhoid fever may be regarded as an almost essen- tial feature of the disease. The effects of drug-elimination by the oral tissues have been already discussed (see Chapter XXIV.). 516 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. ULCERATIVE STOMATITIS. It has been customary to describe ulcerative stomatitis as simple and infective ; in all probability these ulcerations are always infective. Like catarrhal stomatitis the ulcerative disease may have only a local significance or be indicative of some general disease. Ulcerative Stomatitis of Local Significance. — The more usual or infantile forms of these disorders are a sequel of catarrhal stomatitis, at least of an acquired debility of the oral tissues, and their primary cause is, therefore, the cause producing a condition of mucous mem- brane which permits the growth of infective organisms. One of these diseases, thrush, has already been described. The others, aphthae, herpes labialis, and noma, are all probably due to the action of organisms. Aphthae. — This affection is common in its isolated form, as the canker sore. In the catarrhal stomatitis of children, during or after dentition, multiple sores frequently make their appearance. The condition can best be studied when it appears as an isolated sore in the mouth of the adult. The most common situation of the sore is at the junction of two mucous surfaces, such as that of the gum with the lip or cheek, or that of the floor of the mouth with the gum or tongue. Redness dif- fused over a limited area, followed by a nodular hardening, occurs, during which local pain is annoying ; the centre of the hardened area breaks, forming a raw surface, which quickly acquires a rough white coating which is easily removable. The sores are very painful. This condition follows so constantly upon the taking of very indi- gestible food, such as lobster, Welsh rarebits, etc., that acute indigestion must be regarded as having some causal relationship with it. It is also of frequent occurrence in the mouths of dyspeptics ; that form of gastric disturbance attended by a deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice appears to have a constant association with it. The appearance of ulcerative stomatitis in children, together with its treatment, was discussed in the chapter on Dentition. The general treatment of these ulcerations appearing in the mouths of children is the administration of a laxative, and the subsequent administration of listerine, gtt. x, every two hours. Locally the mucous membrane is to be sprayed with pyrozone, followed by sprays of strong solutions of potassium chlorate. Localized aphthous patches in the adult are promptly relieved by the administration of calomel, gr. ij at night, followed in the morning by a mild saline. The local sore is dried and touched with pure carbolic acid. The administration of alkalies before meals, and hydrochloric acid after meals, usually remedies the gastric condition, unless it be of long standing. STOMATITIS. 517 A variety of aphthous sore is called, from the anatomical situation of the ulcers, follicular stomatitis. Irritation and swelling of the mucous follicles in the palatal, buccal, and labial mucous membrane are accompanied by more or less localized inflammation ; the follicles become ulcerous, the small ulcers having a uniform size. This condi- tion quickly disappears under the treatment advised for ulcerative stomatitis. An indication of the bacterial origin of all of these dis- turbances is seen in the efficacy of antiseptics used in their treatment. Noma, Cancrum Oris, Gangrene of the Mouth. — In ill-fed, ill-nourished, and ill-kept, cachectic children, the debilitation of the oral tissues may exceed the grades given, and a disease probably bacterial in origin may arise whicli leads to widespread necrosis of the cheeks and maxillae. The condition is called gangrene of the mouth, noma, or can- crum oris ; the latter term has been applied to the less severe varieties. This disease may make its appearance as an ulcer at the junction of cheek and gum ; in other cases a severe stomatitis arises without a primary ulcer. A greater or less extent of the cheek acquires a board- like hardness, becoming livid ; the overlying mucous membrane breaks. Fig. 387. Noma. (J. Lewis Smith.) exhibiting a large slough. The necro.sis extends toward cheek and jaw, destroying further tissue. The sloughs undergo putrefactive decom- position, emitting a stench. The destruction of tissue may be arrested, or may proceed, destroying in a few days the entire ciieek and bony 518 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. tissues. In the more severe cases the disease is almost invariably fatal, because the extent of the tissue-destruction bears a constant relation to the underlying debility of the patient. It will be seen that the disease resembles malignant pustule or carbuncle in several of its features. While no specific organism has been isolated as pathogenic of this condition, Schimmelbosch ^ found a bacillus (pure culture) upon the borders of the necrosis, which may prove pathogenic of noma. These cases are purely medical, so that their full discussion is not warranted in these pages. The principle of treatment is to improve the general condition of the child, destroy the probable infection in the borders of the still vital tissue, and promote sloughing of the necrosed tissue. Syphilitic Affections of the Mouth. — The recognition of syphilitic lesions about the mouth is of vital importance to the dental operator, first, because by the recognition he may take steps to prevent the car- riage of infection to innocent patients ; and, secondly, that he may avoid inoculation of himself by the poison. In the minds of many, syphilis is associated with the lower class of persons, who are confirmed cUbaucMs. While it is undoubtedly true that its prevalence is most marked in this class of persons, it appears, and with horrible frequence, in persons who would be little suspected of having such infection. The operator is to be guided in his ojainions and precautions in this matter, not by the social status of the patient, but by the nature of the morbid conditions existing. Syphilis is usually divided into three stages, primary, secondary, and tertiary ; to these may be added a fourth stage, viz., in patients who have been discharged as cured mild manifestations of disorders, par- ticularly of the skin and mucous membranes, make their apjDearance from time to time, and disappear promptly upon the administration of iodids. The first stage of syphilis — primary syphilis — consists in the forma- tion of the primary sore or chancre, and the involvement of the nearest lymphatic glands. Secondary syphilis is attended by fever, eruptive inflammations of the skin, inflammation and superficial ulcerations of mucous structures. In tertiary syphilis destructive inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes, and connective tissues occurs, together with the formation of specific tumors — gummata. Some difference of opinion exists among syphilographers as to the relative infective power of the secretions from the several lesions of syphilis. All are agreed, however, that the secretions from the second- ary lesions observed in and about the mouth are highly infective. It is the part of prudence to regard all syphilitic lesions as infective. All ^ Miller, Dental Cosmos, Sept., 1891. SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. 519 these stao;es of syphilis may be seen in the human mouth. It is to be remembered that if the mucous membrane of the mouth be infected from a mucous patch (a secondary lesion), the acquired disease will ap])ear, not as a mucous patch, but as a chancre. It is from mucous patches that infection is most to be feared. Primary Syphilis of the Mouth. — Causes. — The primary lesion of svphilis, chancre, when found in the mouth is a consequence of direct infection from a syphilitic. The infection occurs from contact of the mucous surface of the mouth with a syphilitic lesion upon another per- son : it has been transmitted by kissing : it may occur from using a glass or cup previously used by a syphilitic, by smoking cigars or cigarettes which have been made by syphilitic cigarmakers, who have applied the tongue to the tobacco in attaching the wrapper. Any of the articles named, or the contact of any article which has been in contact with a syphilitic lesion, if brought in contact with an abraded mucous surface may cause infection. The infection may be transferred from patient to operator if the fingers have any abraded surface, or if the surface is broken accidentally by an instrument. Infection may be transmitted from one patient to another by any instrument, appliance, or article used by the syphilitic being afterward used by an innocent person. Drinking-glasses, mouth- mirrors, exploring-instruments, rubber-dam, rubber-dam clamps, saliva ejector tubes, lancets, forceps, or any other instruments may be the medium of communication. Diu'ing and since the time of Hunter the use of teeth from syphilitic patients in plantation operations has been a clearly recognized medium of communication. Appearances and Diagnosis — " The primary lesion of syphilis never makes its appearance before ten days after infection ; the maximum period is about ninety days ; the average is twenty-one days." ' It usually appears as a single, elevated, hard papule. In cases of dental infection, most frequently about the lips, the papule loses its epithelial coating after some days. The induration surrounding the papular mass increases until the papule, which is now raw and in a process of ulcera- tion, appears surrounded by a ring of cartilaginous hardness. This indu- ration is the one distinguishing feature of the chancre, which is not painful. In about a week after the appearance of the primary sore, swelling of the submaxillary lymphatic glands is observed. In case the chancre appear upon the tongue, the subhyoid lymphatic glands are swollen.^ Unless pyogenic infection have occurred, the lymphatic involvement is not inflammatory, there being no pain present. In from three to four weeks the sore disappears, leaving no signs of its site in some cases ; in others, some induration may persist. ' Gross, System of Surgery. * Park, Surgery. 520 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. The diagnosis of this condition is the important consideration, so far as the dental practitioner is concerned, its treatment being the province of the general surgeon. The elevation of the sore, its induration, and, if obtainable, the time of inoculation, are diagnostic data. The sore is single, and there is hard, nodular, painless swelling of the neighboring lymphatics. A single ulcer of ulcerative stomatitis may in some degree simulate the appear- FiG. 388. Chancre of the lip. ance of a very small chancre. It may exhibit dight induration, but its irregular form, situation, painfulness, and the usual absence of lymphatic involvement, together with its prompt disappearance after sterilizing the mouth and cauterizing the ulcer, will differentiate the two sores. If the chancre be upon the tip or sides of the tongue, where it is sub- jected to irritation, it may become very large and bear a close resem- blance to epithelioma of that organ. It is a wise precaution to view all sores about the mouth as possibly infectious. All errors of diagnosis in this direction will be more than compensated for by the assurance of non-transference of infection. Secondary Syphilis of the Mouth. — The secondary manifes- tations of syphilis are observed in and about the mouth, no matter what the location of the primary lesion may have been ; they are the result of a general, not a local, infection. Secondary affections of the mucous tissues appear in from four to twelve weeks after the appearance of the primary lesion. Sore throat, due to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and parts about, is almost constant ; together with syphilitic hoarseness, due to the extension of the affection to the mucous membrane of the larynx. The appearance of copper-colored areas upon some portion of the mucous membrane, on the tonsil, pharynx, soft palate, lips, or bucco- labial surface, precedes the loss of ej^ithelium over these surfaces, which soon occurs, forming the most virulently contagious lesion of syphilis, the mucous patch. The patches become covered with a grayish-white pasty SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. 521 covering, resembling; the ulcerations of non-specific stomatitis. So close is the resemblance that a differentiation can only Vje made at times by additional evidences of secondary syphilis. Sinjj:le patches may coalesce, forming large irregular areas (covered by a grayish-wliite pel- licle. These patches are rarely painful. Ulcerations having ragged, irregular outlines may appear at the sites of the original patches or in other situations, and exhibit a tendency to spread. The diagnosis of the condition is determined by a discovery of other lesions of secondary syphilis ; skin-eruptions, falling out of the hair (alopecia), and the areas of copper-colored eruption upon the mucous membrane of the pharynx and soft palate. Hugenschmidt ^ has observed among syphilitics, who presented no local lesions, the frequent nocturnal occurrence of indefinitely located dental pains, spreading to the palatal region. Tertiary Syphilis of the Mouth. — The syphilides of the secondary stage arise in, and are confined to, the mucous and dermal structures ; those of the tertiary stage arise in the deep connective tis- sues, and are frequently associated with periosteum. Tertiary lesions, as seen by the dentist, are usually in the form of ulcers of, first, the soft or hard palate, and of the tongue or lips. In the earlier stages hard nodular formations may be noted as antecedents to the ulcerations. Chronic periostitis of the palatal processes may occur, leading to the formation of localized thickenings. In other cases, in the soft palate, upon the tongue, or in the hard palate, localized swell- ings may occur ; the overlying mucous membrane breaks, establishing an ulcer, which may perforate the soft palate, and destroy a portion of the palatal process, or form large ulcers on the tongue. These lesions appear in from two to five years after the secondary manifestations. Although there is much doubt as to the degree of infectiveness of these tertiary lesions, precautions as to sterilization should be taken as with the primary and secondary lesions. A defined, ragged ulcer occu- pying the hard or soft palate, which has persisted for a long time, should always be viewed with suspicion, and a search be made for other evidences of syphilis. These ulcerations appearing upon the side of the tongue may closely simulate epithelioma of that organ. The confusion is increased if, in consequence of the presence of jagged teeth, a continuous irritation is excited. Moreover, leukoplakia of the cheeks, a diagnostic sign of incipient epithelioma, frequently accompanies tertiary syphilis. In some cases an absolute diagnosis is only made by noting the disappear- ance of the local lesion following the administration of iodids, the specific treatment of tertiary syphilis. 1 Dental Cosmos, 1892. 522 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. The existence of tertiary syphilis is of great clinical importance to the dentist in that a condition of lessened resistance of tissues is estab- lished, and disease-processes which in the healthy person are compara- tively circumscribed, in the syphilitic run a riotous course. A septic pericementitis by extension may involve a wide area of periosteum, leading to extensive maxillary necrosis. Tuberculosis of the Mouth. — The bacillus of tuberculosis, under favorable conditions, develops in the tissues of the mouth, producing its characteristic lesions. Finding a suitable soil, such as is furnished by the heredity which predisposes to phthisis pulmonalis, the bacillus may find entrance to the deeper tissues from the mucous membrane of the mouth and excite tuberculosis in the deep structures, the bone, etc. What part is played by local oral and dental lesions in tuberculosis of distant parts, by establishing pathways for the entrance of the bacilli into the circulation, is at present conjectural, but that such infections occur is very probable. Actinomycosis. — The condition produced by the development of the ray-fungus, the actinomycosis, in the lower jaw and cervical regions of cattle and swine — lump-jaw — is not unknown in human beings. Miller ^ gives 203 cases reported in German medical literature be- tween 1886 and 1891. In at least 120 of these cases the point of entrance of the fungus was found to be in the region of the mouth or throat. Actinomycosis-threads have been repeatedly found in the saliva and in carious teeth, and notably in the tonsils. Whether the path of entrance to deeper structures is ever through carious teeth is undeter- mined, but certainly lesions or wounds about the mouth furnish an entrance. General Septic Diseases op Dental. Origin. The effect of the existence of dental diseases upon the body at large, particularly as regards secondary infection, is a matter increasing in importance as the possibilities of their connection are made out. At present, the organisms of greatest demonstrable pathological interest are the pyogenic cocci. The almost constant presence of these organisms in the mouth, carried thence into the pharynx, posterior nares, larynx, and lungs, furnishes the reason for the pyogenic inflammations which occur in these organs. The diplococcus of pneumonia, a frequent organism, but waits a favorable opportunity to establish high inflammations and fibrinous exudations in the lungs, and possibly in other structures. The most important clinical associations of dental with general infections, are diseases of the pericementum. The pulps of teeth, having no lymphatics, do not appear to take up and transmit the ^Dental Cosmos, 1891. DENTAL STERILIZATION. 523 products of the action of septic organisms ; but while the evidences of such absorption, involvement of tlie neighboring lymphatics, are not present, it must be remembered that the veins may transmit the poison, and, in addition, may perhaps convey organisms from a diseased but still vital pulp to distant parts. When, however, the pulp is dead and the pericementum is invaded, there is no doubt of general infection from this local source. More or less septic intoxication is a common attendant upon severe septic apical pericementitis, and septicaemia ac- companied by inflammation of the neighboring lymphatic glands is of sufficient frequency to emphasize the need of the vigorous antiseptic treatment recommended in all of these cases. Pysemia is far more uncommon.^ Pyogenic organisms, gaining access to the blood-current from the local source of infection, establish sup- puration in distant parts ; in other parts of the bone, or in other bones (osteomyelitis), in the lungs, meninges and substance of the brain. One case ^ has been reported where abscess of a toe, ear, and forearm ceased, and recovery took place after treatment and filling of septic root-canals. Several cases are tabulated by the same author in which extensive necrosis and death resulted from pyemic infection from septic peri- cementitis. Some of these cases recorded were associated with acute, some with chronic septic pericementitis. In addition to the usual pyogenic cocci. Miller has isolated several forms of cocci, bacilli, and spirilla, forming products, which, if injected into the circulation of animals, cause death from septicaemia in from hours to days. As many of these forms may be brought into relation with deep parts by the anatomical conditions created by pulp-death, the possibilities of many types of infection via pulpless teeth are evident. The possibilities of infections through the conditions established in the several forms of pyorrhoea alveolaris should not be forgotten. The pockets formed by the soft tissues overhanging lower third mo- lars whose eruption is imjjeded invite the passage of septic organisms to deep parts. Local pyogenic infections are common in these cases. Dental Sterilization. It must ever be borne in mind that the dental operator constantly works in a field of infection, and unless extraordinary precautions be taken every instrument which touches this field — the fingers of the operator, his mirrors, glasses, napkins, rubber-dam, rubber-dam clamps — becomes immediately infected as soon as it is brought in contact with the mouth of the patient. The likelihood of infection varies with the patient and the particular instruments ; mouth-mirrors, rubber-dam 1 Miller, Dental Cosmos, 1891. 2 ji^i^ 524 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. clamps, scalers, and all instruments used in the treatment of pulp- canals, are likely to become more promptly and extensively infected than other instruments. Again, the forms of the instruments determine whether or not increased opportunity is given for the retention of infec- tive material. The fingers of the operator may be the medium through which infective material is transferred from one patient to another. Infection may be carried from superficial areas of the mucous mem- brane of the month, from the enamel and the saliva, into deeper struc- tures, where conditions are favorable for the development of sepsis. The scheme for dental sterilization, therefore, includes the steriliza- tion of the operator, instruments, apparatus, appliances, etc., used in operations, and the sterilization of the field of operation prior to operating. THE OPERATOE. Extreme personal cleanliness upon the part of an operator is clearly the first step in asepsis. The best class of dentists are exceedingly neat as regards personal habits : daily bathing, care of the nails and of the skin, and immaculate linen, form as much a part of the day's labor as dental operations per se. The virtues of soap and water, wherever they may be applied, are regarded as a very important item in preventing infection. Linen which has been boiled prior to wearing may be regarded as safely sterile ; so that the matter of personal sterilization relates to the hands, particularly to the finger-nails. The space under the nails is a favorable habitat for many organisms, notably the pyogenic cocci, the staphylococcus pyogenes aureus being commonly present in this situation. It has always been advised that the finger-nails be trimmed short, and be made smooth to avoid mechanical injury to the soft tissues of the patient. Since the advent of aseptic and antiseptic surgery these precautions have an additional significance ; nails kept short and smooth may be more readily cleansed than if long and ill-kept. The nails should be cut with a sharp knife-blade so that they nowhere project beyond the tips of the finger. Their mechanical cleansing should be done with smooth instruments, not sharp knife-blades ; the latter produce rough surfaces, which furnish spaces for lodgement of bacteria. There is but one effective method of washing beneath the nails ; it is that followed by the general surgeon : after dipping the soap in water as hot as can be borne by the hands, all of the finger-nails should be made to scrape the soap until the spaces under the nails are filled with soap. After this, coarse hand-brushes are used to scour every part of the hands with soap and water as hot as can be borne. Special nail-brushes are next used to scrub beneath the nails, driving out piecemeal the soap-masses there. The general surgeon continues the scrubbing until the nails are scrupu- DENTAL STERILIZATION. 525 loiisly clean. The soap usually used is Castile, or soap made from palm oil, etc. ; but antiseptic soaps may be substituted with advantage. Sterilization of the cleansed hands is insured by immersing them in antiseptic solutions, such as a 1 : 1000 solution of mercuric chlorid. The iiands should be sterilized after treating each patient. If the patient dismissed have possessed an unusually septic mouth, or have been a syjthilitic, for exam])le, the time for hand-cleansing and sterilization is to be prolonged ; if syphilitic, every instrument used is transferred to separate vessels containing antiseptic solutions, and the hands arc viewed iis highly infected > they are scrubbed with mercuric chlorid solutions to prevent personal infection or the carriage of infection. STERILIZATION OF APPARATUS. The scrupulous cleanliness of the operating-chair, whose head -rest should receive frequent changes of boiled linen coverings, metallic parts rubbed, and general covering cleansed ; the cleansing, polishing, and sterilizing of cuspidores ; the changing of lining coverings U})on instru- ment-tables, etc., are part of the general scheme of sterilization. The floor of the operating-room also requires attention ; instead of being covered with carpet, it is preferable to have it made of jmrquetry material, lacquered hard wood, over which rugs are laid, Avhich may be removed from the room for cleansing, the floor proper being scrubbed. Glassware, such as tumblers, may be effectually sterilized by boiling. Linen napkins are also sterilized in the same manner. Napkins used about the mouth are certain to become infected, so that their boiling should be prolonged at least fifteen minutes. For many operations it is preferable to substitute strips of muslin for linen napkins, which after being used may be thrown away. If a hydraulic saliva-ejector be used, the glass mouth-tubes should be changed for each person, a sterilized tube being immediately sub- stituted as soon as a patient leaves the chair. These tubes should receive prolonged boiling before a second use. At the close of each day a large cup should be filled with an antiseptic solution, which is to be drawn through the tubing of the ejector to keep it in a reasonably aseptic condition. Rubber-dam may be sterilized by boiling water, but it is more safe and cleanly to use a new piece for each patient. The possibilities of infec- tion through this medium are great, particularly in syphilitic cases. STERILIZING INSTRUMENTS. The sterilizing of instruments comprises their mechanical cleansing and the use of germicides ; steam heat and antiseptic drugs are both employed for this purpose. Steam heat being the most convenient and 526 INFECTIONS OF AND FROM THE MOUTH. certain sterilizing agent, is used wherever it cannot produce injury to instruments. All instruments should be kept in a highly polished condition, being rubbed with crocus cloth at the end of each day's use. Excavators, explorers, and pulp-canal cleansers should be mechanically freed from visible foreign matter by rubbing their points with a wire brush. A wire brush should be used to cleanse all excavating-burs w^hich have been in use. To sterilize the mechanically cleansed instruments they are boiled in water to which 2 per cent, of sodium carbonate has been added to prevent rusting. Mouth-mirrors, of which there should be several, require special care. Their edges aiford favorable lodging-places for bacteria, and hence they require long boiling. Miller ^ found that the usual antiseptic solutions used cold acted as very imperfect sterilizers, but at the tem- perature of boiling their efficacy was markedly increased. Extracting-forceps require careful mechanical cleansing and pro- longed boiling after each use, for perhaps more cases of infection, and of many kinds, have resulted from dirty forceps than from all other causes combined. STERILIZING THE FIELD OF OPERATION. To insure sterilization of the field of operation antiseptics should be used freely about the mouth prior to operating. The thoroughness of the sterilization will depend in great degree upon the personal habits of the patient. If by the systematic use of the agents and measures described under the prophylaxis of caries, the patient's mouth be kept in a reasonably aseptic condition, sterilization of the oral cavity can be accomplished with sufficient readiness. The choice of antiseptic will depend in great degree upon the state of oral hygiene ; in ill-kept mouths, with deposits of foreign materials about and between the teeth, on the gums and tongue, much more active and penetrating germicides will be required than if the parts are clean. The presence of ])utre- factive decomposition in the mouth, made evident by ill odors, amid which that of hydrogen sulfid may be detected, needs for its treatment the immediate and free use of preparations from which nascent chloriu or nascent oxygen may be disengaged. No operation or even examina- tion should be begun in such cases before a claret-colored solution of potassium permanganate, or a strong solution of hypochlorites (medi- trina diluted), has been freely used by the patient. Many operators keep a stock of inexpensive tooth-brushes for such cases, which are thrown away after the patient has used them, who is directed to scrub the teeth well with brush and the antiseptic solution. ^Dental Cosmos, 1891. DENTAL STERILIZATION. 527 The routine practice of scaling and polishing the teeth and pre- scribing an antiseptic mouth-wash prior to the commencement of a series of sittings, is to be highly commended. To sterilize a compara- tively clean mouth sufficiently to begin dental operations, hvdro^-en dioxid may be used ; it should be held in the niouth and pumped about by the movements of the lips and cheeks for a minute or longer. If ulcerations or inflammatory conditions exist, the sterilization is to be prolonged, using such agents as meditrina. If a suspicion of syphilis exist, not only should the mouth be freely washed with strong antiseptics, but special instruments should be used, preferably an old set, kept sterilized and used only in special cases. If the hands of the operator have abrasions or irritated spots, they should be covered with collodion, or, better, the examination should be referred to one whose skin-surface is unbroken. SECTION VII. DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND DENTAL MATERIA MEDICA. DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY. A DENTAL materia medica includes a description of the agencies which are employed in the treatment of oral diseases ; dental pharma- cology considers the mode of action and composition of these substances and agencies. The intelligent use of drugs, as of any therapeutic resource, is based upon a primary knowledge of their chemical and physical properties, together with a familiarity with the exact nature of the altered physiology the practitioner is called upon to remedy. A rational therapeusis is founded upon the utilization of the specific prop- erties of remedial agents to combat morbid conditions whose character has been clearly determined. If generalizations be made of the several disease-states described in the body of this volume, it will be seen that the dental practitioner meets with three great classes of conditions requiring treatment : First, a large majority of diseases of the teeth and associated parts are bacterial in origin — are due to septic influences ; hence the first group of agents of dental practice are those used to combat septic con- ditions, or antiseptics. The second class of conditions demanding relief are those in which pain is a prominent symptom ; hence the second class of agents to be con- sidered are those used for the relief of pain — anaesthetics or analgesics. The third group of conditions, viewed as a class, comprises those characterized by a relaxation of soft tissues and a passive dilatation of their bloodvessels ; hence the third group of dental remedies is that of the astringents, or substances which have the power to bring about contraction of relaxed parts. Nearly all of the agents which have been found to possess distinct therapeutic value in dentistry may be placed under one of these three heads, although an agent of one group may possess properties of all three classes. Some few of the drugs and agents employed in dental therapeusis cannot be properly classified under any of the three heads named, but 34 529 530 DENTAL PHAB3IAC0L0GY AND MATERIA MEDICA. these, as well as all other therapeutic agents, may be incladed under two heads — stimulants and sedatives ; that is, all agents used in general or special medicine are employed either to exalt or to depress some one, or more, vital functions of some organ or tissues of the body. Antiseptics. Antiseptics are agents which prevent the action of pathogenic organ- isms or of their products upon the living body. Members of this great group differ in their chemical properties and mode of action. Under the head of antiseptics are grouped sub-classes of remedies, named in accordance with their mode of action against septic influences. They may act by destroying the vitality of the infective organisms ; a sub- stance or agency having this power is termed a germicide. They may act by chemically destroying the poisons formed by bacteria without necessarily killing the organisms. Conditions may be established in the cells of the body which inhibit the growth of organisms. Any agent which has the power to remedy an existing infection is called a disinfectant. It is seen, therefore, that a distinction may be drawn between an antiseptic, a germicide, and a disinfectant. A germicide is both antiseptic and disinfectant, but antiseptics and disinfectants are not necessarily germicides. Again, an antiseptic acts to prevent as well as remedy infection ; a disinfectant implies an existing infection. Under this head should be grouped deodorants, agents that have the power of destroying objectionable odors which arise during putrefactive processes, and from other sources. A true deodorant oj)erates by chemically destroying the malodorous substance ; for example, chiorin vapor acts as a deodorant by abstracting the hydrogen from such a sub- stance as hydrogen sulfid, destroying its chemical identity and therefore the original odor : H2S + Cl2 = 2HCl + S. Bromin, iodin, and nascent oxygen act after the same manner. Most of the deodorants, and all of those named, are active antiseptics, many of them germicides, destroying not alone the organisms, but also their waste-products. Agents such as carbolic acid and the cresols are not true deodorants, although they destroy the organisms which are the primary cause of the offensive odors. Nearly all of the antiseptics employed in the treatment of dental diseases may be grouped under eight heads : r Zinc chlorid ; mercuric chlorid ; First. Salts of metals . . . < silver nitrate, citrate, and lac- l tate ; copper sulfate. ANTISEPTICS. 531 Second. Third. Fifth. Sixth. Seventh. Eighth. Alcohols and their de- rivatives The halogen group and their compounds . . Fourth, i Mineral acids Organic acids The caustic alkalies Solutions from which nascent oxygen is evolved. The essential oils Physical agencies Ethyl alcohol ; methyl alcohol, and its derivative formal- dehyd ; phenyl alcohol, in- cluding all allied substances, such as creasote, the cresols, creolin, and lysol. ^ lodin and its pre])arations, in- cluding iodoform, noso})hcn, aristol, iodol, antinosin ; solu- tions from which nascent chlorin may be evolved — hypochlorites ; bromin is not used as a dental disinfectant. '" Sulfurous, sulfuric, hydro- chloric, chromic, and boric acids; solutions of hyposul- fites, which act by virtue of their sulfite radical, may be included. Trichloracetic, lactic, and ben- zoic. Metallic sodium and potassium in alloy (kalium-natrium) . the hydrates and carbonates of sodium and potassium ; sodium dioxid ; aq. ammoniae fort. Hydrogen dioxid in Avatery and ethereal solutions from 3 per cent, to 25 per cent, strength ; solutions of so- dium dioxid ; potassium per- manganate. ^ Cajuput ; cassia ; cinnamon ; cloves (and eugenol) ; eu- calyptus ; gaultheria ; myrtol ; and thyme. Heat, dry and moist. Each of these groups exhibits distinct modes of germicidal action, in accordance with their chemical properties. The varied conditions under which bacteria are found will modify the choice and application of antiseptics and germicides. To act as a direct 532 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. and prompt germicide the agent mnst be brought into intimate con- tact with the organisms. There are physical obstacles, varying under many conditions, which antagonize the desired end. Many forms of bacteria are enclosed in a resistant coating or cell-wall ; in addition to this, several forms unite into large colonies, zooglea, through the medium of an albuminous excretion. Even under favorable conditions the germicide must penetrate the mass to effect sterilization. In addi- tion to this, the offending organisms may lie deep in a mass composed of fatty and albuminous matter, so that the question of the diffusibility of the antiseptic is an important one. " An antiseptic agent must be of sufficient strength to destroy the disturbing: bacteria.^ " If bacteria develop so that the germicide can surround or easily penetrate them, they are more readily killed than when they develop in mass or clump-forms, and are surrounded by protective matter, as we find them in dental caries, root-canals, etc. In this state a stronger solution of the disinfectant is generally necessary, and a longer time will be required for the agent to penetrate the mass and act on the micro- organisms. " An agent should be employed that will not limit its own action and thus fail to reach all noxious germs. For instance, where the bacteria are imbedded in albuminous material, oxidizing agents, as hydrogen di- oxid, sodium dioxid, potassium salts, etc., will disintegrate and perme- ate the mass, while such agents as bichlorid of mercury and silver nitrate are apt to combine with the albuminous material and coagulate it, and thus limit or delay their own action. In this condition, the bi- chlorid may act as an antiseptic and restrain growth until the mercury is partly removed by the action of ammonium or hydrogen sulfid ; then the unkilled germs, or spores, will again develop if the nutrient material be favorable for their growth. Diluted solutions of such an agent, how- ever, are not apt to cause so dense a coagulum as to prevent permeation throughout the mass ; therefore a 1 : 1000 or 1 : 2000 solution of bi- chlorid of mecury is considered most desirable. The addition of 5 parts of tartaric acid to 1000 of the solution assists materially in preventing coagulation by bichlorid solutions (Laplace). " Germicidal agents that are incompatible should not be used together or one immediately after the other. Some agents become inert through chemical reaction when brought in contact with putrefying matter. Bichlorid of mercury, especially in dilute solutions, is rapidly decom- posed by sulfids, alkalies, ammonium salts, and even organic matter. ^ These conditions and their connection have been well summarized by L. P. Bethel, in "Prize Essay" quoted. ANTISEPTICS. 533 Therefore its use as a dressing for root-canals containing putrescing material is of doubtful value, " Very volatile antiseptics should not be used where a continued action is desired, as in root-canal treatment. "Fresh solutions should be used. Many preparations deteriorate with age, exposure, etc. "Again, the potency of germicides and antiseptics is increased by combining medicaments. For instance, the germicidal poAver of bichlorid of mercury is increased by the addition of hydrogen dioxid, benzoic acid, etc., and carbolic acid mixed with sulfuric acid increases its efficacy. When these and other disinfecting agents are combined with alcohol, glycerin, or oil, however, the germicidal power is greatly lessened. " Laboratory experiments show that bichlorid of mercury as strong as 1 : 250 solution in absolute alcohol, or 1 : 50 in glycerin, does not destroy well-exposed anthrax spores in two days' time ; but a 1 : 1000 solution in alcohol plus 15 per cent, of water, or 1 : 500 in glycerin plus 50 per cent, of water, will destroy them in twenty-four hours. " Oil has about the same etfect as glycerin. The results with carbolic acid, 1 : 10 solution, are similar. The advantage of using aqueous solutions when possible, is obvious. " Laboratory experiments show also that a warm or hot germicidal solution is more effective than a cold one. A 5 per cent, solution of carbolic acid at 70° F. requires one month to kill anthrax spores. Heated to 104° F. it kills them in about six hours ; at 135° F., in one hour and a quarter; at 180° F., in fifteen minutes. A 1 : 1000 bichlorid of mercury solution heated to 115° F, is equal in disinfecting power to a 1 : 500 solution used cold. Experiments made with various bacteria to determine why warm or hot solutions make this difference seem to indicate that not only is the vitality of the bacteria lowered, but the bacterial cell is actually enlarged or swollen, probably thus increasing the absorptive surface, " The thermal death-points, with moist heat, of some of the pus micro- organisms, are — bacillus pyocyaneus, 132° F. ; staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, 136° F. ; citreus, 143° F. ; albus, 143° F. ; cereus flavus, 134^ F. ; cereus albus, 134° F. "This points out the advantage of using hot injections of water or disinfectant solutions in pyorrhoea alveolaris, pulpless teeth, antral and other diseases. " For germicides to act most effectively the field of operation should be as thoroughly prepared as possible previous to their application. For example, in root-canal treatment some instrumentation should precede the application of the dressing, to break up the compact masses and permit the germicide to penetrate to the organisms. 534 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDIC A. " Grease should be removed by aqua ammonise, equal parts of ether and alcohol, or chloroform ; and all other foreign substances, which might hinder the action of germicides used, should be removed." SALTS OF METALS AS ANTISEPTICS. The salts of metals are used in watery solutions as antiseptics — mercuric chlorid usually in 1 : 1000 solution ; zinc chlorid, 1 : 100 ; silver nitrate, 1 : 100; copper sulfate, 1 : 100. These are about the strengths in which these agents are found to act as efficient germicides ; but in the interiors of teeth, where the question of general poisoning rarely is a factor, and local poisoning only a remote possibility, these strengths may be greatly increased. Metallic salts act as germicides by chemically destroying protoplasm. When a metallic salt, in sufficient solution-strength, is brought in contact with albuminous material an obscure chemical change occurs, the metal entering into combination with the albumin and forming a substance which, for want of a better name, is called an albuminate of that metal, an opaque body rejilacing the transparent gelatinous albumin. For example, when mercuric chlorid is brought in contact with albuminous material, such as serous effusions, the serum of the blood, or living cells, animal or bacterial, the identity of the albuminous matter is destroyed. If a percentage of an organic acid, say tartaric (Laplace), be added to the mercuric solution before it is brought in contact with the albuminous matter, the above reaction does not appear to occur. The albuminate of mercury thus formed is decomposed under suitable conditions. If ammonium sulfid be added to an albuminate of mercury, mercuric sulfid is formed and the albumin is set free. This reaction is of importance as regards the use of mercuric chlorid as a disinfectant where sulfur compounds are present, as in putrefactive fermentation, when hydrogen sulfid is formed, a similar reaction may occur, and anti- septic effects be neutralized. During the putrefactive decomposition of albumin other substances than II2S, capable of decomposing mercuric chlorid, are formed. Mercuric chlorid inhibits the vital activity of living cells, even in very dilute solutions. A solution of 1 : 20,000 checks the move- ments of spermatozoa ; in one of 1 : 2000 it acts as a germicide to most micro-organisms, although several forms which have a resistive cell- wall delay the germicidal action. The spores of some species of bacilli, notably those of the bacillus anthracis, are markedly resistant. The precipitate of mercury albuminate which occurs interferes with the germicidal action of the solution ; the addition of tartaric acid to the mercury solution aids its germicidal property by preventing the forma- tion of mercurv albuminate. ANTISEPTICS. 535 While all of the metallic salts named form witli solutions of albu- min ooagula, or albuminates of the metals, they differ in the rapidity of the chemical change and in the character of the coagulum.' " Capillary tubes containing a mixture of albumin and 20 per cent, of glycerin, the glycerin being added to prevent the drying of the albumin. One end of the tube was sealed, and saturated solutions of antiseptics applied at the other end for a period of ten days. Contrary to the belief generally held, silver nitrate was found to effect deep coagulation, the coagulum becoming dark in color ; zinc chlorid produced complete white coagula." These facts are of great importance, since they prove that the agents named, instead of being self-limited in action, may by prolonged con- tact affect deeper structures. Being a chemical reaction, there is, of course, as pointed out by Kirk,^ a quantitative relationship between the substance acting and the substance acted upon. The presence of a coagulum of albumin between parts to be acted upon and the germicide must delay and interfere with the free diffusion of the germicide, as taught by Harlan ; but if the germicide be present in sufficient amount, it will diffuse through the coagulum, as demonstrated by the experiments of Kirk and Truman. Secondary changes have been noted in the coagulum with mercury. The coagulum of zinc chlorid is very resistant and appears to possess permanent antiseptic properties. The coagulum of silver nitrate under- goes chemical changes : the albuminate of silver is reduced to an oxid, and, if brought in contact with acids, forms corresponding salts of silver. For example, in contact with lactic acid silver lactate, a persistent antiseptic, is formed. These agents, used in sufficient strength, form coagula with the protoplasm of cells, coagulating intercellular albuminous material and forming an eschar — /. e., they are caustics. ALCOHOLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES AS ANTISEPTICS. The alcohols and their derivatives also act as germicides by effecting coagulation of albuminous bodies. They differ in the rapidity of their action and in their germicidal strength. The cresols, trikresol having the greatest antiseptic power, carbolic acid next, and ethylic alcohol least. Formaldehyd in watery solution is the most promptly acting and penetrating agent of this group. HALOGEN DERIVATIVES AS ANTISEPTICS. The halogen group has its activity represented by the chemical affinities of iodin and chlorin. These agents abstract hydrogen from organic com- 1 Truman, Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1894. ^ Dental Cosmos, 1893. 536 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. pounds, and thus destroy their identity. While it is certain that they act as germicides, destroying the vitality of protoplasm, their principal field of usefulness is in rendering innocuous the products of bacterial de- composition. The iodin derivatives named under this head are supposed to set iodin free when brought in contact with infected tissue, the iodin acting as a persistent disinfectant. Their activity is gauged, therefore, by the amount of iodin set free — i. e., by the amount present and the looseness of its combination. ACIDS AS ANTISEPTICS. The mineral acids effect the chemical destruction of animal sub- stances, inorganic and organic, with which they are brought in contact. They differ in their activity in this direction and in the depth of their action. For example, sulfuric acid quickly forms a black eschar upon tissue, chromic acid penetrates deeply into tissues to which it is applied. The milder acids, such as boric acid, appear to have no escharotic action. The strong mineral acids abstract the potassium, sodium, and cal- cium elements from tissues with which they are brought in contact, in addition to destroying albumin. The organic acids have a similar action. Solutions of hyposulfites act by virtue of the sulfite radical, SO2, which abstracts the elements of water from organic matter, forming sulfurous acid, HgSOg. The sulfite radical formed by burning sulfur acts in the same manner. CAUSTIC ALKALIES AS ANTISEPTICS. The caustic alkalies chemically destroy albuminous matters with which they are brought in contact. They combine with the fatty acids produced during putrefactive decomposition of tissues, and form soaps. The hydrates of sodium and potassium are the most active. These substances are formed when the alloy of sodium and potassium is brought in contact with organic matter. The alloy abstracts hydroxyl, HO, from organic matter, and produces secondary decompositions by the hydroxids of the metals which are formed. Sodium dioxid (NagOj), in contact with organic matter, sets free its loosely held oxygen atom, and the sodium ox id left quickly abstracts water from the organic matter, forming sodium hydroxid : NagOg 4- organic matter = NgO + O + . Na^O + H2O = 2NaH0, which acts as above described. Aq. ammonise fort, acts by virtue of its affinity for water and fatty acids. ANESTHETICS. 537 THE ESSENTIAL OILS AS ANTISEPTICS. The essential oils possess in varying degree the property of destroy- ing bacteria ; while it is probable that they effect a change in albuniinons substances akin to coagulation, it has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Certainly they act as poisons when brought in contact with protoplasmic substances. Their germicidal power varies, that of the oils of thyme and cinnamon being greatest ; that of cloves (eugenol also) is less marked. Placed in the roots of pulpless teeth, they diffuse very gradually through the contents of the dentinal tubules. They may cause distinct staining of the tooth, a proof of their diffusion. PHYSICAL AGENCIES AS ANTISEPTICS. Of the physical agencies, the only available germicide is heat. It produces coagulation of albuminous matter, and is thus antiseptic. The degrees and conditions of heat necessary to complete germicidal action vary as to the mode of applying the heat and also upon the nature of the organisms present. Moist heat is a much more effective germicide than is dry heat. A degree of heat fatal to any mature organism may not destroy the vitality of its spores. The spores of some bacilli resist a temperature of boiling water for several hours. Most organisms, however, are promptly killed by water at a temperature of 212° F. Anesthetics. An anaesthetic is any agent which prevents the perception of pain. A condition of insensibility to pain, or tactile sensitivity, may be induced in three ways : first, by paralyzing or destroying the terminals of sensory nerves through which impressions of pain are conducted — that is, by abolishing reception ; secondly, by interfering with or pre- venting the transmission of such impressions after their reception ; thirdly, by so acting upon the perceptive centre of the brain that its function is held in abeyance — i. e., by abolishing perception. Agents Avhich have the poAver of lessening the consciousness of pain are grouped under the heads of anodynes, analgesics, and obtundents. Tlie term anaesthesia, as originally used, indicated a conditit)n of insensi- bility attended by loss of consciousness ; hence the term anaesthetic is usually employed to designate such substances as derivatives of ethane, notably cthylic oxid or ether ; derivatives of methane, such as methyl trichlorid or chloroform ; and nitrous oxid gas. An anodyne is an agent acting upon the pain-perceptive centre of the brain in such a manner that perception of pain is benumbed or lost ; the term refers to abolishing existing pain, as by the action of opium derivatives. 538 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDIGA. An analgesic is an agent which either prevents or subdues pain, and may act upon any portion of the sensory tract. Under the head of obtundents are included those agents which are applied locally to benumb the terminals of sensory nerves. Hypnotics act as analgesics by inducing sleep, during which common sensation is in abeyance. The typical general anaesthetics are those named above ; chloroform as the representative methane derivative ; ether, the ethane deriva- tive ; and nitrous oxid, the asphyxial anaesthetic. Chloroform and ether act as general anaesthetics by abolishing the functions of the centres of consciousness in the cerebrum, and that of pain-perception. " They probably enter into loose combination with, the protoplasm of the cortex of the brain, producing a temporary fixa- tion, and interfere with the process of oxidation and reduction upon which the functions of these cells depend." ^ The effects of these agents are progressive : the higher cerebral func- tions are first abolished ; next the special sense-perceptions ; then reflex activities ; until, finally, the centres which preside over the vital func- tions of respiration and circulation are involved, and if administration be carried beyond this point, death results. In general terms, these anaesthetic agents and their kindred may be said to be dangerous to life in proportion to their vapor-density. The greater their vapor-density, the longer they remain in the body. Nitrous oxid, under the usual conditions of administration, induces general anaesthesia by the exclusion of oxygen from the lungs and the accumulation of carbon dioxid in the blood ; in addition, it has a specific anaesthetic action, as unconsciousness and anaesthesia are in- duced when the nitrous oxid administered is mixed with oxygen. Nitrous oxid is to be regarded as the only entirely safe general anaesthetic. The number of fatalities attending the use of chloroform, the list being particularly large in connection with its administration for tooth-extrac- tion, is sufficiently extensive to absolutely contraindicate its use in that connection. The danger is twofold : first, the erect posture, which favors and appears to precipitate syncope ; secondly, the partial anaesthe- sia. More deaths are recorded as occurring in connection Avith partial than with full chloroform-narcosis ; probably under partial anaesthesia the reflexes are not entirely lost, and a condition of profound shock ensues upon performing minor operations.^ Death under chloroform in some cases is due to paralysis of respiration ; in others, of the circulation. In many of the cases, when respiration ceases and the heart continues ^ Lauder Brunton, Croonian Lectures, 1888. ^ See Brunton, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. ANAESTHETICS. 539 to beat, life may be preserved if artificial respiration be maintained long enoujrh for the body to rid itself of the chloroform-vapor. Representative anodynes, agents benumbing the pain-perce})tion centre of the brain, are morphia and several of the coal-tar derivatives. These agents probably act in a manner similar to that noted in connec- tion with the general anaesthetics, by forming loose combinations with the protoplasm of nerve-cells. Many of them affect the nervous paths, and when locally applied to sensory nerve-terminals reduce their func- tion, so that they may act as analgesics under all three heads named. The coal-tar derivatives are chemically the analogues of the vegetable alkaloids ; that is, they are substitution-products of ammonia. By re- placement of the several hydrogen atoms of the ammonia base pre- determined properties may be conferred upon compounds. Begin- ning with replacement by a phenyl radical and adding, for example, the amesthetic basis methyl, analgesic substances are produced. For example,' ^Hg, ammonia, may have two of its hydrogen atoms replaced by other radicals : N — H = anilin \H N — H = phenyl acetamide or acetanilid, an analgesic agent. \COCH3 The remaining hydrogen atom may be replaced by the anaesthetic radical CH3, methyl, increasing the analgesic power of the compound : /C,H, .. . • N — COCH3 forming methyl acetanilid, or exalgin. \CH3 Displacements and replacements in such comparatively simple bodies may be made, changes of physiological properties following upon changes of chemical composition. These agents have the power of paralyzing the paths of pain-con- duction. Equally instructive observations may be noted in connection with local anaesthetics, those agents which possess the power of benumbing the terminals of sensory nerves. Excluding such agents as volatile hydrocarbons, rhigolene, ethyl and methyl chlorid, in which specific paralyzing action is masked by the intense cold produced by their application, and inducing analgesia, it will be seen that the best-known ^ Brunton, Croonian Lectures, 1888. 540 DENTAL PHABMAGOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDIGA. and most active local ansesthetics are all related to one another in chem- ical composition. These agents are atropia, homatropin, tropacocain, cocain, and eucain. Atropia is a compound of tropic acid with tropein, a tropate of tro- pein ; either of these substances alone possesses no analgesic power, but the combination is slightly analgesic. If, however, tropein be combined with benzoic, instead of tropic acid, benzoyl tropein is formed (hom- atropin), which possesses marked anaesthetic properties. The next member, tropacocain (benzoyl pseudo-tropein), bears a chemical relationship to the former, and has additional ansesthetic power. Cocain is chemically benzoyl methyl ecgonin ; when boiled it is split up into methylic alcohol, benzoic acid, and ecgonin. The ansesthetic properties reside in the benzoyl methyl, and are much more marked than in compounds in which the methyl radical is absent. In eucain, the next member, benzoyl and methyl are both present, the latter multiplied and in several combinations, so that the ansesthetic properties are greater than those of cocain. If ethyl instead of methyl be combined with benzoyl ecgonin, an ansesthetic, cocethylen, is formed. The benzoyl derivatives of other substances, such as morphia, have ansesthetic properties. The induction of analgesia by some local ansesthetics is preceded by a stage of irritation. The phenyls are all local ansesthetics, but many of them combine actively with the albuminous portions of tissues and act also as caustics. The benzoyl derivatives mentioned act not only as paralyzants of nerve-terminals, but, if applied or injected about the trunk of a nerve, induced analgesia in the distribution of that nerve. They paralyze nerve-centres to which they are applied. The essential oils possess the power of paralyzing sensory nerve- terminals, inducing, first, marked irritation ; this eifect is absent when they are applied to the dental pulp, a tissue in which tactile sensitivity is normally absent. Astringents. Astringents are chemical agents which, when applied to swollen vital tissues, cause their contraction without their destruction. Many of them, however, if used in sufficient strength, immediately destroy the vitality of tissues to which they are applied ; for example, zinc chlorid in saturated solution is a powerful caustic ; in 10 per cent, solution is an active astringent ; and in 1 per cent, solution acts as a stimulant. The reason for this is readily seen from a study of its mode of action. Astringents are divided into vegetable and mineral ; the vegetable ASTEINGENIX 541 astringents owe their property to the tannic acid contained in them. The mineral astringents are mainly salts of iron, copper, lead, and zinc — acetates, sulfates, and chlorids. Astringents, with but few ex- ceptions, act by causing more or less coagulation of all)uminous fluids and a shrinkage of the tissues in which they are contained, and, with the exception of subacetate of lead and nitrate of silver, do not cause contraction of bloodvessels ; tannic and gallic acids cause dilatation of vessels.^ It will be seen, therefore, that, with the exception of silver nitrate and lead acetate, all astringents are positively contraindicated in active inflammation. Their sphere of usefulness is limited to states of venous congestion with effusion ; for example, in such conditions as chronically tumid gums, the use of an active vegetable astringent will cause constringing of the swollen tissues and dilatation of the arteries, with an increased flow of blood ; the weakened veins will receive sup- port, and stagnation be relieved. These substances diff'er in effect in proportion to their affinity for albumin, and the strength in which they should be used will depend upon this affinity ; for example, zinc chlorid or silver nitrate used in strength greater than 20 per cent, will combine with protoplasm and cause tissue-death. In combining two or more remedies regard should be paid to the chemical reactions which may occur between them and alter their nature ; drugs which, mixed together, produce undesirable combinations are termed incompatibles. It may easily happen in the practice of den- tistry that such mixtures may be made and produce ill-results; for example, if sulfuric acid be used in connection with steel instruments in dental canals, and preparations containing tannic acid be afterward applied, a black tannate of iron forms, staining the dentin ; or, again, if attempts be made to bleach discolored dentin with nascent chlorin in teeth containing gold fillings, auric chlorid may form and cause per- manent staining. The following list from Hare Ms a useful summary of common incompatibles : First. An acid should never be combined with an alkali. Second. An acid should not be added in any quantity to a tincture. Third. Alkalies should not be combined with the alkaloids. Fourth. Potassium chlorate should not be ordered to be rubbed up with tannic acid or any other organic substance capable of oxidation, as it will explode. Permanganate of potassium is subject to the same rule. Sixth. Iron is incompatible with tannic acid, as it forms a tannate of iron, or ink. As all the vegetable astringents contain tannic acid, none of them should be used with iron, except chiretta and calumba. Seventh. Tannic acid should never be added to solutions of alkaloids. ^ Brunton, Pharmncology and Therapeutics. ^ Pmctknl 'Tlierapeutics. 542 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERLi MEDICA. Eighth. Alcoholic solutions of camphor and similar resinous sub- stances are incompatible with water. Ninth. Fluid extracts are incompatible with water, as the addition of water will cause a precipitate. Tenth. All salts not acid, but alkaline in reaction, are decomposed by acids. Eleventh. All salts which are acid are decomposed by alkalies. Twelfth. All vegetable acid salts are altered by mineral acids and are decomposed by alkalies. Thirteenth. lodin and iodids should not be given with alkaloids. Fourteenth. Corrosive sublimate, the salts of lead, iodid of potas- sium, and nitrate of silver should always be prescribed alone. Fifteenth. Cocain and borax when added together form an insoluble borate of cocain. Boric acid and cocain do not form this substance. Electricity in Dental Therapeutics. Electricity is utilized in dental therapeusis for its physical, chemical, and physiological effects. For physical and chemical effects the con- stant or galvanic current alone is employed ; for physiological effects both interrupted (faradic) and constant (galvanic) currents are applied ; the former rarely, the latter frequently. Physical Effects. — The physical properties utilized are the correla- tion of electric currents into light and heat. Small lamps operated at an electric pressure of 8 to 10 volts, placed in proper relation to reflecting- mirrors, are used to transilluminate teeth, to determine the vitality of their pulps. A somewhat less voltage is used in connection with an appropriate hand-piece and a loop of line platinum ware to generate a high degree of heat in the latter — an electrocautery. This is used to destroy the peripheral portions of the dentinal processes in cases of excessive hypersensitivity of dentin. " If a long copper point be placed in a pulp-canal, and the electro- cautery be brought in contact with its end, sufficient heat is transmitted through the copper to dry the walls of the canal. If the canal be filled with an antiseptic oil prior to inserting the copper point, the oil may be vaporized and driven into the tubules. If wax or paraffin be placed in the canal, the copper point set in position, and heat applied, the substance will be melted and will run into all the interstices of the canal. The metallic point is permitted to remain as the central canal- filling." ' Physiolog-ical Effects. — An induced interrupted current was used by Bon will as early as 1859 to paralyze the reaction of the nerves about the root of a tooth, so that the latter could be extracted pain- ' Gramm, Dental Cosmos, vol. 35. ELECTRICITY IN DENTAL THERAPEUTICS. 543 lessly. The same device has been used to allay the irritability of the dentinal processes and permit painless cutting of dentin. Kapidly interrupted currents have been applied to relieve the symp- toms of pulpitis and acute pericementitis. A moistened electrode applied to the back of the neck, the other pole upon the cheek, will tend to cause contraction of the blood- vessels. They appear to reduce also the pain referred to the seat of disease. The eifects, however, are much less marked than when a galvanic cur- rent is employed. The latter is useful in those cases of trifacial neuralgia in which there is an irregular contraction of arteries. The galvanic current, 30-50 elements, will bring about a uniform contrac- tion of the vessels. This measure is merely palliative, not curative, so that in cases of reflex neuralgia of dental origin it precedes and follows removal of the cause. Chemical Effects. — The electrolytic power of the galvanic current is utilized in dental therapeutics. If a current such as is obtainable from the cataphoretic apparatus, with a maximum voltage of 35 to 40, be passed through vital tissues,^ the electro-positive elements of the tissues, potassium, sodium, calcium, and hydrogen, appear at the nega- tive pole, and acids, chlorin, and oxygen at the positive pole. " It follows that if the positive electrode be composed of metal, it will be corroded by the action of the chlorin and acids, and the negative will remain unacted upon and smooth." If the electrode be of zinc or of copper, the oxychlorids of those metals are formed, and exercise their chemical effects upon organic matter with which they are brought in contact ; hence they act as germicides and caustics. At the negative pole the caustic alkalies form and destroy tissue, if the application be sufliciently prolonged. The eflPects may be graded according to the current-intensity and duration of the application. Effective electrolysis is excited Avith 45 milliamperes of current.^ If the negative pole be applied to the gum over a tooth, and the positive pole to the back of the neck and its position shifted from time to time, alkalies may be liberated in the tissues and cause effects ranging from effective counter-irritation to the actual breaking-down of indurated tissue, or the removal of hyperplasia. If the positive pole be placed in a root-canal and the negative pole upon some other point, fluids of the tooth or tissues about the apex of the root (if the electrode be carried into them) are decomposed, and the substances formed act upon the tissues. If a zinc electrode be used, the germicidal and caustic zinc oxychlorid is formed, as above noted. ^ Bartholow's Medical Electricity. ^ Ibid. 544 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. Another important property of the constant current is utilized in den- tal therapeutics, viz., the power of such a current to cause the passage through an intervening resistance, of substances in solution from the posi- tive toward the negative pole — cataphoresis, or electrical osmosis. This property is well illustrated by an experiment of Morton's. A glass vessel containing a porous septum dividing it into two chambers, has placed in one of the chambers a solution of starch, in the other a solu- tion of iodin. If now the positive pole of a galvanic combination be placed in the iodin solution, and the negative in the starch solution, the iodin is caused to pass more quickly through the septum, and the blue coloration of the iodin reaction with starch at once appears. Through the aid of such a current, with appropriate electrodes and under proper insulation, solutions of drugs may be caused to pass along the conducting paths of the dentin — i. e., through their tubuli ; medica- ments may be carried from the surface of the gum into the pericemen- tum, etc. This principle is utilized in the treatment of hypersensitive dentin, for which special apparatus is necessary, so that the voltage may be raised by small fractions, the dental pulp being peculiarly intolerant of electric currents abruptly applied. Bleaching-agents, hydrogen dioxid solutions, may be quickly driven into the deeper portions of discolored dentin by this means. With suitable electrodes, cocain solutions may be driven in about the roots of teeth to render the operation of tooth-extraction painless. Hypodermatic Medication, Local ansesthetics — cocain, eucain, and tropacocain — are used by the hypodermatic method to render painless the operation of tooth-extrac- tion. Certain precautions should be observed in their use. The field of operation should be sterilized to prevent the entrance of pathogenic organisms to deep parts. The syringe and all of its parts must be care- fully sterilized, as must also the solution employed. Cocain solutions require the addition of an antiseptic. Eucain solutions may be sterilized by boiling. The minimum physiological dose of the drug should be employed, suspended in a large volume of fluid. The injection should be made in, not under, the maxillary periosteum. Injections should never be made in the loose tissue of the corium, as annoying swellings result and anaesthesia fails. a ^ ACETANILID— ACIDS. 545 DENTAL PHARMACOPCEIA. The agents used in dental therapeutics and their modes of action have been considered under the head of dental pharmacology, so that further classification is unnecessary. The therapeutic application of any agent may be determined by noting its description under the alphabetical headings of this section, and then turning to the portion on pharmacology where general and specific group-properties are dis- cussed. ACBTANILID (AnTIFEBRIN). Its name, acetanilid or phenyl acetamide, is derived from its chemical composition, graphically represented in \C2H3O. Acetanilid. It is an amide, a substitution-product of ammonia, one hydrogen atom of ammonia being replaced by phenol, and one by acetyl, or it may be regarded as anilin, N— H Anilin. in which a hydrogen atom is displaced by acetyl. It is a whitish crys- talline powder, slightly pungent, without odor ; sparingly soluble in water, and freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Combined with ammonium carbonate, the mixture is known as ammonol. Com- bined with caffein citrate and sodium bicarbonate, the preparation is called antikamnia. It relieves pain and reduces temperature, and in large doses depresses the action of the heart. The dose is from 3 to 15 grs. In combination with ammonium carbonate its depressing action on the heart is almost neutralized. Used in painful affections, in neuralgia, and to lessen the pains of pulpitis and pericementitis ; grs. v., repeated until 15 grs. are taken. It has been used locally as a mild antiseptic to raw surfaces, instead of the usual antiseptic powders. Acids, acid, acetic, iic2h3o2. The glacial anhydrous acid, C^H^O^, is used as a caustic. Acid, Trichloracetic. — The trichloracetic acid is the form in which 35 546 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. acetic acid is used in dentistry, the three hydrogen atoms of the radical being replaced by chlorin, HC2CI3O2. This is a colorless and very deli- quescent substance. It coagulates albumin promptly, hence it is caustic. It is used deliquesced as a caustic to destroy gum overhanging developing lower third molars, and to destroy vital remnants of pulps in the roots of teeth. Diluted, it is used as an astringent in pyorrhoea pockets and to soften the deposits of calculi. ACID, AESENIOUS. The anhydrous arsenious acid, or arsenic trioxid, AS2O3, a white crystalline powder, is insoluble in cold water, but partially soluble in an excess of boiling water, when arsenious acid, HgAsOg, is formed, a feebly acid substance. It is soluble in hydrochloric acid and freely soluble in alkalies. Combined with a fresh magma of ferric hydrate, the soluble arsen- ites are converted into insoluble arsenite of iron. This fact is made use of to prevent the absorption of arsenic which has been taken into the stomach. Evacuation of the contents of the stomach should follow. Applied to tissues, arsenic causes violent inflammation, followed by profound degenerative changes ; the application is attended by much pain. The inflammation excited by its presence prevents the absorp- tion of any but a very minute amount. It is used in dentistry for the sole purpose of devitalizing the pulps of teeth. It is made into paste and applied to the pulp ; or cotton-fibre is rolled in the paste, dried, and small pieces of it applied. ^i. Acid, arsenosi, "] Cocain. hydrochlorid., or V da gr. x ; Morphinse acetat., / 01. cinnamomi, or 01. caryophylii, q. s. ft. paste. ACID, BENZOIC, CqH^CO^H.. Benzoic acid is prepared by heating gum benzoin ; the acid sublimes in pearly white plates. Faintly soluble in water ; freely soluble in ether, chloroform, and strong alcohol. Locally applied it is slightly stimulant. It is markedly antiseptic and non-poisonous, hence is a valuable ingredient in mouth-washes. ACID, BORIC, II3BO3, is slightly soluble in cold water ; soluble in strong alcohol and in glycerin. A non-toxic antiseptic ; it is useful as an ingredient in ACIDS. 547 mouth-waslies. Combined with sodium sulfite, to evolve sulfur dioxid, SO^, for bleaching purposes (see Sodium Sulfite). ACID, CARBOLIC. Phenylic alcohol, phenyl hydroxid, CgH^HO, when pure, is colorless and crystalline ; odor is distinctive. Becomes fluid at 95° F. The addi- tion of glycerin renders it fluid. It is soluble in a great excess of water, a 3 per cent, solution being-permanent. It is readily soluble in ether, chloroform, alcohol, glycerin, and the essential oils. It coagulates albu- minous matter, hence is caustic ; it acts as a germicide in virtue of the same property ; locally applied, it is an anaesthetic. Used in dentistry in full strength to obtund the hypersensitivity of dentin, to relieve the pain of pulpitis ; as an antiseptic in carious cavities, in putrescent pulps, in root-canals, and in septic pericementitis. Used as a caustic for canker sores, stomatitis ulcerosa. In 3 per cent, solution it is used as an irrigating antiseptic and to keep sterilized instruments in, prior to using them. ACID, CHROMIC, CrOg. Chromic anhydrid, when deliquesced or dissolved in water, becomes H^,CrO^, or chromic acid. A powerful caustic, rarely used in dentistry. Has been used as a dentinal obtundent, and as a caustic in sluggish ulcers. Its present uses in dentistry are in |^ of 1 per cent, solution as a harden- ing fluid for histological work, and in galvanic batteries. ACID, GALLIC, does not coagulate (see Tannic Acid), but causes contraction of bloodvessels, hence is not used as a styptic locally, but when the inter- nal administration of a haemostatic is indicated. Given in pill-form ; dose, grs. 2-20. ACID, HYDROCHLORIC, HCl. Rarely used in dentistry. Used to supply deficiency of HCl in stomach and to check fermentative processes there. It rapidly decalci- fies the hard tissues of the teeth. ACID, LACTIC, CsHgOg. A syrupy liquid freely soluble in water. It is the acid of fermenta- tive origin which decalcifies the teeth in the progress of caries. It has the power of dissolving fibrinous exudates, and is used, therefore, to remove the false membrane in diphtheria. In 20-50 per cent, solution it is used to soften deposits of calculi in cases of pyorrhoea alveolaris, and as a stimulant astringent to the engorged soft tissues about the parts. 548 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. ACID, XITEIC, HXO3. The strong acid is used as a caustic application to canker sores. Its application is productive of pain, so that carbolic acid is preferred for this purpose. Used to touch abraded spots of hypersensitive dentin upon the occlusal faces of the teeth. As decalcification results, such spots are to be excavated and filled. ACID, OXALIC, C2H2O4, should be plainly marked, as its crystals are readily mistaken for those of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt). Used to liberate chlorin from calcium hypochlorite, in the process of bleaching discolored dentin (Truman). ACID, PHOSPHORIC. The ortho-acid, HgPO^, in solution, is the fluid ingredient of zinc- phosjjhate cements. ACID, SALICYLIC, HC7H5O3, is contained in oil of gautheria (wintergreen). It may be obtained from this source, or be made synthetically by decomposing sodium salicylate with hydrochloric acid. Is slightly soluble in cold, freely soluble in hot water. Soluble in alcohol. Borax in solution aids the solubility of salicylic acid, hence their conjoined use in mouth-washes. In solution strength of 1 : 200, salicylic acid destroys most of the forms of bacteria found in the mouth. Its principal use in dentistry is as an ingredient of mouth-washes. ACID, SULFURIC, HgSO^. Sulfuric acid is used in dental therapeutics in 50 per cent, solution, mainly to gain access to, to enlarge, and sterilize root-canals so minute as to refuse entrance to fine instruments. It is used full strength as a destruc- tive obtundent in cases of hypersensitive dentin. In weak solution, 10 per cent., it is used to neutralize the free alkali in teeth left after applications of sodium dioxid or sodium-potassium. The same solution is used to soften the deposits in cases of pyorrhoea alveolaris, to remove dead bone, and as an astringent. It is a solvent of the calcium salts of the teeth and destroys organic matter by a process of chemical dehy- dration. Acid, sulfuric, aromatic, is a mixture of sulfuric acid in alcohol, spirit of cinnamon, and tincture of ginger, in strength of 7|- per cent. By the action of the sulfuric acid on alcohol a portion of the latter is oxidized, forming an ether. Its uses are those of dilute sulfuric acid, and, in addition, it has marked stimulating properties. It is used full strength in treating pyorrhoea pockets, as a calcic solvent, a germicide, ACONITE. 549 a stimulant, and an astringent. It is used to dissolve carious bone and to stimulate the vital parts to reparative action. ACID, SULFUROUS, H^SOg, acts as a bleaching-agent by a process of reduction, seizing upon the oxygen of the pigment. Is used as a bleaching-agent for discolored dentin. It is generated by mixing the dry powders of sodium sulfite and boracic acid, placed in contact with discolored dentin, water is applied and sulfarous acid is disengaged (Kirk). It acts as a deodorant and antiseptic in the same manner as above given. ACID, TANNIC, C27H22O17, is readily soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerin. It is the astrin- gent principle of most of the vegetable astringents. When oxidized, as when tannic acid is taken into the body, gallic acid is formed. It brings about a rapid coagulation of the blood with a contraction of vessel-walls ; hence is used as a styptic locally in powder. In solutions of various strengths adapted to the conditions, it is applied to reduce the passive congestion of swollen gums and tumid mucous membranes. Its solution in glycerin is known as glycerite of tannin ; it is made by dissolving 1 part of tannic acid in 4 parts of glycerin, through the aid of heat. This preparation is used in cases of swollen and passively congested mucous membranes ; the hygroscopic glycerin attracts the fluid exudates, and the tannic acid causes contraction of the engorged tissues. Tannic acid, in combination with alum, glycerin, and thymol, is used to mummify, and harden the remnants of pulps not removable by mechanical means. ACID, TRICHLORACETIC. (See Acid, Acetic.) Aconite. Tincture of the root, tine, aconiti radicis ; dose 1 to 5 drops ; used in one-drop doses to reduce the pulsations of an overacting heart in acute inflammations. Locally used in combination with iodin to subdue peri- cemental inflammation : R. Tr. iodin., \ ^^_^ Tr. aconiti rad., J Sig. Painted on gum, over the affected tooth. In old preparations the evaporation of the alcohol may, by concen- tration of the solution, increase the volume-strength, and poisoning may occur if used freely. Antidotes are cardiac stimulants — ammonia, whiskey, brandy. The physiological antidote is atropia. 550 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDIGA. AcONITINE is the alkaloid of aconite, an extremely active poison. Its dose is T7o S^* -^^^ dental use is in ointment : ^. Aconitini, gi'- j ? Cerat. simp., SJ. — M. Sig. To be rubbed over the tissues in front of the ear to relieve the trismus-like pains which may attend difficult eruption of lower third molars. Alcohol. Ethylic alcohol, CgHgHO, or ethyl hydroxid, 95 per cent, alcohol : being about 94 per cent, by volume, 91 per cent, by weight of ethyl hydroxid — i. e., 9 per cent, by weight, 6 per cent, by volume of water. Specific gravity at 60° F. 0.820. Methyl alcohol, CH3HO, methyl hydroxid. Whiskey and brandy containing from 48 to 56 per cent, by volume of ethyl alcohol, are used as diffusible stimulants in cases of syncope from any cause ; dose, 3SS-J. Strong alcohol is very astringent, and is antiseptic. Being hygroscopic, it readily takes up water ; this property is utilized in pro- ducing dryness of the dentin prior to inserting fillings and canal-fill- ings. Both ethyl and methyl alcohols are used as solvents for several vegetable gums which are employed in both laboratory and office uses. (See Lining Varnishes.) PHENYL ALCOHOL, CgHgHO, PHENYL HYDROXID. (See Carbolic Acid.) Alum. Aluminum potassium sulfate, Al2(S04)3,K2SO^ + 24H2O. Aluminum ammonium sulfate, Al2(S04)3,(NH4)2S04 + 24H2O. It is the potash-alum — aluminii at potassii sulfas — which is usually employed in medicine. It is a colorless salt, soluble in about fifteen vol- umes of cold water, and in three-quarters of a part of hot water. It has a sweetish, astringent, and acid taste, but unless the specimen contain free acid, alum solutions should be neutral in reaction. Alum-exsi- catum — dried alum — is alum whose water of crystallization has been driven off by heat, forming a white granular powder. Solutions of alum are used as astringent washes in cases of passive hypersemia of the gum-tissue, such as those caused by the presence of salivary calculi, and in pyorrhoea alveolaris. It should be ascertained that the alum contains no excess of acid — that is, should not redden blue litmus paper — before it is used. Powdered alum is a powerful AMMONIUM— ANTIPYRIN. 551 styptic, and may be used on cotton tampons for the relief of alveolar hemorrhage. Alum exsicatum is used as a mild caustic to exuberant granulations : it acts both as a caustic and astringent. Ammonium. Ammonium hydrate, NH^HO, and the neutral carbonate (NH3)2C03, are used in combination with oils of lemon, pimento, and lavender, in solution of alcohol and water as a diffusible stimulant, under the name of spiritus ammonise aromaticus. Given in doses of 5ss-ij, it acts as a prompt cardiac stimulant. Ammonium nitrate, NH^NOa, is the salt from which the angesthetic, nitrogen mouoxid (nitrous oxid), is disengaged. NH,N03+ heat (350°-450° F.) = N2O + 211 f>. Ammonol (see also Acetanilid) is a combination of acetanilid with ammonium carbonate ; the latter is added to neutralize the depressing effect of acetanilid upon the heart. Dose, grs. v-x. Used in neuralgic conditions, hemicrania, tic dou- loureux, and to benumb the pains of pulpitis and acute pericementitis. It is frequently very effective in the latter affection. Amyl Nitrite, Amyl Nitris, CsHnNOa Dose, 1Uij-v. It is dispensed in glass pearls containing these amounts. It is administered by inhalation. It depresses the inhibitory apparatus of the heart ; used when the peripheral bloodvessels are in a state of marked contraction, it causes their immediate dilatation ; hence is used in angina pectoris, to relieve the spasmodic contraction of the heart and vessels, and in conditions of shock with pale surface. It has been suggested as an antidote to chloroform, when the conditions named present, but as it is also the antagonist of strychnia, the antidote of chloroform, its use must be guarded. Antipyrin is phenyl-dimethyl-pyrazolon. Irrespective of physiological experi- ments, a substance having the chemical composition given would, at the present day, be known to have the power of reducing pain and lessening temperature, which are in fact its uses. Dose, iii.-x grs. Antipyrin is freely soluble in water. Small doses decrease, large doses increase, the reflex activity of the brain,^ the cause of the depression being due to sedation of the sensory nerves and of their centres in the spinal cord. Applied to mucous membranes or beneath the skin, this agent is a power- ' Hare, Practical Therapeutics. 552 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. fill local anaesthetic, the anaesthesia lasting often for several days. Bar- tholow ^ and Hare both agree that the cardiac depressing action of anti- pyrin is over-rated, being only marked in the cumulative action of the drug. Its antidotes are atropia and stimulants. It is used to relieve the pain of facial neuralgia, pericementitis, and acute pulp-diseases. ArISTOL, DiTHYMOL — Dl-IODID. Introduced as a substitute for iodoform, upon the assumption that iodoform acts as an antiseptic in virtue of setting free iodin when brought in contact with vital tissues ; aristol containing twice the amount of iodin, should have greater power ; the thymol should also exercise par- ticular antiseptic action. Reports as to its efficacy are contradictory. Upon cocci and bacilli aristol has less power than iodoform (Hare). It is used in dentistry as a dressing in pulp-canals which have con- tained putrescent pulps ; its value as a persistent antiseptic in these cases is masked, owing to the previous or simultaneous use of other antiseptics. Borax, NajBiO, + lOH^O. Boric Acid. Impure borax is the common flux of the dental laboratory. In this state it sometimes contains borates of other metals than sodium, which may cause contamination of the noble metals (Hiorns). Pure borax is soluble in twelve parts of water. Saturated solutions are used as mouth-washes in conditions of stomatitis (aphtliEe) as an antiseptic. It is an ingredient of Dobell's solution, which is used as an antiseptic wash in catarrh of, and empysema of the antrum, and in stomatitis : I^. Sodii boratis, \ Sodii bicarbonatis, J da r'y, Acidi carbolici, gr. XXX ; Glycerni, gj; Aquse purse. Oij.— M S. Used warm, as a spray. Boric acid is a useful addition to antiseptic mouth-washes. Used dry, on aphthous sores, and in cases of cancrum oris, ulcerative stoma- titis, etc., it is an admirable antiseptic. An ointment : ^. Ac. boric, .5j ; Cerat. alb., 3j ; Paraffin, Sij ; Ol. amyg. exp., fgij. — M. ' Materia Medica and Therapeutics. BOROGLYCERIN— CALCIUM. 553 is a useful application to chapped lips and in herpes labialis, and to prevent cliapping of the hands. BoROGLYCERIN ^ is made by mixing 62 parts of boric acid with 92 parts of glycerin, in a tarred porcelain capsule, at a temperature of about 300° F. The acid is added to the glycerin gradually, stirring constantly ; when the mixture is reduced to 100 parts it is poured on a block slightly wet with petro- leum ; when dry it is cut in blocks and kept in stoppered bottles. One ounce of these blocks is added to one ounce of glycerin to form glycerite of boroglycerin, a vehicle for carbolic acid and other substances applied as mouth-washes. Bromids. Potassium broraid, gr. v-3J. Sodium bromid, gr. v-3j. Used as sedatives when the cerebral circulation is overfull, as in teething children and in acute pericementitis. Applied locally to reduce the excessive irritability of the mucous membrane of the soft palate and fauces. Will relieve the form of migraine accompanied by flushed face and injected eye. Will quiet the irritability of hysterical dental patients. Oaffein. Caffein, the active principle of coifee ; thein, the active principle of tea, and that of guarana, are chemically identical. Used in combination with acetanilid in the mixture called antikamnia (which see) to counter- act its depressing and increase its analgesic effects. Oajuput Oil. (See Oils, Antiseptic.) Calcium. Calcium oxid (lime) in solution in water has been used as an antacid mouth-wash. Calcium carbonate (precipitated chalk) is used as an ingredient of dentifrices, and as an antacid, rubbed over the teeth at night, to neutral- ize the acids causing caries and erosion, and to lessen the hypersen- sitivity of dentin. Calcium hypochlorite in mixture with calcium chlorid, is used as a bleaching-agent for discolored dentin. Chlorin is liberated by the action of dilute organic acids.^ The hypophosphites, phosphates, and lacto-phosphates have been ad- ministered to increase the amount of calcium salts in dentin in which 1 Hare, Practical Therapeutics. ^ Truman. 554 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. these salts were supposed to be deficient ; it has never, however, been demonstrated that they have any effect in this direction. Calcium sulfate (gypsum) calcined, is plaster of Paris. Camphor. Camphor liniment (soap, camphor, oil of rosemary, alcohol, and water) is used with friction over the masseter muscle to relieve the tem- porary spasms caused by difficult eruption of lower third molars. Camphor spirits, a few drops in a glass of water, is used to lessen the irritability of the soft palate and fauces, to permit manipulation of those structures. AMPHO-PHENIQUE . A fluid substance formed by the combination of nearly equal parts of carbolic acid and gum camphor, said to be a definite chemical body having the formula CgH^jO, the reaction presumably being C,oH,30 + QH,HO = 2C3H,,0. Camphor. Phenyl alcohol. It possesses the antiseptic and anaesthetic properties of carbolic acid, and, in addition the stimulant property of camphor. It does not pro- duce an eschar ; it is insoluble in water. Its uses are those of carbolic acid in general ; but it has not the depressing effect of that agent upon the vitality of tissues to which it is applied. It is used in full strength for hypersensitivity of dentin, to sterilize infected and purulent pulps, and as a stimulant antiseptic application to the walls of chronic alveolar abscesses. It may be used as a stimulating antiseptic application to pyorrhoea pockets after removal of the deposits and washing with hydrogen dioxid. Cantharides (Spanish Flies). An active principle called cantharidin, is extracted from the crushed bodies of the beetle, cantharis vesicatoria. It is used in plaster, charta cantharadis, or in collodion, collodion cum cantharide, to produce blis- tering. A blister placed in front of the ear or beneath the ear is a counter-irritant of service in relieving the pains of pulpitis and peri- cementitis, after local therapeusis has been applied. A small blister applied to the gum, at some distance from an affected root, is useful in cases of sluggish pericementitis of the chronic type. Capsicum. Depending upon the strength in which they are used, preparations of capsicum are stimulants or irritants, and are used to stimulate slug- gish local circulation or as counter-irritants. CHLORAL HYDRATE— COCAIN. 555 Tr. capsicum may be used alone, or as tr. capsici et myrrhse ; either is added to water until cloudiness appears ; used as a stimulant wash in cases of atonic affections of the gum-tissues, and to hasten the separa- tion of sequestra of bone. Powdered capsicum and ginger, made into packet-form, in small muslin bags, and called capsicum bags, are useful as counter-irritants in acute pulp-affections and in chronic pericemental disturbances. ^ l^ riyrJ^^Ui--^ -^ Chloral Hydrate. C.HC130.h;o. ^:CC^^<- l^ ^^ The syrup of chloral, in doses of fsj, is an admirable hypnotic in oi^-i^Cu^ cases of insomnia from pulpitis, and after arsenical applications have been made to a pulp. In saturated solution it has been used to reduce the hypersensitivity of dentin. Its solutions are markedly antiseptic and are irritant to soft tissues. Chloroform, Formyl Trichlorid, CHCI3. The most dangerous of the general angesthetics in dental practice ; it should never be used in dentistry for this purpose. The list of fatalities recorded from the employment of chloroform in tooth-extraction is a most formidable one. The semi-erect position adds to the danger always accompanying the use of this agent. It is used in dentistry as a counter-irritant. A piece of blotting-paper saturated with chloroform laid upon mucous membrane or skin, and its evaporation prevented by covering with rubber cloth, acts as a stimulant, counter-irritant, or vesi- cant, according to the length of application. It is used as a solvent for gutta-percha base-plate, to make the root-filling solution called chloro- percha. Cobalt. A powder named cobalt has been used to destroy the vitality of the dental pulp, particularly after the Herbst method. Analysis has shown this powder to be metallic arsenic or arsenic sulfid (Kirk). Cocain (Hydrochlorid), Benzoyl-methyl Ecgonin. Decomposed, by boiling, into methylic alcohol, benzoic acid, and ecgonin ; therefore, unlike eucain, its solutions cannot be sterilized by boiling. Solutions of cocain paralyze the terminals of both sensory and special sense-nerves with which they are brought in contact. Applied to nerve-trunks they prevent the transmission of sensory impressions. Death from overdose is due to paralysis of respiration. Poisoning should be treated with stimulants — ammonia, strychnia, or ether. It is used in dentistry in solutions of various strengths as a local anaesthetic. In from 4 to 10 per cent, solution as an application to the 556 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. mucous membrane to render incision painless. In saturated solutions or in crystals, or in paste with glycerin, is used in acute diseases of the pulp as an analgesic. In solution with agents added to overcome ill- toward effects, and to prevent the growth of organisms which will develop in watery solutions of the drug, cocain is used as an agent foi- hypodermatic injection to render the operation of tooth-extraction painless. . Cocain. hydrochlorid., gr-i; Morphinse sulph., gr-xV; Atropinse sulph., gr- lioJ Trinitrin (1 per cent, solution), gtt. j ; Acid, carbolic. gtt. j ; Aquse, q. s. ft. 3ss. — M. The above is a full dose, making about one-half syringeful. The syringe-needle is passed deep into the connective tissue between mucous membrane and alveolar periosteum over a root, and several drops of the solution are injected. A similar injection is made upon the opposite side of the same root, or over other roots ; extraction should be done almost immediately. Prior to making the injection the mucous mem- brane at the point of injection should be carefully sterilized, as should also the syringe and needle. In strong solution, cocain is forced into the dentinal tubuli and into the dental pulp by means of the cataphoric current, to obtund hyper- sensitive dentin or to paralyze the pulp and permit its removal. Cocain without this driving force is ineffective as a dentinal analgesic, even in saturated solution or in glycerin paste. Collodion. A solution of pyroxylin (gun-cotton) in ether and alcohol. Exposed to the air, the solvent evaporates and leaves a thin, transparent, imper- meable film. Cantharidal collodion is formed by adding cantharides- extract to collodion. Styptic collodion is made by dissolving tannic acid in collodion : tannic acid, grs. 20 ; collodion, ^j. This makes a useful application to oozing, abraded surfaces after previously sterilizing them. Steresol (which see) varnish is, however, superior to it. OoppEB, Cuprum. Black cupric oxid combined with orthophosphoric acid forms a black cement, orthophosphate of copper, advised as a filling-cement in dentistry to underlie other materials.^ Cupric sulfate — bluestone — according to ^ Ames. COTTON— CRESOLS. 557 the strength of solution in which it is used, is an astringent or caustic. Copper sulfate acts as a germicide, like the other metallic salts mentioned, by causing coagulation of albumin. Miller's ' experiments demonstrated that crystals of eupric sulfate placed upon the surface of a pulp transformed the entire pulp into a green, antiseptic, tough mass. It causes, however, a green discoloration of the dentin, and if used when putrefactive decomposition is in progress, black copper sulfid is formed by the action of the hydrogen sulfid present. A crystal of eupric sulfate is a useful application to the dentin of deeply infected teeth which are to be enclosed by barrel crowns. In strong solution it is a useful agent in the cauterant treatment of pyor- rhoea pockets. In 1 per cent, solution it is a useful astringent and antiseptic wash for relaxed conditions of the soft tissues about the mouth. Cotton. The hairs of the seeds of the cotton-plant (gossypium herbaceum). In the carded state it is the raw cotton of dentistry. Boiled with a 5 per cent, solution of sodium or potassium hydrate, fatty substances and foreign matters are washed away, and the boiled cotton is afterward washed wdth calcium hypochlorite ; this is absorbent cotton. Each fibre consists of elongated tubular cells, which absorb any moisture with which the cotton is brought in contact. The cotton should contain no free alkali or free acid. Mixed with arsenical paste and dried, it con- stitutes devitalizing fibre. Corrosive Sublimate. (See Mercuric Chlorid.) Creosote.. A product of the distillation of wood, etc. ; it contains carbolic acid and allied substances ; its properties and uses are those of carbolic acid. Cresols, nominally CsHiCHjOH. methyl phenol. Obtained by fractional distillation of crude carbolic acid at 365°-401° F. There are three cresols, ortho-, meta-, and para-cresol, the second being the most ])owerful germicide. Para-cresol is a local analgesic, destroying the sense of pain, but not tactile sensibility.^ It will be seen that the chemical composition of these substances shows them to be allied to cocain and carbolic acid. Frankel and Gruber found a mixture of the three cresols — called trikresol — to possess three times the disinfectant power of carbolic acid. Trikresol may be used with advantage to replace carbolic acid in dental practice. 1 Dental Cosmos. ^ McNeill, Edinburgh Med. Jour., 1886. 558 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. Ergot. The fluid extract in drachm doses is used as a hsemostatic. Erigeron, Fleabane. The oil of erigeron, in doses of from twenty to thirty drops in capsules, is used in oozing alveolar hemorrhage after the extraction of teeth. Ether, Ethyl Oxid, (OJtI^).,0. Used as the major ansesthetic for dental operations, when it is essen- tial to keep the patient anaesthetized for comparatively long periods, as in the removal of imbedded, impacted teeth. Dividing the anaesthetic stages of ether into four, the first stage is when sensibility to pain is dulled before the loss of consciousness occurs ; teeth may be extracted in this period, or excessively hypersensitive dentin may be cut, without pain. Ethyl Ohlorid, C2H5CI, is too volatile for use as a general ansesthetic. It boils at 12° C. It is used as a refrigerant local anaesthetic, its rapid evaporation causing quick paralysis of sensory nerve-terminals or trunks. A spray of this agent directed against vital dentin will benumb its sensitivity, and if the application be prolonged refrigeration extends to the pulp, which in many cases can be extracted painlessly. A spray directed upon the gum will freeze it and permit the extraction of a tooth without pain. EucAiN Hydrochlorid, a synthetic substance, having a methyl-benzoyl basis, as in cocain ; its composition is, however, much more complex than that of the latter. Solutions in water may be boiled without decomposition ; hence, unlike cocain, solutions may be sterilized by boiling. It is not so toxic as cocain. It may be used in watery solutions which have been boiled, in amounts of ^| gr. by hypodermatic injection, to render tooth-extraction painless. EXALGEN, MeTHYL-ACETANILID, is acetanilid in which the remaining hydrogen atom of the basal ammonia is replaced by methyl : /H /CH, (methyl) N— COCH3 N— COCH3 Acetanilid Methyl acetanilid, or exalgin. Its analgesic power is greater than than of acetanilid. Its uses are the same in treating painful affections, but it is not used as an anti- pyretic. FORMALIN— HAMAMELIS. 559 Formalin, a 40 per cent, solution of the gas formaldelyd (CH2O) in water. For- maldehyd is an oxidation-product of methyl alcohol. A powerful antiseptic ; in 1 : 1000 solution it prevents the growth of anthrax spores ; in 1 : 2000 solution it checks putrefaction in bouillon.' The vapor (powerfully antiseptic) is given off from formalin solutions at ordinary temperatures. It produces tough coagula when brought in contact with albuminous substances. Both vapors and solutions are very irritating. Any strength in excess of 5 per cent, placed in root- canals is productive of irritation ; and the dental pulp responds pain- fully to any solution of a strength above 3 per cent." It is used in the indicated strength in connection with putrescent pulps, prior to attemj)ts at mechanical manipulation, to penetrate and sterilize to the root-apex. In 1 per cent, solution it is an excellent injection for deep-seated abscesses, particularly those of a chronic type. In 1 per cent, solution in combination with other agents it is an admirable antiseptic mouth- wash. Glycerin, Propenyl Alcohol, €3115(011)3, is set free when natural fats are boiled in a caustic alkali. Stearates of potassium or sodium (soaps) are formed and glycerin is liberated. It has moderate antiseptic powers and is very hygroscopic. A drachm or two injected into the rectum produce a watery stool, and this fact is utilized in the derivatant treatment of teething-convulsions. Mixed with equal parts of water it is useful to relieve " dry mouth and fauces." In combination with tannic acid it forms glycerite of tannin (which see). GUAIACOL. A distillation-product of creasote, containing from 60 to 90 per cent, of that substance. Its uses are in general those of creasote. A 10 per cent, solution of anhydrous cocain hydrochlorid in pure guaiacol is termed guaia-cocain,^ and is used instead of watery solutions of cocain in connection with the cataphoric current to benumb hypersensitive dentin. Hamamelis. Fluid extract, dose internally 5-20 drops. The distilled extract (Pond's extract) may be used in doses of 3ss-3j internally. Internally it is used as a haemostatic to check oozing hemorrhage. Locally it is used to reduce vascular engorgement. It is an efficient antiphlogistic for use in inflammatory conditions of the mouth and fauces. Is very useful as a general mouth-Avash in cases of pericementitis, after the excit- ^ TJ. S. Marine Hospital Reports, July, 1897. ^ L. Jack. 3 W. T. Morton. 560 • DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. ing causes of the inflammation have been removed. It is used as a wash in cases of gingivitis. a j * , r / Hydrogen Peroxid, Hydrogen Dioxid, H2O2. g^^-^/^Uvw (^^^y. In 3 per cent, watery solution yielding ten volumes of oxygen. In co chr 5 per cent, ethereal solution. In 25 per cent, ethereal solution, caustic/ 1 A^ pyrozone. Sodium dioxid, from which hydrogen dioxid is disengaged ^^ i by the action of dilute mineral acids. Most of the watery solutions of f^^^'t hydrogen dioxid are slightly acid in reaction. Solutions of hydrogen rw-'^ dioxid deteriorate with age, and very quickly upon open exposure. Their activity may be judged by the violence of the -reaction which occurs when potassium permanganate is added to the solutions. Used as a germicide, antiseptic, and disinfectant; acting by virtue of the nascent oxygen set free when the solutions are brought in contact with organic matter. (See Antiseptics, Nascent Oxygen, and Caustic Alka- lies.) Used in abscess-cavities, pus-pockets, 'pulpless roots, pulp-dis- eases, and in all conditions where an active and non-toxic antiseptic is indicated. lODIN, lODIDS. Tr. iodin and liq. iodi comp. (LugoFs solution). Tr. iodin evapor- ated to one-fourth its volume is called dental tincture of iodin.^ Iodin is incompatible with mineral acids, metallic salts, and vegetable alka- loids. Iodin in vapor, solid, or in solutions, decomposes hydrogen sulphid and hydrogen phosphid, acting as a deodorant. It combines with albuminous substances, acting as a germicide. Locally applied, it acts as a stimulant, irritant, or caustic, depending upon the concentration of the solution. It is used as a counter-irritant in cases of pulpitis and pericementitis (acute), and to resolve indurations about the teeth due to chronic inflammation of the pericementum. Used in pulp-chambers to quickly deodorize the putrescent pulp. If the cavity be washed with ammonia-water, afterward any iodin-stain is removed and the dentin whitened. Used diluted in conditions of tumid gums, and as a stimulant application in deep pyorrhoea pockets. The liq. iodi comp. is preferable in such cases. Iodoform, Formyl Tri-iodid, CHI3. Iodoform, by virtue of its organic radical, is a local ansesthetic. It is antiseptic, although not a germicide. Its action in this direction is believed to be due to one of two causes : either by virtue of the iodin which is set free when iodoform is brought into contact with infected tissues, or to chemical changes which it induces in the poisonous prod- 1 Flagg. lODOL—LYSOL. 561 ucts of bacteria, reuderiug them non-toxic. The reduction of irrita- bility by the formyl radical must, in addition, play an important part in inducing regeneration of tissues over surfaces to which iodoform is applied. Used in conjunction with arsenic trioxid in devitalizing paste, it lessens the pain incidental to pulp-devitalization.' ^. Acid, arsenosi, gr. v ; lodoformi, gr. x ; 01. cinnamomi, q. s. ft. paste. There is much discrepancy of opinion as to the value of iodoform, brought about by the observation that it is not a germicide ; nevertheless in pyogenic conditions of a chronic type it appears to have distinct value. It is used in solution or in powder in the cavities of chronic abscesses or pyorrhea pockets. Gauze charged with iodoform, iodoform- gauze, is used to pack abscess-cavities which have been opened artifi- cially through the alveolar walls, and after root-amputations. Under its use regeneration and healing proceed more uniformly than with most medicinal applications. Iodoform is used freely in cases of tuberculosis of the jaws. loDOL, Tetra-iod-pyrrhol, CJ4NH. Introduced as a substitute for iodoform, it contains about the same volume of iodin in looser combination. It is inodorous. Applied to wounds iodin is set free and acts upon albuminous substances, from which ozone is disengaged, which oxidizes compounds of sulfur and phos- phorus.^ Its uses are those of iodoform, except in arsenical pastes, where the anaesthetic property of iodoform is utilized. Iron. Freshlv prepared hvdrated sesquioxid of iron is the antidote to arsenic. Tr. ferri chlor. is occasionally used as a styptic in alveolar hemorrhage. Monsell's solution, sol. ferric subsulfate, is a poAverful styptic, but may cause sloughing of tissues. Preparations of iron are rarely used in the mouth on account of the stains they produce upon the teeth. Kino, Krameria, v^egetable astringents used in mouth-washes, acting by virtue of the tannic acid contained in them. Lysol is a carbolized compound, made by dissolving in fat and saponifying with alcohol that part of coal-tar which boils between 190° and 200° C. ^ Truman. ''■ Bartholow. 36 562 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. It forms a clear, soapy fluid with water. Is used in 2 to 4 per cent, solution to sterilize the washed hands, and in boiling solutions of the same strength to sterilize instruments. In full strength it is an excel- lent penetrating antiseptic as a first application to pulps in a state of partial putrescence. Magnesium. Magnesium hydrate in suspension is Phillip's milk of magnesia. It is 'perhaps the best of all antacids for use in dental therapeusis. It forms a film of magnesium hydrate upon the surfaces of the teeth and aids materially in checking the advance of dental erosion. Magnesium sulfate in doses of Bss, well diluted, is an excellent derivative saline cathartic in cases of acute pericementitis. Menthol, Mint Camphor. The active principle of peppermit, upon which its effects depend. It is a local ansesthetic and produces contraction of the small vessels of the part to which it is applied. This combination of properties renders it very useful in treatment of acute pulpitis. Used dissolved in chloroform or oil of cassia, it is an excellent agent in the treatment of the peri- cemental irritation which occasionally follows upon the removal of the pulp. It is pumped in the canals and permitted to remain for a day or longer. A solution (gr. j-5) is a useful wash in cases of sluggish stomatitis. Mercury. Metallic mercury is used as the solvent of dental alloys. Mercury bichlorid, HgClg, in strength of 1 : 2000 ^ is found to act as an effective sterilizing agent in the human mouth, killing in a very few minutes, nearly all forms of bacteria found in that cavity. Its disagreeable taste and the danger of discoloring the dentin of the teeth contraindicate its use as a general oral antiseptic. In pulpless teeth, particularly in those in which the pulp has become gangrenous and un- dergone putrefactive decomposition, the use of mercuric chlorid is con- traindicated because of its reaction with the hydrogen sulfid generated during this type of fermentation. The danger of discoloring, salts of mercury being formed and finding their way into the dentinal tubuli, is an ever-present one.^ It has been found that tablets composed of mercury bichlorid and thy- mol in equal parts, when crushed in the base of a pulp-chamber against the stumps of pulps which have been intentionally devitalized, will main- tain a prolonged antiseptic condition in the roots of teeth so treated.^ ^ Miller, Micro-organisms of the Human Month. ''■ Kirk's Operative Dentistry, chapter "Bleaching." ^ Miller, Proc. Columbia Dental Congress. METHYL CHLORID— MORPHIA. 563 Corrosive sublimate has found but limited clinical application in dental practice, it being possible to induce antisepsis Mith other germicides which have not the disadvantageous features of the mercury salt. It is not adapted for sterilizing metallic instruments on account of its corro- sive action upon steel, and the precipitation of mercury upon other metals. In hot 1 : 2000 solution it is an effective sterilizer for glass- ware used by the dentist. In 1 : 1000 solution it is an effective lavage in conditions of ulcerous stomatitis, although hydrogen dioxid followed by potassic chlorate has largely displaced it for this purpose. A 1 : 1000 solution in hydrogen dioxid is an excellent germicidal application to abscess-walls.' Mercury sulfid, HgS, vermilion, is the pink coloring-matter of gutta-percha base-plate. As this salt is insoluble in lactic acid, fillings made of pink gutta-percha do not acquire a rough surface like those made of preparations containing the soluble zinc oxid. The red oxid of mercury is used as an ingredient for lip-salves to relieve cracks and abrasions about the lips : ^. Mercuric oxid., 3j ; Tr. benzoin, 3j ; Cerat. simp., gij ; Liq. potassii, gtt. ij, — M. et ft. ungent. (J. F. Flagg). Methyl Chlorid, Mono-chlor-methane, CH3CI, the lightest and most volatile of the compounds of chlorin with methane, the heaviest being chloroform, tri-chlor-methane, CHCI3. Methyl chlorid vaporizes at a temperature below zero ; hence it is the most active refrigerant available as a local anaesthetic. It possesses an addi- tional advantage over ethyl chlorid, in that it is but slightly inflam- mable. A spray of methyl chlorid directed against the gum for a frac- tion of a minute or longer will create sufficient local anaesthesia to render the operation of tooth-extraction painless. The application should not be continued too long, or tissue-death will result. A spray directed against hypersensitive dentin or an exposed pulp, will render both entirely anaesthetic. Vital pulps may be rapidly paralyzed through the application of a spray of methyl chlorid. The spray may be used as a cold test to determine the vitality of a pulp.^ Morphia. The anodyne alkaloid of opium. It possesses the power of benumb- ing the functions of the sensory nervous tract when internally admin- iRhein. ^Ihid. 564 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. istered. Locally applied it is an obtundent to sensory nerve-terminals. The sulfate is the most effective salt for internal use ; the acetate for external ajsplication. Morphinse sulfate, gr. ^, administered a half-hour before operating will in many cases so benumb sensitivity that the pain of cutting hypersensitive dentin is materially reduced. The same dose may be required as a general anodyne in conditions of pulpitis and acute pericementitis ; it has been largely displaced for such purposes by the coal-tar derivatives, which relieve pain without the unpleasant after-effects frequently following upon the use of morphia — i. e., con- stipation and headache. Acetate of morphia was the usual anodyne ingredient in arsenical paste-formulae ; it has been almost entirely superseded by cocaiu hydro- chlorid. Naphthalin, CioHg. The naphthalin derivatives are all analogues of carbolic acid. Resor- cin (which see) belongs also in this chemical and medicinal group. Car- bolic acid and resorcin belong in the group which has but a single ben- zene nucleus, CgHg : naphthalin in that having a double benzene nucleus. Phenylic alcohol is benzene in which one hydrogen atom is replaced by hydroxyl, CgHgHO. Resorcin has two of its hydrogen atoms so re- placed, CgH/HO),. Naphtol. The hydroxyl derivative of naphthalin has the composition Cj^H-HO. There are two naphtols, the alpha and the beta, both having the same formula — are isomeric. The latter is more soluble in hot water, and its leaflet-like crystals have lower melting- and boiling-points than the needle-like crystals of a-naphtol. Only y3-naphtol is used in surgery. Hydronaphtol, a proprietary agent, is said to be identical with ;5- naphtol.^ The penetrating and preserving qualities of this agent, how- ever, appear to be superior to those of /9-uaphtol. Naphtol solutions are made in alcohol, these solutions being mis- cible in hot water. Miller's experiments indicate that these solutions are promptly germicidal,^ but that they do not induce prolonged anti- sepsis.^ The chemical analogy of naphtol to carbolic acid is, of course, an indication of some or of a close degree of physiological properties. /9-naphtol or hydronaphtol in 1 : 300 solution is used as a spray for sterilizing pyorrhoea pockets, for sterilizing alveoli after extraction and prior to plantation operations. In 1 : 50 solution or stronger it is used in septic pulp-canals, and in the treatment of septic apical peri- cementitis. ^ Gould, Illustrated Did. of Medicine. ^ Micro-organimis of the Human Mouth. 3 Denial Cosmos, 1891. NITROUS OXIl)— OXYGEN. 565 Nitrous Oxid, Nitrogen Monoxid, N,0. The only entirely safe general anfesthetic. Anaesthesia is induced in from one-half to two minutes, and ceases in from one to three minutes. Ill-effects from its use are rare ; those that have been noted were usu- ally in patients whose vessels were atheroma,tous. Patients having ])ul- monary emphysema, or fatty heart, may be distressed for hours after its administration, and its use in the three classes of disorders named can- not be regarded as without danger. Oils, Antiseptic. Several of the essential volatile oils are used in dental practice as antiseptics. In addition, most of them possess obtundent action upon the dental pulp. The several oils differ as to their activity in both of these directions. All of these oils belong to the aromatic series — i. e., they have a relationship to benzene. The oil of caryophyllum (cloves) contains an oxygenated oil. Eu- genol, having basic properties, is eugenic acid. The oils of cajuput, cassia, and cinnamon (cassia being the Chinese cinnamon, the Ceylon oil that of cinnamon proper), eucalyptus, gaultheria, myrtle, and thyme, all find useful application in dentistry. Of these, oil of wintergreen possesses the least antiseptic properties, oil of eucalyptus the least ob- tundent action ; the most powerful antiseptic action being in the oils of myrtle, cinnamon, and thyme, the last named being the most marked antiseptic and obtundent. It owes its efficiency to a stearopten, thymol (which see), contained in it. These oils may be applied freely to exposed and aching pulps, benumbing them quite promptly and apparently hav- ing no deleterious action upon their vitality. Oil of cinnamon is a persistent, and powerful, slowly diffusing anti- septic. It appears to preserve stumps of pulps with which it is placed in contact. This oil has wide application in the treatment of septic pulp- canals and their chronic sequelae. Oxygen. Oxygen in gaseous form is combined with nitrous oxid (method of Hewitt) to reduce or prevent the occurrence of the lividity due to a de- privation of oxygen, when nitrous oxid is administered alone. Nascent oxygen is disengaged from compounds in which it is loosely combined, as the dioxids of hydrogen and sodium (see Hydrogen Dioxid), to act as a germicide, disinfectant, and bleaching-agent. Liberated from these compounds in contact with decomposing organic matter, the nascent oxygen seizes upon the hydrogen of such substances, effecting their decomposition. Nascent oxygen quickly destroys the vitality of bac- 566 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. teria. Uniting with the hydrogen of staining substances, it effects a bleaching by their decomposition. Paraffin. Specimens of hard paraffin, those having high melting-points, are used either alone or combined with other substances, as iodoform or aristol, as canal-fillings. Phenacbtin, C10H13NO, or C6H,(C,H50)NH,C,H30. Acetphenetidin or phenylacetin is a tasteless coal-tar derivative having greater antipyretic and analgesic powers than acetanilid. Dose, iij-x grains. Plumbum, Lead. The acetate, in the form of liq. plumbi subacetatis, is the basis of lead-water. It is an astringent antiphlogistic, producing contraction of bloodvessels of parts to which it is applied. It is a useful sedative antiphlogistic in cases where the inflammation from alveolar abscess has invaded the tissues of the cheek. It is applied externally. Inter- nally this solution is actively poisonous. The following is the well-known lead-water and laudanum mixture : ^. Liq. plumbi subacet., .liv ; Tr. opii, Sj ; Aquse, Oj. — M. Sig. Applied on compresses to the inflamed parts. Potassium. Several potassium salts, and also the metal itself, are employed in dental therapy. The metal is used in alloy with metallic sodium to effect the quick decomposition of the products of putrefaction in pulp- canals. It seizes upon the hydroxy] elements of these substances, forming potassium and sodium hydroxids, which in their turn act upon the canal-contents, converting them into innocuous and soluble sub- stances. Applications of potassium sodium (kalium-natrium) should precede all attempts at tooth -bleaching, as the bulk of the offending material is thus removed, permitting the passage of nascent oxygen or chlorin to the deeper parts of the discolored dentin.^ Potassium bromid in doses of three grains is a useful remedy to lessen the reflex cerebro-spinal irritation of children due to teething. In cases of convulsion it is administered by the rectum in combination with chloral hydrate, suspended in starch mixture. A full dose, grs. 1 Kirk. PYROZONE— SACCHARIN. 567 xx-xxx, will in many cases relieve the wakefulness accompanying pain- ful dental affections. Potassium carbonate in saturated solution in glycerin is a powerful obtundent of hypersensitive dentin. It is also antiseptic, destroying the putrid contents of pulp-chambers. Potassium chlorate in strong solutions is an effective agent in all forms of stomatitis. It is particularly valuable in mercurial stomatitis. Potassium hydrate, as a germicide and disinfectant, has been de- scribed above. A mixture of potassium hydrate and carbolic acid equal parts, lique- fied with alcohol, is a powerful obtundent of hypersensitive dentin. It is an irritant caustic (Robinson's Remedy). Potassium iodid in ointment is a useful application to indurations about the jaws, left as the result of chronic inflammations. ^. Potassii iodid., gr. xx ; Cerat. simp., 5j. — M. et ft, unguent. Potassium iodid is administered internally in cases of mercurial stomatitis, pericementitis, and periostitis, as an eliminative agent. Potassium permanganate is an effective oxidizing deodorant and antiseptic ; its germicidal power is very doubtful. In contact with organic matter it gives up its oxygen and is reduced to manganese oxid. It is a chemical antidote of morphin, and of snake-venom.^ It is used in claret-colored solutions to deodorize an offensive mouth. Pyrozone. (See Hydrogen Dioxid.) QUERCUS. A tincture of quercus alba, or white-oak bark, diluted, is used as an astringent to reduce the tumidity of the gums. QuiLLAiA, Soap-bark, is used powdered, as a substitute for powdered Castile soap in dentifrices. •Resorcin, C6H4(H0)2. A close analogue of carbolic acid, C^H-HO. Is more poisonous than carbolic acid, and does not act so promptly."^ Its uses are similar to those of carbolic acid. It is more soluble in water than the latter. Saccharin, C6H4rCO)rSO,)NH, Benzoyl-sulphonic Imide. A coal-tar derivative more than two hundred times sweeter than ^ S. Weir Mitchell. - Brunton. 568 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. sugar; it is antiseptic, checking fermentations. For this reason a minute portion is used as the sweetening agent in mouth-washes, instead of sugar. The solution must be made with alcohol. Salol, Phenyl Salicylate, C6H,(0H)(C0.0C6H5). A white crystalline powder insoluble in water, melting at about 105° F. ; it remains fluid for some time after reduction to a tempera- ture below that of the body. It is decomposed by alkalies into carbolic and salicylic acids. It has been used in its melted state as a root-canal filling. Administered internally in 5 gr. doses to relieve rheumatic pains about the jaws. Silver. Silver nitrate (argenti nitras) is employed in all strengths from a 1 per cent, solution to the fused nitrate — the solid stick or lunar caustic. Nitrate of silver exposed to sunlight undergoes decomposition and is reduced to the oxid. Brought in contact with albuminous substances, silver nitrate combines with them, forming the albuminate of silver. It has been held by writers upon pharmacology that the action of silver nitrate applied to a surface was very superficial ; that a film of silver albuminate formed and the chemical reaction ceased. Experiments by Truman ^ have shown that its penetrative power is very great as com- pared with other coagulants. Placed at one end of a capillary tube containing a solution of albumin, silver nitrate quickly brings about coagulation to the extremity of the tube. It has long been used as an empirical remedy for traumatic erysip- elas, for which it has been held to be a specific. To act as a germicide in such cases its action must be penetrating, as the streptococci of erysipelas are deeply situated. Nitrate of silver, in saturated solution, is used to arrest caries in deciduous teeth (see Chapter XXVII.) and also to destroy hyper- sensitivity of dentin ; its deeply penetrative action suggests caution in this direction. It is never used except in posterior teeth because of its staining, owing to the reduction of the silver albuminate to silver oxid. In 5—10 per cent, solution it is used as a wash for pyorrhoea pockets in which pus-formation and congestion are persistent. Other salts of silver, notably the citrate and lactate, have been shown to be prompt and effective germicides. The silver citrate is soluble in the proportion of about 1 : 3800 in water, in which strength it is sufficiently active to sterilize the cavities of abscesses and as a wash in inflammatory and suppurative affections about the jaws. The stains upon the enamel are easily removable by means of common abrasives. ^ Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1895. SODIUM. 569 The powdered silver citrate should make a valuable addition to the melted paraffin for use as a canal-filling in posterior teeth. The lactate of silver, soluble 1 : 15 in water, is slightly irritating. Sodium, The sodium salts are usually regarded as having therapeutic pro])er- ties similar to those of the potassium salts. Bartholow ' maintains strongly that they differ in essential properties ; the sodium salts are more dif- fusible, are less irritating to mucous membranes, and are less toxic to the tissues, including the cerebral and circulatory centres. Potassium salts are more active in promoting destructive metamorphosis, and in removing inflammatory growths and promoting excretion. "What has been said of the dental uses of potassium bromid, carbonate, and hydrate, and metallic potassium, applies, however, to the corresponding salts of sodium. Sodium biborate, borax, Na2B^07 + lOHjO, is used in solution with glycerin in the treatment of catarrhal and ulcerative stomatitis of children. Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCOg, is used in carious cavities to lessen dentinal hypersensitivity by neutralizing the acids to which the condition is probably due.^ Sodium phenate, phenol sodique, CgHjNaO, is used as an antiseptic and styptic. It is a local ansesthetic ; its common uses are those of carbolic acid, but it is without the cauterant action of the latter. Sodium peroxid, Na202, in contact with organic matter sets free nascent oxygen ; the sodium oxid left is quickly converted into sodium hydrate, having the properties of that substance. Solutions must be made gradually and in ice-cold distilled water, as the heat of combina- tion raises the temperature of the water, and oxygen escapes. A saturated solution is first made, which is afterward diluted with dis- tilled water. Powdered sodium dioxid is hygroscopic and is rapidly decomposed upon exposure to the air. In saturated solution (applied by means of aluminum, gold, or platinum points) it is used in the treat- ment of putrescent pulps, and as a bleaching agent for discolored den- tin. It possesses the properties of sodium hydroxid and nascent oxygen. Sodium sulfite, '^?i.^0^ + THjO. A mixture of sodium sulfite, 10 parts, and boric acid, 7 parts, made dry, is inserted into the cavity of a tooth in which the dentin is to be bleached; when water is applied a reaction occurs, sulfurous acid being liberated : 2H3BO3 + 3Na2S03=- 2Na3B03 + 3H,0 + 3SO2.' ^ International Clinics, 1898, vol. iv., 7th series. ^ Truman, ^ Kirk, American Text-book of Operative Dentistry. 570 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. Unlike sodium dioxid and chlorin, this substance SO2, bleaches by reduction, abstracting the oxygen from the pigment-molecule. Sodium silico-jluorid (salufer), NagSiFg. Sodium silicate, liquid silex, ^338103. The latter substance has antiseptic properties. In the former the antiseptic and deodorant properties are marked. Sodium silico-fluorid is soluble in about the proportion of 1 per cent, in water. In this strength it has been used in the treatment of putrescent pulps. SozoiODOL, C6H,(HS03)l20H, is a compound of iodin with paraphenol sulphonic acid. It is used as an antiseptic in pyorrhoea pockets. Miller's experiments^ show that sozoiodol salts are but weak dental antiseptics. Thymol, a stearoptene derived from the volatile oil of thyme, is methy-propyl- phenol, C6H3(CH3)(C3ll7)HO. It is soluble in alcohol and ether. It possesses the properties of a methyl phenyl — i. e., is markedly antiseptic and analgesic. It is extensively used as an analgesic and antiseptic in the treatment of diseases of the pulp. Trichlorphenol, CgHaClsHO, is a powerful and penetrating antiseptic, stronger than carbolic acid. " It possesses the power of penetrating pulp-tissue rapidly, thoroughly hardening it and imparting to it a pink to red color. Its pulp-preserv- ing power is very high." ^ It is applied to pulps which have been but partially devitalized by arsenic, to sterilize them and complete their devitalization. Dental Varnishes. I^. Gum sandarac, ^ij; Alcohol, Oj. Mix, and aid solution with heat. Filter solution through cotton- wool. This is used in the dental laboratory as a separating medium and to varnish casts. Pellets of cotton-wool dipped in the sandarac solution are used to cover medicinal applications in teeth and to prevent the ingress of foreign materials. Being in no degree antiseptic, and becoming foul after twenty-four hours or longer, soft gutta-percha preparations (temporary stopping) have largely superseded cotton and sandarac. ^ Denial Cosmos, 1890. ^ Miller, Dental Cosmos, 1895. DENTAL VARNISHES. 571 Renewed every day, cotton and sandarac dressings are useful to press away the gum overlianging the margins of cavities, to check alveolar hemorrhage, and to tempoi'arily close the crowns of teeth under treat- ment. It is also used to varnish the walls of prepared cavities prior to inserting plastic fillings, to prevent the irritation incident to the applica- tion of zinc oxychlorid cement, and to prevent the irritation of zinc phos- phate in a soft state, due to its acid reaction in this condition ; and also to prevent the action of the acid upon dentinal walls. It is also used to prevent the action of acid substances which may be present as impurities in zinc-cement fluids, notably, the acid sodium phosphate, dihydrogen sodium phosphate (HjNaPO^). SHELLAC VARNISH. The coloring, separating medium of the dental laboratory. I^. Gum shellac, 3ij ; Alcohol, Oj.— M. Aid solution by heat. In its unmodified form it has but little use aside from that of the first or coloring varnish applied to plaster impressions. It is used to apply to enamel-surfaces which have been cleansed with chloroform, to secure -greater adhesion between orthodontic rings and the teeth. The tooth to which a " regulating ring " is to be applied is washed with chloroform, dried, and a coating of shellac varnish given to the part to be covered by the ring. The latter is painted with zinc-phosphate cement, which is also applied over the shellac coating, and the ring pressed into place ; the parts should be kept dry until the cement is hard. Combined with appropriate antiseptics shellac varnish makes an admirable protective covering to abraded surfaces of the mouth which might invite infection. The following formula (steresol) has been given by M. Berlioz,^ of Gren- oble, France, for an adhesive, anaesthetic, antiseptic, impermeable coating to be applied over abrasions, wounds, etc., of the tissues of the mouth. ^. Purified gum lac. 270 gms., about 5 ix; Purified gum benzoin, 10 "" 3 3^; Balsam of tolu. 10 " " si; Oil of cinnamon (Chinese), 6 " Acid, carbolic. 100 " 3iij; Saccharin, 6 " Zl . •35 f Alcohol, q. s. ft. one liter, " Oij. ^ Dental Cosmos K 1895. 572 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND MATERIA MEDICA. Veratrum Viride. Its tincture, in from 2 to 4 drop doses, is used to reduce the force of the circulation in the early stages of sthenic inflammations ; it is to be preferred to aconite in this connection, because it causes vomiting before a lethal dose has accumulated in the system.^ Veratrina. The paralyzant alkaloids of veratrina sabadilla, not of veratrum viride. There are at least three alkaloids entering into the compo- sition of commercial veratrina (U. S. Dispensatory). The U. S. P. (p. 204) ointment is used to rub over the temporo-maxillary articula- tion and over the masseter muscle to relieve spasm due to difficult eruption of the lower third molar. It should be used in small amount and be kept away from the mouth and eyes, as it is actively poisonous. Zinc. Zinc derivatives are among the most important therapeutic agents of dentistry. Zinc chlorid, ZnClg, is very deliquescent; it abstracts moisture from the atmosphere and becomes fluid soon after exposure. It com- bines readily and actively with albuminous substances, forming zinc albuminate. Applied to living tissues, the combination occurs promptly and is attended with much pain. Truman found ^ that its penetrative pow*er in saturated solution was greater than that of any other coagulant. In from 10 to 20 per cent, solution it is a powerful astringent. The degree of astringency may be graded by varying the percentage-strength of the solution. In 1 to 5 per cent, solution this substance is a stimulant, astringent, and germi- cide. It is used in full strength to obtund the hypersensitivity of peripheral dentin. In saturated solution it is the fluid of zinc-oxy- chlorid cement: ZnO + ZnCl^ +H2O =: 2ZnClHO. A paste which hardens and maintains an antiseptic action for some time after hardening. Zinc chlorid, in 50 per cent, solution, or stronger, is used to coagulate the contents of the dentinal tubuli after devitaliza- tion and removal of the dental pulp. As a germicide, astringent, and stimulant, it is a useful agent in tlie treatment of pyorrhoea alveolaris ; also in cases of chronic abscess with serous exudations. Zinc iodid, in 20 per cent, solution, is an excellent application to pyorrhoea pockets in cases of phagedenic pericementitis, after the ^ Hare. * Proc. Academy of Stomatology, 1895. ZINC. 573 removal of calculi and the washing of the pockets (Harlan). It is an excellent stimulant wash for the same, in 2 per cent, solution for subse- quent applications. Zinc oxid is the basal powder of the zinc cements, the oxychlorid, the phosphate, and zinc oxysulfate. It may contain arsenic trioxid as an impurity, in which event cements made of it may kill the dental pulp. An ointment of zinc oxid is used upon abrasiojis about the lips. The orthophosphate of zinc, a combination of orthophosphoric acid with zinc oxid, is the most important of dental cements : 3ZnO + 2H3PO, = ZnlVO^\ + 3H,0. Zinc sulfate in saturated solution, if combined with a powder of zinc oxid, forms an oxysulfate of zinc, a body having about the hardness and porosity of plaster of Paris ; this compound is used to protect fully or partially exposed pulps. Zinc sulfate in 10 per cent, solution is a useful astringent wash in stomatitis. Black's 1-2-3 Mixture. Oil of cinnamon, 1 part ; Carbolic acid, 2 parts ; Oil of gaultheria, 3 parts. IXDEX. ABNORMAL food-supply as a disease- cause. 33 Abnormalities of teeth, 206 Abrasion of dentin, 2(31 of teeth, 245 Abscess, acute alveolo-dental, 394 causes of, 394 clinical history of, 398 diagnosis of, 401 discharge of, 395 '^*'" extension of, 398 pathology of, 395 pneuiuococcus in, 395 prognosis of, 401 pypemia in, 402 septicseniia in, 402 stages of. 398 sterilization in, 402 symptoms of. 397 tissue-destruction in, 395 treatment of 4U2 chronic alveolo-dental, 407 anatomy of, 411 diagnosis of, 413 pathology of, 407 symptoms of, 413 treatment of, 415 chronic alveolar, aspiration of, 411 without fistula, treatment of. 409 upon deciduous teeth, treatment of. 498 dental, amputation of root-apex, 416 in cachectic persons, 401 chronic, burrowing of pus in, 408 diagnosis of, 408 with fistula, 411 opening beneath chin, 412 into dental canal, 413 on fiice, 412 into nose, 414 prognosis of, 409 symptoms of, 408 treatment of, 409 opening in antrum, 400 externally, 405 in neck, 405 in nose, 399 stripping of periosteum in, 399 treatment of, by electrolysis, 415 by poultices, 401 in eruption of third molars, 203 gouty, upon teeth, 485 maxillary, due to caries, 414 to necrosis, 414 to tooth-root, 414 mode of formation, 91 Abscess, scars from treatment of, 419 venting of, 93 Acetanilid, composition of, 539 uses of, 545 Acid, acetic, 545 arsenious, 546 antidote for, 546 mode of action of, 546 benzoic, 546 boric, 546 carbolic, 547 chromic, 547 gallic, 547 hydrochloric, 547 lactic, 547 nitric, 548 oxalic, 548 phosphoric, 548 salicylic, 54S sodium phosphate in erosion, origin of, 251 sulfuric, 548 aromatic, 548 sulfurous, 549 tannic, 549 trichloracetic, 545 Acids, 545 Aconite tincture, 549 Aconitine, 550 ointment of, 550 Actinomycosis, 522 Agenesia, 51 Alcohol, ethyl, 550 methyl, 550 phenyl. (See Carbolic acid.) Alexins, 50 Alpha-naphtol, 564 Alum, potash, 550 ammonia, 550 Alveolar atrophy, 457, 458 caused by salivary calculus, 453 process, form of, 161 growth of, 123 Amalgam-fillings, poisoning by, 314 Amalgams, properties of, 314 Ameloblasts, contents of, 114 Ammonium carbonate, 551 hydrate, 551 nitrate, 551 Ammonol, 551 Amceba, functions of, 19-21 Amyl nitrite, 551 Anaemia, 69 effects of, 34 Anfesthetics, 537 local, 539 575 576 INDEX. Anaesthetics, local, composition of, 540 mode of action of, 537 Analgesics, 529 definition of, 538 Angina pectoris, nature of, 76 Anodynes, action of, 537-539 Antifebrin, 545 Antipyrin, 551 Antiseptic oils, 565 Antiseptics, 529 alcohols and derivatives as, 531 caustic alkalies as, 531 classification of, 530 as dentifrices, 324 essential oils as, 531 halogens and their compounds as, 531 heat as, 531 mineral acids as, 531 mode of action of, 530 nascent oxygen as, 531 organic acids as, 531 salts of metals as, 530 strength admissible in mouth- washes, 325 Antrum, discharge of abscess into, 400-412 empyema of, treatment of, 418, 419 Aphtha, 516 Aplasia, 51 Aristol, 552 Arsenic, absorption of, by pulp, 368 accidents with, 377 treatment of, 377 antidotes for, 377 effects of combinations, 371 of combining coagulants, 371 upon pulps,. 368 upon nerve-fibres, 368 when nodules are present, 370 form in which used, 371 guarding gum-tissue from, 371 idiosyncrasies as to action of, 371 in immature teeth, 370 to lessen pain of application of, 373 mode of applying, 372 rules for using, 371 in temporary teeth, 370 variations as to action of, 370 Arsenical pastes, 367 Arteries, calcification of, 66 nervous control of, 76 terminal, occlusion of, 72 Astringents, 540 mode of action of, 541 Atheroma, 66 Atrophy, causes of, 61 nature of, 61 physiological, 61 Atropia, chemical relations of, 540 BACILLI, 39 Bacillus tuberculosis, effects of, 64 Bacteria, classification of, 39 conditions of life of, 39 decompositions eflfected by, 43 eflfects of, on tissues, 190 infective, of mouth, 511 ingestion of, by amoebae, 20 mode of entrance to body, 90 Bacilli of the mouth, 45-47 pathogenic, 40 physiology of, 38 place of, in nature, 38 pyogenic, 45 saprophytic, 40 waste-products of, 42, 43 where found, 44, 45 Bacteriology, history of, 37 Bell on caries, 265 Benzoyl as an analgesic nucleus, 540 Beta-naphtol, 564 Bicuspids, architecture of, 143 impacted, 237 imprisoned, 229 mechanics of, 170 surgical relations of, 160 Black on structure of teeth, 279 Black's 1-2-3 mixture, 573 Blastomycetes, pathogenic, in mouth, 511 Bleaching-powder (Kirk's), 549 Blood, abnormal composition of, 69 alterations in, 71 coagulation of, 71, 72 conditions of, 69 effects of waste-products on, 69 number of red corpuscles of, 70 office of oxygen in, 69 of red corpuscles of, 70 phagocytes of, 73 -supply, lessened, causes of, 74 -vessels, degenerative changes in, 63 Bodecker, theories of, 272 Bone, first appearance of, in Jaw, 108 interstitial development of, 108 Borax, 552 Boroglycerin, 553 Bridgmann on caries, 266 Bromid of sodium, 553 of potassium, 553 pAFFEIN, 553 \J Calcareous degeneration, 65 effects of, 330 Calcification, tubular, causes of, 330 Calcium carbonate, 553 chlorid, 553 ■ hypochlorite, 553 hypophosphites, 553 oxid, 553 Calco-globulin, 113 deposits in pulp, 336 Calco-spherites, 113 Calculi, subgingival, 456 as cause of pyorrhoea, 457 composition of, 456, 457 eflfects of, 457, 458 occurrence of, 457 Calculus, salivary, 447 causes of, 448 eflfects of, 452 formation of, 449, 450 upon incisors, origin of, 451, 452 upon molars, origin of, 451 occurrence of, 447 prognosis of eflfects of, 454 in scales beneath gum, 452 INDEX. 577 Calculus, .salivary, structure of, 452 treatment of, 454 use of acids to retuove, 454 varieties of, 447 Camphor liniment, 554 spirits of, 554 Caniplio-)iliPnique, 554 Canal -filling, 376 Canals, root-, lining of, with silver nitrate, 390 Cancer, 59 Cancrum oris, 517 Canker sore, 516 Cantharides, 554 Capsicum, 554 and myrrh, 555 Carcinomata, 59 Caries, arrangement of teeth influencing, 280 Bell's theory of, 262 Bridgmann's theory of, 266 casts of tubules in, 301 cavity preparation, 316 of cementum, 302 changes of saliva influencing, 280 clinical history of, 281 deep-seated, 317 defects of teeth and, 218 dental, 264 acids in, 265, 266-272 of dentin, 298 destruction of dentin-matrix in, 300 diagnosis of, 304 dressing enan)el-surfaces, 315 effects of disease upon, 277 upon pregnancy, 276 of starclies on, 274 of sugars on, 274 of enamel, 291 endangered pulps in, 318 exciting causes of, 273 extensive, with small orifices, 315 fermentation and, 265 formation of cavities, 305 forms of teeth influencing, 279 fourth stage of, treatment of, 319 Fox's theory of, 265 general predisposing causes of, 276 history of theories of, 264 Hunter's theory of, 265 incej)tion of, 281 inflannnatory theory of, 265 influence of heredity upon, 277 invasion of tubules, 300 lactic acid in, 270 leaving softened dentin in, 318 Leber and Rottenstein' s theory of, 268 local predisposing causes of, 277 Miller on compatibilitv theorv of, 266 Miller's theory of, 268 Milles and Underwood's theory of, 268 at necks of teeth, 289 Palmer's theory of, 266 pathology of, 290 pigmentation in, 302 predisposing causes of, 275 prognosis of, 312 37 Caries, prophylaxis of, 322 rapidity of its progress, 287 Kobertson's theory of, 265 second stage of, treatment of, 317 secondary dentin in, 333 signs of, 304 situations in which found, 282 spontaneous arrest of, 288 sterilization of dentin in, 318 sugars as a cause of, 274 superficial, treatment of, 315 symptoms of, 305 third stage of, treatment of, 318 Tomes' theory of, 265 transverse process of, 301 treatment of, 313 tubules of dentin in, 300 usually absent in erosion, 289 variations in progress of, 288 Watt's theory of, 267 Cartilage of Meckel, 104 Caryophyllum, oil of, 565 Caseation, 64 Cassia, oil of, 565 Casts of tubuli, 301 Cataphoresis, 544 in canal-treatment, 391 cocain, 311 in pulp-extirpation, 367 Cavities, carious, preparation of, 316 lining of, 318 Cell- functions, special, 23 Cements, acid reaction of, 318 Cementoblasts, 118-139 Cementoclasts, 139 Cementum, abnormalities of, 214 caries of, 302 formation of, 117-135 histology of, 135 nourishment of, 158 Chancre of mouth, 519 Chemotaxis, negative, 49 positive, 49 Chemotaxtic properties of saliva, 49, 50 Children, difficulties in operating upon, 492 management of 492 Chloral hydrate, 555 Chloroform, 555 dangers of, in dentistry, 538 Chlorophyll, properties of, 38 Cinnamon, oil of, 565 Circulation in disease, 34 Clasps, effects of wearing, 245 Clefi palate, 104 Cloudy swelling, 62 Cloves, oil of, 565 Coagulation limiting diflFusion, 535 -necrosis, 68 Cobalt, 555 Cocain, 555 chemical relations of, 540 injection of, formula for, 556 into pulp, 367 Cold, effects of, on vitality, 21 Colic in teething, 191 Collodion, 558 578 INDEX. Colloid degeneration, 65 Concrescence of teeth, 217 Convulsions, teething-, 188 Copper oxid, 556 sulfate, 557 tooth-staining by, 256 Coronoid process, growth of, 121 Corrosive sublimate, 562 Cotton, absorbent, preparation of, 557 Cough, teething-, 187 Counter-irritants, use of, 79 Creosote, 557 Cresols, 557 Cuspids, architecture of, 142 impacted, 236 mechanics of, 168 upper, treatment of impacted, 241 Cusps, supplemental, 217 DEAFNESS caused by dental diseases, 507 Degenerations, calcareous, 65 causes of, 62 colloid, 65 fatty, 63 causes of, 63 granular, 62 hyaline, 65 inflammatoi'y, 60 mucoid, 65 Dental band, 106 caries, 264 cords, 107 groove, 106 lamina, 107 pain arising from other diseases, 509 origin of, 502 ridge, 106 Dentifrices, 323 tooth-pastes, 324 tooth-soaps, 324 use of antiseptics in, 324 Dentin, abrasion of, 261 absorption of, 263 action of acids on, 127, 146 basis of, 128 calcium salts in, amount of, 145 caries of, 298 acid in, 298 destruction of organic matrix, 300 softening prior to infection, 298 changes with age, 145 chemical nature of, 146 density of, 145 diseases, classification of, 260 constructive, 260 erosion of, 261 exposed, reflex pains from, 502 fibrillffi of, 147 formation of, 116 granular layer of, 129, 212 hypersensitivity of, 305 causes of, 306 pathology of, 306 symptoms of, 307 treatment of, 308 alkalies, 309 analgesics, 310 Dentin, hypersensitivity of, treatment of, anodynes, 308 cataphoresis, 311 caustics, 309 cold, 309 dryness, 309 obtundents, 310 interglobular spaces in, 129, 212 mineral basis of, 146 organic matter of, 145 physical strength of, 145 resorption of, 262 recalcification of, in caries, 300 retrogressive changes in, 146 secondary, 261, 33l in abrasion, 333 in caries, 333 causes of, 332 pathology of, 332 Tomes' fibres, 129-133 transitional, 134 translucent, 261 tubular calcification of, 330 Dentinal tubuli, 126 Dentition, hygiene of, 185 intestinal disturbances in, 186, 187 multiple, 225 nervous disorders during, 187, 188 pathological, 185 symptoms of, 185-188 treatment of, 188-194 process of, 181 pulmonary symptoms in, 187 second, 195 disorders of, 199 skin-disorders in, 187 third, 225 Deodorants, action of, 530 Devitalizing fibi'e, 374 Devitalization of pulp, 367 Diabetes, influence of, upon caries, 277 Diarrhcea of teething, 190 Diet of gouty patients, 489 Disease-causes, abnormal food-supply, 33 abnormal physical conditions, 35 nature of exciting, 32 poisons as, 34 Diseases, causes of, 35 classification of, 24 functional, 23, 24 general, and dental caries, 277 definition of, 36 immunity from, 31, 32 local, definition of, 36 objective evidences of, 24 pathology of, 24 predisposing causes of, 29, 32 age, 30 existing disease, 30 heredity, 30 previous disease, 31 sex, 30 tempei'ament, 30 prophylaxis of, 27 structural, 24 subjective evidences of, 24 Disinfectants, definition of, 530 INDEX. 579 Dobell's solution. 552 Dwarf teeth, 215 EDENTULOUS persons, 224 Electricity, chemical etiects of, 543 in dental therapeutics, 542 physiological effects of, 542 Electrolysis in dental therapeutics, 543 in treatment of abscesses, 415 Emboli, infective, 99 Embolus, 72 Enamel, abrasion of, 245 arrangement of, 142-144 caries of, 291 organisms of, 292-298 relations of bacteria to, 297 second stage of, 295 situation of acids, 292 cement-substance of, 115 solubility of, 125 changes in, after eruption, 115 -cracks, 242 decalcification of, without cavities, 294 dentinal process in, 209 -deposition, 116 development of, 109 diseases of, 242 faulty, about sulci, 209 fracture of, 242 -globules, 115 histology of, 123 injury of, 243 lines of cleavage of, 244 malformations of, 2()G -organ, evolution of. 111 formation of, 108 stellate reticulum of, 112 stratum intermedium of, 113 structure of. 111 perfect, 206 pigmented lines in, 210 -prisms, 123 of pulpless teeth, strength of, 244 resistance of, chemical, 144 physical, 144 -rods," 123 action of acids on, 124 arrangement of, 125 solution of, 259 stains of, 255 treatment of, 258 stratification of, 210 strength of, 142 striiv of Ketzius, 125 striation of, 125-210 a non-vital tissue, 141 syphilitic, 210, 211 white spots in, 207 Encapsulation of foreign bodies, 54 Encysted teeth, 231 Epithelioma, 59 Ergot, 558 Erigeron, 558 Erosion, 247 appearances of, 253 causes of, 248-251 causes of ajjpearance, 252 Erosion of dentin. 2(31 diagnosis of, 254 morbid anatomy of, 252 symptoms of, 254 treatment of, 254 Eruption, periods of, 182 Eruptive fevers, teeth of, 211 Ether, ethylic, 558 Ethyl chlorid, 558 Eucain, 558 chemical relations of, 540 Eucalyptus, oil of, 5(35 Eugenol, 565 Evolution, higher, of cell-properties, 22 Exostosis of tooth-roots (hypercementosis), 428 Exudations, inflammatory, 178 Eve, diseases of, caused bv dental diseases, 508 FATTY degeneration, 63 in inflammation, 64 in tumors, 64 of vessels, 64 Fermentation, conditions of, 42 nature of, 41 Ferments, organized, 44 unorganized, 44 Fever, 95 cau.ses of, 95 classes of, 95 pathology and morbid anatomy of, 95 prognosis of, 95 symptoms of, 95 treatment of, 95 Fibres, Sharpey's, in ceraentum, 136 Fibrillw of dentin, 147 Filling-materials, properties of, 313 Fistida, artificial, establishing. 404 Follicle, dental, 109 Follicles, labial, 250 formation of, 410 Follicular wall, 111 Foreign bodies, fate of, in tissues, 54 Formalin, 559 Fox on caries, 265 Fungous pulp. (See Pulp, Hypertrophy of.) Fused teeth, 216 pulps of, 217 GANGRENE, dry, 68 moist, 6S of mouth, 517 of pulp, 381 Gaultheria, oil of, 565 Geminous teeth, 217 Germicides, mode of action of, 531 Giantism of teeth, 214 Gingival organ, 137 Gingivitis, caused by foreign bodies, 445, 446 local, causes of, 445 marginal, 444 causes of, 444 and general diseases, 445 prognosis of, 446 relations with pericemental diseases, 446 symptoms of, 446 580 INDEX. Gingivitis, treatment of, 446, 447 Glycerin, 559 Gold, advantages of, as a filling, 314 Gout, causative of pericemental irritation, 436 points of attack of, 482 -poison, mode of action, 480 selective action of, 482 treatment of, 487 Gouty diathesis and ei'osion, 249 pericementitis, 477 Granulation-tissue, 87 Green stain, 257 causes of, 257 coloring-matter of, 258 decalcification under, 257 Grooved teeth, 215 Guaiacol, 559 Guaia-cocain, 559 Gum, inflammation of, in dentition, 202 -lancing, 192, 193 hemorrhage after, 194 Gumma in mouth, 521 Gums, structure of, 137 Gutta-percha, properties of, 315 HEMOGLOBIN, deficiency of, 70 Hamamelis, 559 Harelip, cause of, 103 Harting on calco-globulin, 113 Hemorrhagic infarct, 72, 73 Herbst method of treating pulps, 372 Hernia of pulp, 223 Hertwjg, O., on protoplasm, 18, 19 root-sheath of, 118-136 Homatropin, its chemical relations, 540 Honeycombed teeth, 212 Hunter on caries, 265 Hutchinson teeth, 218 Hyaline degeneration, 65 Hydrogen dioxid, 560 Hydronaphtol, 564 Hypersemia, 69-75 arterial, 77 causes of, 77 exudations in, 78 pathology of, 78 results of, 78 symptoms of, 78 treatment of, 78, 79 a predisposition to infection, 91 of pulp, active, 341 venous, 79 causes of, 79 morbid anatomy of, 79 pathology of, 79 symptoms of, 79 treatment of, 80 Hypercementosis, 428 causes of, 428 causing reflex neuralgia, 505 diagnosis of, 431 histology of, 431 morbid anatomy of, 429 pathology of, 429 symptoms of, 431 treatment of, 432, 433 Hypernutrition, eflfects of, 52 Hyperplasia, 52 causes of, 52, 53 from disuse, 53 from overwork, 53 Hyperpyrexia, 95 Hypersensitivity of dentin, 305 Hypertrophy, 52 Hypodermatic medication, 544 Hyponutrition, effects of, 61 "IMPACTED cuspids, 236 i bicuspids, 237 incisors, 237 teeth, 231 causing neuralgia, 507 third molars, lower, 231 upper, 235 Imprisoned bicuspids, 229 Incisors, architecture of, 142 impacted, 237 mechanics of, 168 surgical relations of, 159 Incompatibles in prescriptions, 541 Infarct, hemorrhagic, 72, 73 Infarction of pulp, 347 Inflammation, catarrhal, 84 causes of, 80, 83 changes in, 81 definition of, 80, 83 diapedesis in, 82 exudations of, 81 fatty degeneration in, 64 induced by stieptococci, 92 infective, 89 interstitial, 84 MetchnikofT's theory of, 82-89 parenchymatous, 84 pathology of, 81 phagocytosis in, 82 regeneration after, 85 serous, 84 symptoms of, 83 terminations of, 82 treatment of, 84 bloodletting in, 85 cold in, varieties of, 83, 84 Inflammatory degeneration, 60 origin of cells, 82 Inoculation, history of, 32 Insanity due to dental diseases, 509 Interglobular spaces, 129, 147, 212 Interstitial inflammation, 83 Intestinal poisons, effects of, 71 Intoxication, septic, 95 lodids, 560 lodin, 560 _ compounds, action of, as antiseptics, 535 Iodoform, 560 lodol, 561 Iron salts, 561 tooth-staining by, 256 Ischsemia, 69 JAWS, architecture of, 173 development of, 101 INDEX. 581 Jaws, earliest appearance of, 102 mode of growth of, 102 KARYOKINESIS, 21 Kino, tincture of, 561 Kirk on origin of acid in erosion, 251 Krameria, tincture of, 561 LABIAL follicles, 250 glands, 250 secretion of 250 Lateral incisors, upper, non-development of, 165 Lead, acetate as an astrinyent, 541 tooth-staining by, 256 -water and laudanum, Leeuwenhoek on bacteria, 47 Leucocytes, varieties of, 73 Leucocytosis in suppuration, 74 Liquefaction-necrosis, 68 Listerism, 37 Litliium bitartrate in gout, 488 Lymphailenitis following dental abscess, 401 Lymphatic infection, 98 Lysol, 501 MAGNESIUM, 562 hydrate, 562 hydrate in erosion, 255 sulfate, 562 Malformations of teeth, 206 Malpositions of teeth, 227 causes of, 228 Manganese, tooth-staining by, 256 Mastication, mechanism of, 176 Materia medica of dentistry, classification of, 529 Maxilla, inferior, architecture of, 173 blood-supply of, 163 mechanics of, 175 size of, at different ages, 120 Maxillie, later develoinnent of, 119 superior, architecture of, 173 blood-supply of, 164 growth of, 121 Meckel's cartilage, 104 atrophy of, 104-119 Membrane, Nasmyth's, 141 Menthol, 562 Mercurial pericementitis, 436 Mercurialisra from amalgam, 314 Mercuric chlorid in putrefaction, 532 Mercury bichlorid, 562 oxid, ointment of, 563 sulfid, 563 tooth-staining by, 256 Metallic salts, germicidal action of, 534 Metastasis of tumors, 60 Metchnikofl' on phagocytosis, 48, 49 Metchnikoff's theory of inflammation, 82-89 Methyl chlorid, 563 Micrococci, classes of, 39 Miller on caries, 268 experiments of, in fermentation, 269 Milles and Underwood on caries, 268 Molars, first, eruption of, 197 Molars, fourth, 225 first, premature loss of, efl'ects of, 230 care of, 231 mechanics of, 170 pathological eruption of, 201 causes of, 201 treatment of, 201 permanent, eruption of, 201 roots, anatomical relations of, 161 second, eruption of, 199 surgical relations of, 160 third, architecture of, 143 late eruption of, 224 lower, extraction of, 204 impaction of, 231 Morphia, 563 Motor disturbances of dental origin, 508 Mouth, bacteria of, pathogenic, 48 ferments of 275 infection from, 99 infections of and from, 511 phagocytosis in, 99 Mucin, coagulation of, by lactic acid, 281, 448 Mucoid degeneration, 65 Mucous patches, 520 Mummification of pulp, 378 Muscles, stiflhess of, in dentition, 202 Myrtol, 565 NAPHTHALIN, 564 Naphtol, 564 Nasmyth's membrane, 116-141 and caries, 278 Necrobiosis, 68 Necrosis, 66 causes of, 66 coagulation-, 68 ' in eruptive fevers, 199 of inferior maxilla, 66 liquefaction-, 68 of lower jaw, 66 nature <>f, 67 predisposing factors in, 67 Nerve, fifth cranial, plan of, 501 -terminals in pulp, 135, 148 Nerves, trophic, 35 vasomotor, 35 Nervous disorders of teething, treatment of, 191, 192 Neumann, sheaths of, 127 Neumann's sheaths, solubility of, 260 Neuralgia caused by impacted teeth, 507 of dental origin, 500 from dental sources, mechanism of, 505 from hypei'cementosis, 432 from pulp diseases, location of pain, 504 Neuralgias, reflex, from pulp diseases, 503 Nickel, tooth-staining by, 256 Nitrous oxid, 565 Nodules, pulp-, 334 eflects of arsenic in cases of, 370 Noma, 517 pathology of, 517 Nucleus, division of, 21 OBTUNDENTS, definition of, 538 of dentin, 310 582 INDEX. Occlusion, laws of, 176 plane of, 177 Odontitis infantum, 186 Odontoblasts, 131-133 arrangement of, 132, 133 atrophy of, 156 effects of stimulation on, 155 function of, 117 penetrating enamel, 117 relations of, with nerve-terminals, 148 Odontoclasts, 139 office of, 198 Odontomes, 220 classification of, 221 origin of, 221 treatment of, 223 Oi'dium albicans, 511 Oil of cassia, 565 of cinnamon, 565 of cloves, 565 of eucalyptus, 565 of gaultheria, 565 of myrtle, 565 of thyme, 565 Oils, antiseptic, 565 essential, action of, as obtundents, 540 1-2-3 mixture (Black), 573 Ord on calco-globulin, 113 Organs, nature of, 23 Osteoclasts, 139 Osteodentin in pulp, 339 Osteomyelitis, 91 causes of, 94 morbid anatomy of, 94 pathology of, 94 symptoms of, 94 treatment of, 95 Oxidation in cells, 23 Oxygen, nascent, 565 PAIN, dental, referred to distant nerves, 507 reflex, nature of, 500 Palate, cleft, 104 development of, 103 Palmer on caries, 266 Paraffin, 566 as a canal-filling, 376 Parasitic bacteria, 40 Parenchymatous inflammation, 83 Pastes, mummifying, 380 Pasteur on bacteria, 37 Pericementitis, acute, bloodletting in, 404 septic apical, 394 treatment of, 402 apical, chronic, non-septic, 427 causes of, 427 diagnosis of, 428 effects of, 428 prognosis of, 428 symptoms of, 427, 428 treatment of, 428 beginning at apex, 394 upon deciduous teeth, 498 general aseptic, 435 acute, 435 causes of, 435 Pericementitis, general aseptic, acute, clin- ical history of, 435 diagnosis of, 436 prognosis of 436 symptoms of, 435 treatment of, 436 chronic, 437 causes of, 437 gouty, 477 clinical history of, 477 concretions of, 485 definition of condition, 477 diagnosis of, 480 earliest evidences of, 478 features of, 479 history of theory, 477 pathology of, 483 points of attack, 485 prognosis of, 486 symptoms of, 477 mercurial, 436 non-septic, classification of, 423 septic apical, chronic, 407 diagnosis of, 412 non-purulent, 420 symptoms of, 421 treatment of, 421 causing reflex pains, 506 sedatives in, 404 traumatic, acute, 423-427 causes of, 423, 424 clinical history of, 425 diagnosis of, 425 pathology and anatomy of, 425, 426 prevention of, 424 symptoms of, 425 treatment of, 426, 427 due to root-perforation, 427 Pericementum, apical, 139 arrangement of fibres of, 137 cells of, 139 classification of diseases of, 393 diseases of, diagnosis of, 394 evidences of, 393 epithelium in, 139 functions of, 136-140 histology of, 136-140 as a ligament, 138 nerves of, 140-158 nerve-terminations in, 140 office of, 157 Pacinian corpuscles in, 140 the tactile organ of the teeth, 146 vascular supply of, 157 vessels of, 239 Periosteum, first evidences of, 108 Periostitis in dental abscess, 406 infective, 95 Peroxid of hydrogen, 560 Phagedenic pericementitis, 460-468 alveolar process in, 472 causes of, 469 definition of, 469 diagnosis of, 473 earliest evidences of, 469, 470 gum-atrophy in, 473 morbid anatomv of, 471 INDEX. 583 Phagedenic pericementitis, pathology of, 471 prognosis of, 474 recession of gum-raargin in, 470 sponge-grafts in, 476 symptoms of, 469, 470 tooth-movement in, 469 treatment of, 474 r Phagocytes, 73 Phagocytosis, history of, 48 in inflammation, 82-89 Metclniikoffon, 48, 49 in tiie mouth, 99 Pharmacopcvia, dental, 545 Plienacetin, 566 Plienol sodiqiie, 569 Physical conditions, abnormal, as disease- causes, 35 Pigmentation in caries, 302 Piperazin in gout, 488 Pitted teetli, 215 Plants, classification of, 38 Plenciz on bacteria, 37 Pletiiora, asthenic, 75 sthenic, 75 Pneumococcus in alveolo-dental abscess, 395 Potassium bromid, 553 carbonate, 567 chlorate, 567 hydrate, 567 iodid, ointment of, 567 salts, action of, 566 Pregnancy, effects of, upon teeth, 146 upon caries, 276 Pre-maxilla, origin of, 103 Primitive teeth, 215 Processes of Tomes, 147 Prophylaxis of disease, 27 Pseudopodia of amoebae, 19 of leucocytes, 20 Pulp, abscess of, 357 arteries of, 135, 156 calcareous degeneration of, 334 calcific degeneration of, 338 causes of, 338 pathology of, 339 -capping, 321 materials used, 321 results of, 322 capillaries of, 156 -chambers, 148 forms of, 149, 150 resorption of walls of, 365, 366 changes in matrix of, 134 chronic degenerations of, 362 cocain injections into, 367 -cataphoresis in, 367 congestion of, 346 degenerations of, chronic, symptoms of, 366 deposits of calco-globulin in, 336 destruction of, by arsenic, 367 by caustics, 367 devitalization of, 367 analgesics in, 374 anodynes in, 374 arsenic in, 367 cobalt in, 372 Pulp, devitalization of, removal after, 374 diseases of, causing reflex neuralgias, 603 classification of, 327 distinction of deposits in, 339 divisions of, 148 effects of arsenic upon, 368-371 exposure of, 320 diagnosis of, 320 prognosis of, 320 treatment of, 321 extirpation of, treatment of canals after 376 -fibres, nature of, 134 fungous, 364 polypus of, 364 gangrene of, 381 dry, 381 causes of", 381 pathology of, 381 symptoms of, 382 treatment of, 382 moist, 383 causes of, 383 with open cavities, 384 without caries, 386 organisms in, 384 partial, 387 pericementitis following, 388 in pyorrhoea, 386 symptoms of, 386 treatment of, 387 under fillings, 385 hemorrhagic infarction of, 347 hernia of, 223 histology of, 131-135 hypersemia of, active, 341 anatomy of, 342 bloodvessels in, 342 causes of, 341 diagnosis of, 344 idiopathic, 346 pathology of, 342 prognosis of, 344 symptoms of, 341 treatment of, 345 passive, 346 pathology of, 346 prognosis of, 347 symptoms of, 347 treatment of, 347 hypertrophy of, 364 calcification of, 365 diagnosis of, 366 pathology of, 364, 365 transplantation of epithelium in, 365 treatment of, 366 infarction of 73 inflammation of, 348 chronic, 362 malformations of, 213 mummification of, 378 nerves of, 132-135 neural svstem of, 135 -nodules, 334 influence of, upon action of arsenic, 370 occurrence of, 335 pathology of, 335 584 INDEX. Pulp-nodules, structure of, 335 symptoms of small, 337 of large, 337 treatment of, 339 Pulp, no lymphatics in, 131 osteodentin in, 339 partial removal of, 378 Herbst method, 372 putrescence of. (See Moist gangrene.) reflection of sensations, 502 reflex pains in, 157, 502 refrigeration of, 367 reticular atrophy of, 362, 363 sclerosis of, 362 treatment of, 363 sensory function of, 156 stroma of, 157 structure of matrix, 134 suppuration of, 354 bacteria in, 354-357 causes of, 354 diagnosis of, 359 evacuation of pus in, 361 morbid anatomy of, 355 prognosis of, 359 symptoms of, 359 treatment of, 360 ulceration of, 356 vascular system of, 134, 135 veins of, 132, 134, 156 -walls, resorption of, 263 Pulpitis, acute, 348 causes of, 349 diagnosis of, 352 pathology and morbid anatomy of, 350 prognosis of, 353 symptoms of, 352 treatment of, 353 chronic, 362 hypertrophic, 364 in deciduous teeth, 496 Pulps, absence of response in, 330 constructive diseases of, 330 reasons for reflex pains in, 328 shapes of, 151-155 thermal test of, 328 Pulse, 75 variations of, 76, 77 Pus, burrowing of, in alveolar abscess, 412 Putrefaction of tissues, 68 Pyaemia, 98 causes of, 98 in dental abscess, 402 of dental origin, 523 symptoms of, 99 treatment of, 99 Pyogenic bacteria, 45 cocci, 90 membrane in dental abscess, 407 Pyorrhoea alveolaris. 459 bacteria in, 459 beginning at gum-margin, 460 causes of, 460 clinical history of, 460 diagnosis of, 464 morbid anatomy of, 462 pathology of, 462 Pyorrhoea alveolaris beginning at gum- margin, prognosis of, 465 symptoms of, 460 treatment of, 465-468 classes of, 459, 460 death of pulps in, 461 differential diagnosis of, 464, 465 distinctions of classes, 460 meaning of, 459 mode of scaling, 466 nature of, 444 splints for teeth in, 465, 466 use of drugs in, 467, 468 varieties of, 459 Pyrozone. (See Hydrogen dioxid.) QUERCUS, 567 Quillaia, 567 RACHITIS, eflTects of, upon dentition, 194 Radiograph of impacted teeth, 239 Rainey on calco-globulin, 113 Reflex pains, dental, 500 from general diseases, 500 diagnosis of, 506 facial, origin of, 503 from pericemental diseases, 503 from pulp diseases, 503 referred to teeth, 509 Reflexes of dental origin, 500 Refrigeration of pulp, 367 Regeneration of blood-vessels, 87 of epithelium, 88 of tissues, 85 Resorcin, 567 Resorption, 61 in dentition, 181 of roots, failure in, 200 Retzius, striae of, 125, 210 in erosion, 253 Ridge, dental, 106 Robertson on caries, 265 Robinson's remedy, 567 Root, growth of, 118 Root-apex, amputation of, 416 -sheath of Hertwig, 118 Roots, malformations of, 218 perforated, amputation of, 427 treatment of, 427 SACCHARIN, 567 Saliva, chemotactic property of, 49, 50 composition of, 448 deposits of calcium salts from, 449 hypersecretion of, 450 reaction of, 448 toxicity of, 513 Salol. 568 Salufer, 570 Sandarac varnish, 570 Saprophytic bacteria, 40 Scaling teeth, 454 Schizomycetes, 38 Sedation, effects of, 22 Septic diseases of dental origin, 522 infection, nature of, 90 intoxication, 95 INDEX. 585 Septic intoxication in childi'en, 498 Septicjemia, 96 causes of, U7 in dental abscess, 402 symptoms of, 97 treatment of, 98 varieties of, 96 Septicopyemia, 98 Serres, glands of, 137 Serum, blood-, germicidal power of, 50 Sharpey, fibres of, in cementum, 136 Sheaths of Neumann, 127 Shellac varnish, 571 Silico-fluorid of sodium, 570 Silver citrate, b'oi, 5(39 lactate, 569 nitrate as astringent, 541 decomposition of, 568 tooth-staining by, 257 Skiagraphy in diagnosis of impaction, 239 Skin-eruption in teething, treatment of, 189 Sodium bicarbonate, 509 borate, 569. (See Borax also.) bromid, 553 dioxid, 569 reactions of, 536 phenate, 569 salicylate in gout, 488 silico-fluorid, 570 sulfite. 569 Sozoiodol, 570 Spirillfe, 39 Starch, synthesis of, 38 Starches, effects of, in caries, 274 Stellate reticulum, 112 atrophy of, 115 Steresol varnish, 571 Sterilization, dental, 523 of apparatus, 525 of field of operation, 526 of instruments, 525 of operator, 524 Stimulation, efl^ects of, 21 Stomatitis, aphthous, 516 catarrhal infective, 514 causes of, 513 classification of, 514 occurrence of, 513 simple, treatment of, 514 svmptomatic, 515 teething, 189, 190 ulcerative, 515 local, 516 varieties of, 513 Stratum granulosum, 118 intermedium, 113 Structural diseases, 24 Struma, effects of, upon dentition, 194, 195 Subgingival calculi, 452 Snboxidation, diseases of, 445 Sugar, fermentation of, 271 Sulfo-methjeinoglobin, 256 Supernumerary teeth, 225 origin of, 226 Suppuration, 90 causes of, 90 leucocytosis in, 74 Suppuration, prognosis of, 92 symptoms of, 92 general, 92 treatment of, 92 Syphili-s, effects of, upon dentition, 194 infecti\e power of lesions, 518 of mouth, primary, 519 diagnosis of, 519 mode of infection, 519 secondary, 520 sterilization, 527 tertiary, 521 stages of, 518 Syphilitic affections of mouth, 518 enamel, 211 teeth, 219 TEETH, abrasion of, 245 treatment of, 246 absence of, congenital, 224 architectural designs of. 142 calcic basis of, 113 cleansing after scaling, 456 concrescence of, 217 deciduous, abrasion of, 493 treatment of, 494 canal-filling, 498 caries of, 494 cavity preparation in, 495 deposits ujiou, 491 destroying pulps of, 495 diseases of, 491 effects of premature loss of, 200 extraction of, effects of, 220, 228 delayed, eff^ects of, 229 green stains upon, 492 importance of treating, 493 pericementitis of 498 extraction for, 499 treatment of, 498 pulp-exposure in, 494 treatment in, 495 sensitivity of, 491 pulps of diseases of, 496 removal of pulps of, 497 silver nitrate in, 495 defects of, and caries, 278 deficiency in number of, 224 disuse of, absolute, results of, 442 pathology of, 443 prognosis of, 443 treatment of, 443 partial, causes of, 441 clinical history of, 441 diagnosis of, 442 pathology of, 441 prognosis of, 442 treatment of, 442 dwarf, 215 effects of eruptive fevers upon, 199 of gestation upon, 276 encysted, 231 eruption of, 180 causes of, 180 process of, 181 excess of, 225 first evidence of formation, 105 586 INDEX. Teeth, fused, 216 geminous, 217 giantism of, 214 gouty abscess upon, 485 a&ections of, 483 grinding of, in children, 494 at night, 247 grooved, 215 honeycombed, 212 Hutchinson, 128 impacted, 231 diagnosis of, 239 symptoms of, 238 treatment of, 240 mal-occlusion of, causes of, 439 diagnosis of, 440 pathology of, 439 prognosis of, 440 treatment of, 440 malpositions of, 227 mechanical weakening of, 144 nerves, plan of distribution of, 501 overuse of, effects of, 437 pathology of, 438 treatment of, 438 permanent, calcification of, 196 development of, 119 anatomical relations of, 196 eruption of, 195 origins of, 109 resorption of roots of, 433 causes of, 434 morbid anatomy of, 433 pathology of, 433 symptoms of, 434 treatment of, 435 pitted, 21 5 in pregnancy, 146 primitive forms as abnormalities, 215 relations of, 141 resorption of temporary, 197 sections of, 149, 1 50 supernumerary, 225 suppressed, 224 surgical anatomy of, 141 syphilitic, 219 temporary, pulp-chambers of, 151, 152 twin, 217 upper, surgical relations of, 164 Teetliing, 180 gum-hincing in, 192, 193 Teratomata. 56 Thread-fungus, 511 Thrombus, 72 Thrush fungus, development of, 511 Thymol, 565 Tissues, nature of, 23 Tomes on caries, 265 fibres of, 129 granular layer of, 147 processes of, 147 Toxalbumins, 43 Toxicity of saliva, 513 Treatment of alveolo-dental abscess, acute, 402 without fistula, 409 on deciduous teeth, 498 Treatment of alveolo-dental abscess, chronic, 409, 411, 415 by electrolysis, 415 dental caries, 313 erosion, 254 disuse of teeth, absolute, 443 partial, 442 empyema of antrum, 418, 419 fevers, 95 gingivitis, 446, 447 hyperaemia, active, 78, 79 passive, 80 hypercementosis, 432, 433 hypersensitive dentin, 308, 309, 310 impacted teeth, 240 inflammation, 84 mal-occlusion, 440 osteomyelitis, 95 pathological dentition, 188-194 pericementitis, general aseptic, 436 of deciduous teetii, 498 non-septic apical, chronic, 421 phagedenic, 474 septic apical, chronic, 409-415 traumatic, 426, 427 perforated roots, 427 pulp-exposure, 321 deciduous teeth, 495 gangrene, dry, 382 moist, 387 hypersemia, active, 345 passive, 347 hypertrophy, 366 inflammation, 353 -nodules, 339 suppuration, 360 pyaemia, 99 pyorrhoea alveolaris, first class, 465-468 resorption of permanent roots, 435 salivary calculus, 454 septicaemia, 98 stomatitis, 514 suppuration, 92 ulceration, 93 Trichlorphenol, 570 Trikresol, 557 Trismus, muscular, in dentition, 203 Tropacocain, its chemical relations, 540 Trophic nerves, 35 Tubercle, nature of, 64 Tuberculosis of mouth, 522 Tubuli of dentin, 126 Tumors, 54 capsules of, 56 causes of, 55 classes of, 54, 55 composition of, 55 compound, 57 degeneration of, 60 efiects of, 55 epithelial, 59 evolution of type, 57, 58 fatty degeneration of, 64 malignant, 56, 57 recurrence of, 60 benign, 56, 57 Twin teeth, 217 INDEX. 587 ULCERATION, 93 causes of, 93 treatment of, 93 Ulcers caused by jagged teeth, 246 Urates, conditions of deposit, 481 excess of, 2o0 origin and effi?cts of, 480 Urea, etiects of retained, 71 Uric acid, origin of, 249-481 VACCINATION, 32 effects of, upon teething, 189 Varnishes, sandarac, 570 shellac, 571 steresol, 571 Vascular system, disturbances of, 69 range of, disturbances, 74 Veratrina, 572 Veratrum viride, 572 Vitality, resistance of, 22 Voluntary tooth-movement, 4'J9 ATTS on caries, 268 w X -RAY in diagnosis of impaction, 239 ZINC chlorid, 572 iodid, 572 oxid, 573 oxychlorid, 572 properties of, 315, 573 oxysulfate, 573 phosphate, properties ot, 315, 573 sulfate, 573 Zones of dentin in caries, 298 transparent, in caries, 298 Zooglea, 39 Catalogue of Books PUBLISHED BY Lea Brothers & Company, 706, 708 & 710 Sansom St., Philadelphia. 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