Archives of Dentistry, Vol. 1
January, 1884 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Archives of Dentistry, Vol. 1: January, 1884<br><br>Amalgam will save the teeth; we have all Been proof of this, and consequently it commends itself to us. In the discharge of our duty to the poor, remembering our duty to ourselves, I know of no agent by whose employment we can furnish to the patient so great satisfaction in return for the expenditure of their limited means.<br><br>There arc seductive features possessed by this material against which it is well to guard ones self, as the temptation it offers to economize time, relieve anxiety, avoid labor, or the gratification of any other selfish motive.<br><br>To my mind its use for a permanent purpose, in cases where a fair compensation is obtainable, is unwise, and not worthy of the act of a skilled practitioner.<br><br>There is something more demanded of the dentist, than the mere saving of a tooth to usefulness. This first object having be accomplished, the appearance his operation presents, must never he lost sight of. The intelligent patron presents himself to the dentist, because he has confidence in his ability and integrity, depending upon his professional judgment and skill, to do the best thing his case requires, and I must say. my honest convictions are that this is not to be done by the use of amalgam in filling the teeth.<br><br>My own experience in the use of amalgam. i somewhat limited, but my observation prejudices me against its use; not only because of the objectionable appearance of the plug itself from oxidation, but because nearly every tooth I have ever seen filled with it, has become discolored in consequence of its use. It is claimed for some: the recent alloys, that these objections have been overcome. If this proves to be true, I am not sure but my prejudices may in time be upset.<br><br>The color of the newly finished amalgam plug, is perhaps Less objectionable than that of any other metallic filling; if one can be fair and ignore the popular predilection for the material which has so long endured the onslaught of innovating competitors, and which we may still denominate the "old reliable."<br><br>But before passing the subject, there are other preparations to which a word is due. Hill's Stopping, and like preparations, embodying a large proportion of gutta percha, are anions the most valuable and indispensible agents, in operations upon carious teeth.<br><br>About the Publisher<br><br>Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com<br><br>This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.