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Where there is evidence of lack of oral hygiene and a relatively
poor appreciation of treatment a more "utility" approach is
indicated and likely to produce a better dividend. With patients
of this latter type attempts at extensive conservation are
obviously misplaced, and removal of sepsis and restoration should
be the principal aim.
In the field of more specialised work limited progress has
been possible in improving technique for dealing with the "fractured
incisor" tooth, which presents itself with unfailing
regularity. Partial amputations of the pulp have been carried
out on several occasions with encouraging results, a periodic
check-up on these patients has been instituted to ascertain the
permanance of the cure. In suitable cases where pulp vitality
seems reasonably assured, restorations of the coronal portion of
the tooth by means of acrylic "cap" splints have been employed
to improve the aesthetic effect and maintain normal spacing in
the arch.