Temple University School of Dentistry - Odontolog Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 31 text:

Nor in any section of the body do so many difficulties beset the operator. The vascularity of the parts; the impossibility of keeping them entirely aseptic owing to oral moisture and secretions; the constant exposure to respit.itory air currents; and the difficulty of operating with limited access while hemorrhage and obstructions interfere with refraction, are a combination of difficulties not nut with in operations involving any other part of the body. Nor arc the operations minor ones. Some of the most malignant diseases with which humanity is affected, such as cancer and syphilis, often manifest themselves by very extensive lesions in the mouth Indeed, quite a variety of systemic diseases often give the first apparent evidence of their existence at that point. It therefore follows that to intelligently and successfully combat them a knowledge of their symptomology, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, sequela:, with proper treatment, must be part of the mental equipment of the thorough dental practitioner. Dentistry keeps in progressive alignment with general surgery in its ownward strides. The Oral Surgical Clinic provides the means of obtaining a practical familiarity with the most lecrnt progress and knowledge in histology, bacteriology, inflammatory conditions, all methods of antiseptic treatment, wound sterilisation etc., and the general treatment of incised, contused, punctured, lacerated, poisoned or other wounds liable to affect the oral surgical field, and in addition provides a method of obtaining a knowledge of the oral lesions of the different infective diseases. At the Oral Surgical Clinic the student also acquires a practical knowledge of the administration of general and local anesthetics , treatment in eases of shock or heart diseases, sjneope, hysteria, resuscitation, control of hemorrhage (especially in patients of hemorrhagic diathesis) and other medical and general emergencies, bandaging, treatment of wounds, etc. Operations are also performed for the removal of cysts, malignant or benign tumors, such as sarcoma, odontoma, osteoma. li| oma, glioma, fibroma, carcinoma, adenoma, etc,, and bone diseases, such as caries or necrosis. In addition the operative treatment on the patient is clinically shown for staphylorhaphy. or other congenital deformities of the mouth or face, for neuroses, or for diseases of the structures or sinuses of the oral cavity or diseases of the maxilla. Especial clinical attention is given to fractures, especially those of the jaws, simple or complex, multiple or comminuted ; and the construction and application of special interdental splints, as well as general prosthesis of the part, all operations being performed in the manner best suited for the greatest possible cosmetic effect.

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ORA!. SURGERY CLINIC. -JO-