Amalgam. [Volume: 2, Issue: 11, June, 1861, pp. 606-607]

606

THE DENTAL COSMOS.

tooth first. I found it to be a molar with two well-developed fangs, with
the exception that the fang next to the circle described was about threefourths absorbed. My first impression on seeing this, was that the fang
had broken off; but on examining the parts I found a new tooth emerging, having the appearance of the first or second bicuspid. I next extracted the tooth described as growing on the anterior bucco-approximal
angle, and found the fang also about three-fourths absorbed; finding the
bicuspid described as growing within this circle very loose, I extracted it,
and found the fang in the same condition as the two former. I will say
here, that it was my intention, when I began, to leave this tooth, as it
looked as perfect as any tooth in her mouth. I next extracted the tooth
placed on the lingual surface, and found the fang perfect and exceedingly
long and slender. It was now my intention to leave the cuspidatus, thinking it would grow within the proper line, but, on examination, I found
another new tooth coming (evidently the first bicuspid) immediately
under the bicuspid described above, and consequently it was exactly where
I expected the cuspidatus to form to; hence it was necessary to extract the
cuspidatus, which I did. This applies to both sides, as both were affected
the same.
This young lady assured me she had shed all her teeth at the proper
time. These extra teeth had come within the last four years. I requested
her to call again at the expiration of a month. She did so. I found that
the new teeth spoken of at the time of extraction were fully developed,
and proved to be bicuspids. She is now enjoying a full and regular set of
teeth minus the cuspidati. She has not suffered with the toothache since
the operation. The teeth in the superior maxillary were perfect and
regular.
SHELBYVILLE, KY., May 20, 1861.
AMALGAX.
BY C. B.
IN looking over the last number of the DENTAL COSMOS, I came across
a discussion on the amalgam question, a subject which I considered had
been discussed to death a hundred times over; but this one attracted my
attention more particularly on account of what, I thought, the just and
reasonable manner in which it was handled.
I have, perhaps, seen as much amalgam filling as most dentists, with
an equal amount of practice, being number four on the list of dentists who
have at one time or another had possession of this business, which was
established somewhere about the year 1830, I believe. All of my predecessors have been in the habit of using amalgam, and I am constantly
witnessing its durability. I will say no more, however, on this point, for
I do not want an argument with anybody; as we have had enough of