Miscellaneous agents / .A technique utilizing a rubber dam and a cement spatula with a aperture made through the blade of the spatula to isolate the root end has been described in the literature.A technique using an electrosurgical knife in combination with topical thrombin to control haemorrhage in split-thickness skin graft vestibuloplasty has been described in the literature (Formann et al. 1984) However, the effects of hot and cold on haemorrhage are at best very transient and superficial.This approach frequently assumes the form of cold compresses, hot oils and cautery (Atterbury 1978).More recently, the use of both cold packs (Laperyrolerie 1973) and cautery via electrical heat have been used to provide haemostasis (Evans 1977).Cautery stops the flow of blood by coagulation of blood and tissue protein, leaving an eschar which the body will attempt to slough.The author suggests the use of this approach in anterior teeth with large periradicular lesions (Guerra 1992).' ^J Historically, thermal control of haemostasis was advocated by many ancient civilizations.