At The Chair

The assistant proves extremely valuable. As the doctor works, she dries the cavity with the hot air syringe and keeps all chips blown away. By skillfully dropping water upon the tooth she keeps all stones moist, when, without such precaution, the operation may become painful and the patient uncomfortable. A pair of pliers, cotton pellets and rolls near at hand enables her to wipe the cavity and insert the cotton rolls before the placing of a temporary stopping and to hold them in place, thus keeping the surface dry while the doctor is inserting the stopping. The Assistant then sprays the mouth and dismisses the patient.

If a rubber dam is used during an operation, a dental napkin should be folded and placed I next the face as it absorbs the moisture, and adds to the patient's comfort.