_When a molar is so decayed that but little of the crown remains, but all the roots are still united_, root forceps are indicated. In such a case the inner blade is to be applied to the palatine root first, the outer blade being closed upon the stronger of the buccal fangs. Inward followed by outward movement should be employed, the point to bear in mind being to use force towards the side of the tooth which is considered the weaker. In the majority of such cases the three roots come away together, but even if this does not happen, one or perhaps two will be removed, the remainder being subsequently removed with but little difficulty. _In cases where the resistance presented by the roots is very great_ and an unsuccessful attempt has been made with ordinary root forceps, an instrument with a buccal blade similar to that shown in fig. 24 may be used. The inner blade is first applied, the outer one being brought so as to come, if possible, into the space between the buccal roots. A firm hold of the roots having been gained, an attempt to extract should be made by force applied in an inward and outward direction; this failing, sufficient pressure should be put upon the handles to split the roots asunder. The sharp outer blade of the forceps will then pass between the divided buccal roots on to the palatine root, which can thus readily be brought away. A pair of ordinary upper root forceps should be employed for removing the buccal roots. _If all the three roots of a molar are separate_, their extraction presents but little difficulty, a slight rotary movement generally sufficing. In all cases where there is a fear of a molar fracturing, root in preference to ordinary forceps should be used. [Illustration: FIG. 24.] (2) =LOWER TEETH.=--For the removal of lower teeth the patient should be placed on a low level, the head being kept a little forward and the chin depressed. The position of the operator will naturally differ with the tooth to be removed [Illustration: FIG. 25.] and also with the instrument to be used. With teeth on the right side, when hawk’s-bill pattern forceps or elevators are used, the operator should stand behind and to the right of the patient, the left arm being brought round the patient’s head. The thumb of the left hand should be placed on the inner side and the first finger on the outer side of the alveolus of the tooth to be removed, and the three remaining fingers under and supporting the chin. In placing the fingers in the mouth, care should be taken to keep the wrist well down so as not to impede the entrance of light (fig. 25). [Illustration: FIG. 26.] When removing the anterior teeth or those on the left side of the mouth, the operator should stand on the right side and slightly in front of the patient. The left hand should be placed as follows: the second finger on the lingual side, and the first on the labial side of the alveolus of the tooth to be extracted, the thumb being placed under the chin (fig. 26).