Easy Method for Making Surface Casts to Hold Radium Tubes in Position

Abstract

Through the kindness of Mr. Robert M. Kerr, of the Detroit Dental Manufacturing Company, Detroit, I have secured powdered molding compound which I incorporate in gauze strips (exactly as one would do with plaster-of-Paris), heat slightly over a hot plate, and mold to parts. The number of strips used depends upon the thickness desired, or, rather, the distance the radium tube is to be held away from the surface of the lesion or from the skin surface. If, however, the distance is more than one-quarter of an inch, I usually build up the casts at the point or points where the radium tube is to be placed; otherwise, it would prove cumbersome and heavy. This makes a light, strong cast, serves to hold radium tubes in exact position, particularly over irregular surfaces, and does away with the use of adhesive plaster over the seat of radiation. It has an advantage over ordinary molding compound in that it becomes hard quicker, will not stick to hairy parts, is not brittle, and when radium tubes are to be moved to different locations, these locations may be plainly marked on the cast and the tube moved without much difficulty. This method cannot, however, be used in mouth work.