GOLD L Not the Ideal Filling Dr. Norman W. Kingsley 115 MADISON AVENUE NEW YORK REPRINTED FROM THE A .. ITEMS OF IN yEREST September, 1898 hllings in teeth are unsightly and savor only barbaric splendor. is the savage alone who would decorate his teeth with gold. Such conspicuous exhibitions of the jeweler’s art violate es- thetic taste and would not be tolerated by any refined person, were it not that in this country people have become so accus- tomed to these expositions, and with it possessed of the idea that in this way only can they have their teeth preserved, that they submit to that which would otherwise be grossly offensive. It is bad enough when gold becomes a necessity for the pre- servation of the teeth from further decay, but when the employ- ment of gold is sought for the purposes of display and to attract attention, it is an offense against all refinement and culture. I once saw a passenger on board an Atlantic steamer dressed like a lady whose upper front teeth were nearly all gold. It was subsequently learned that she was of the demi-monde and used this means to attract attention. While small pieces of gold in teeth that are exposed to observation are unsightly enough, the intro- duction of entire gold crowns is an offense that only a savage would take pride in.* * Such gold crowns are now made by machinery and are on sale in the open market and the notorious dental parlors compete with each other in distributing these monstrosities. For several years I have been a personal observe tigations and experiments carried on by Dr. Jenkins, e Germany, to obtain a material free from objectionable ap^ Dr. Jenkins, although one of the most skilful operators in of gold, was continually met with objections from his client were among the most cultured of continental Europe), to hist gold, because of its unsightly appearance. These people elect to have any other substance in preference, and would prefer to submit to constant repetitions of filling with gutta percha and cements rather than accept gold. It was not therefore with a view of obtaining a cheaper material or one more easily worked, that Dr, Jenkins faithfully followed his ideal year after year. His prosecution of this object was no empirical haphazard spasmodic effort. I have known him to leave an extensive practice in the care of his assistants and go into the mountains of Bohemia and spend weeks among the porcelain and glass workers for which Bohemia is famous. He spared no expense; all the resources of scientific experts were at his command, and he was ultimately rewarded by the in- vention of a PORCELAIN ENAMEL which can be made to match the natural teeth in tone, texture, and surface, so closely as to defy detection. I have been called many a time to inspect a mouth where he ■les failed to detect them.* ese porcelain fillings in teeth and with close scrutiny material contains the ingredients and possesses the prop- ooth porcelain and enamel; it furnishes a perfect material ig almost all cavities which are in condition to receive per- v-at treatment. It resists acids, is not stained by sulphides, murder than the substance of which artificial teeth are made, does not change in color nor disintegrate in the mouth, and is perfectly tolerated in cavities which under go1d would be continu- ally sensitive to changes of temperature. It is not a material for careless or incompetent operators, as its successful use requires the highest qualities of skill, taste, and judgment. Although only a limited number of American dentists in Europe have had an opportunity of putting this enamel to a prac- tical test, each and every one is enthusiastic in its praise. Dr. Abbot, of Berlin, says: “I consider the whole process, and the enamel body in particular, one of the greatest achievements in modern dentistry, especially from the esthetic standpoint. When properly and judiciously manipulated, this material enables the dentist to improve teeth, hitherto disfigured by gold or cement, to an almost incredible extent, by restoring contour, color, and by * This porcelain enamel is not to be confounded with glass inlays, glass fillings or other fusible materials the use of which heretofore has always ended in disap- pointment. imitating the natural gloss to perfection. By its walls, which would ordinarily forbid the insertion o sustained, and pulps nearly exposed and sensitive changes permanently protected. In short, besides the to which the enamel may be put, in pivot and bridge we although its preparation would undoubtedly require some s, conscientious care, the dentist may, in any case where a t impression can be obtained, perform with it an operation more than satisfactory to his patient as well as to himself. No dentist who cares to do artistic work and wishes to keep in the front ranks of his profession should be without this outfit.” Dr. Abbot’s experience is confirmed by Dr. Syl- vester, dentist to His Imperial Majesty, the German Emperor; Dr. Miller, Professor in the University of Berlin; Professor Sachs, Breslan; Dr. Young, Leipsic; Dr. Thomas, Vienna; Dr. Davenport, London; and Dr. Crane, Paris. Dr. Spalding, Paris, writes: “I have most surprising and delightful results from using Dr. Jenkins’ porcelain enamel, and my patients are enthusiastic in praise of this process. It is to me one of the most useful and artistic adjuncts which has ever been offered to our profession, far outranking any other method of por- celain inlay or filling that has been devised. It will melt to a most beautiful edge, it can be contoured when desirable, it can be melted easily and is easily inspected during every stage of the but feebly expresses my gratitude for so beautiful uaily work.” die foregoing I unhesitatingly add from personal ex- uy endorsement of all the qualities as described. no one be deluded with the idea that this is a cheap process -pairing decayed, broken or deformed teeth. IT IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GOLD; requires more time, more judgment and more artistic skill than is required in the insertion of gold fillings, but to persons of refined tastes who are not seeking “ cheap dentistry” the fee ought to be and is a secondary matter.