From my own experience and observation, and with all due regard for the experiences and opinion of others, I will say, when there has been an exposure of the pulp, with any considerable pain as a consequence, I would in all cases destroy and remove. In cases where from the location of the cavity, or where the surroundings would not admit of a satisfactory operation otherwise, I would devitalize. With the remedies at our command, the increased facilities for destroying and removing the pulp, cleansing the canals, and the various means for hermetically filling them, thereby rendering the tooth absolutely free from painful impressions, just as serviceable, just as beautiful, and in all respects as enduring. I fail to see how we can justify ourselves, or do justice to the patient by subjecting them to a painful and, possibly, an imperfect operation, with the probabilities that they will again be obliged to seek for relief from the same offending member.
In conclusion, I would add, that accepting the reasoning of Dr. Black as the correct explanation of the conditions presented, I believe there are, comparatively, a small number of cases where we are able to so protect the exposed pulp as to leave it in a normal condition; and while we should endeavor to save the patient time and expense, we should also endeavor to secure them relief from pain and future suffering, and also protect ourselves and the profession from the criticisms following operations that are worse than failures. Since my experience has enabled me to distinguish, to a certain extent, between facts and fables, between the teachings of reasoning intelligence and egotistical statements, my practice has been most satisfactory, my ways have been those of pleasantness, and my paths those of comparative peace.
Drs. J. A. Price, Weston, Mo., J. C. Goodrich, Wentzville, Mo., J. H. Kennerly, Lebanon, Ill., P. H. Helmuth, Highland, Ill., Geo. Cameron, Carrollton, Ill., F. A. Green, New Albany, Ind., F. H. Caughell, Morrison, Mo., J. O. Eppright, Odessa, Mo., R. R. Vaughan, Fulton, Mo., visited St. Louis during the past month.
OBITUARY.
At the annual meeting of the Southern Illinois Dental Society, held in Chester, October 21st, 1890, the following resolutions, expressive of the sense of the Society, relative to the death of Dr. Homer Judd, and Dr. M. D. LaCroix were adopted.
Whereas, The Southern Illinois Dental Society having learned with profound regret of the death of Dr. Homer Judd since the last annual meeting, the members in convention assembled desire at this time, both individually and collectively, to testify to their high esteem and great love for the life and character of the deceased. Much of the success of the Society is due to his kind helping hand as one of the founders, and the admirable rules and by-laws governing it, were largely the work of his experience.
The members of the Southern Illinois Dental Society will ever hold in reverent regard the memory of Dr. Homer Judd, and extend to his family their respectful sympathy; and the Secretary is hereby requested to advise the family of this action.