There is _an abnormality of the upper molars_ which may with advantage be mentioned here. In this deformity the posterior buccal root is situated in a plane much internal to the anterior--in other words, it is an exaggeration of the normal arrangement. Such teeth have been termed by Mr. Booth Pearsall “_oblique rooted_” (fig. 21). The abnormality is met with most frequently in the third molar, sometimes in the second, rarely in the first. The difficulty encountered in extracting these teeth is that the outer blade of the forceps tends to slip round. Oblique-rooted teeth can at times be diagnosed by noting an undue prominence of the alveolus over the anterior buccal root, and are best removed with forceps similar to that shown in fig. 20. _In cases where a portion of the crown remains and the decay extends well below the gum_ on either the palatal or buccal side, ordinary molar forceps should be discarded and root forceps employed; useful patterns are shown in figs. 18, 22 and 23. The removal of teeth in this condition is carried out as follows, and for the sake of description it will be supposed that the decay extends deeply on the palatine side. One blade of the forceps should be first applied to the buccal side of the tooth and to the root which is considered the stronger; the inner blade should then be applied to the palatine root care being taken to insinuate it between the alveolus and the root. The forceps should then be pushed well upwards until a firm hold of the root is obtained. A firm inward movement should then be made, as this will allow the inner blade to pass still higher up the palatine fang and insure steadiness should the blades tend to ride upon the surface of the root. An outward movement should next be made, but to nothing like so great a degree as that used in extracting molars with the whole of the crown standing. This inward and outward movement is to be repeated until the tooth is freed, the force being principally applied in the inward direction. [Illustration: FIG. 22.] [Illustration: FIG. 23. For the removal of roots towards the back of the mouth.] When the more extensive decay has taken place on the buccal side the order of proceeding is slightly different. The first blade to be applied should be the palatine, the outer blade being closed upon whichever of the buccal roots is considered the stronger. The extractive force should be applied first outwards and then inwards, these movements being repeated if necessary, the principal force being outwards, as the object in view is to prevent the instrument slipping off the more decayed side.