As a dental practice, we are eager to engage with all things dentistry, and as a result, we have decided to share some of our knowledge in this field. Thus, we have developed a new insights article on the history of dentistry. This will explore the origins of dentistry through to the modern era and beyond.
Dentistry dates back thousands of years, originally comprising concocted remedies, basic fillings, crude tools, and magic. Over the years, particularly in the last few hundred, thanks to visionaries like Pierre Fauchard, standards began to be established, techniques improved, new tools were developed, science was employed, and patients' health and well-being became paramount. This article will explore the origins of dentistry, its evolution over time, and what the future may hold.
The Origins of Dental Care
Unfortunately, even before the widespread availability of high-sugar foods and drinks, humans needed dental care. The earliest evidence of dental care dates back to Egyptian times, around 3000 BC. Examinations of human remains from this era reveal that dental work was performed on teeth.
- Some teeth exhibited signs of drilling and modification.
- Teeth have been filled with beeswax or similar natural remedies to fill cavities.
- Literature from the period mentions medications for toothaches, infections, and bad breath.
There are texts from China dating back to 2000 BC that discuss acupuncture treatments and herbal remedies for dental conditions. In what is now modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, evidence exists of herbal therapies for toothaches dating back to around 1800 BC. Additionally, there is evidence from the Americas, as well as the Indus and Maya civilisations, regarding dental practices.
Middle Ages
Between approximately 500 and 1500 CE, dentistry as a profession had not yet emerged, and it was a rather non-scientific endeavour. There were ‘professionals’ in the field, often barbers or ‘tooth-pullers’ as they were called back then. So you could get your hair cut and then have the same person work on your teeth!
Much of the knowledge at the time was still inherited from the Greek era, which believed that what we now understand as cavities were caused by ‘tooth worms’ that burrowed into teeth. Consequently, some of the treatments involved smoking a worm out using candles.
Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the groundwork was established as barbers began to be regulated, and standards for procedures started to develop. This is a significant distance from where we are now. However, the groundwork was laid for modern dentistry.
20th Century Revolution
The 20th Century was a game changer for dentistry, crude technologies were revolutionised and unimaginable new ones created. This new era was made possible through transformations in both science and technology. Some of the significant achievements for the dental industry include.
- X-rays were perfected from their introduction in the 1890s. Allowing for the detection of once ‘invisible’ oral issues.
- In the 1990s, this progressed to digital imaging.
- Novocaine, introduced as an anaesthetic in 1905, provided patients with significantly greater comfort, enabling dentists to perform dental procedures more effectively.
- The invention of electrical equipment specifically for dentistry, such as drills.
- The ability to create far superior cosmetic equipment to use on patients, such as veneers.
- The materials used were of significantly higher quality, including resins and white fillings.
- The inventions and technical advancements of the 20th century enabled dentists like ours to provide exceptional care and comfort to our patients.
Modern Dentistry Advancement
Advances in technology, understanding, and treatments have revolutionised dentistry. Modern dentistry can be characterised by its priority on optimal patient outcomes and comfort, while utilising advanced technologies and the latest techniques. Below are two significant recent advances.
Digital X-Rays:
- Digital X-Rays have many advantages over traditional X-Rays using film.
- Instant results with less wastage.
- Significantly less radiation usage.
- High-quality imaging allows for better magnification.
- Detailed imaging of not just teeth but also tissues and bones.
- Better detection of issues such as cavities or decay.
- Allows for a variety of photo imaging views.
3D Printing:
- 3D printing has revolutionised the way dentistry creates crowns, bridges and general restoration products.
- Creates highly accurate and custom-built dental-related products.
- A lot faster turnaround times.
- Lowers associated printing costs.
- Ability to use a variety of materials such as resins, ceramics or metals.
- Superior fitting accuracy.
What Does The Future Hold?
As technologies and our knowledge and understanding increase, patient comfort and outcomes will continue to improve. At Kew Road Dental, we believe that AI and regenerative dentistry will most likely be the key drivers.
Regenerative Treatments:
- The possibility of using stem cells and tissues to create teeth and bone structures for treatments.
- Peptides are used for enamel formation.
- Restoration of nerves that have been damaged through dental issues.
Aritifcial Inteligence:
- Using AI to help analyse X-rays and other patient information to detect issues not possible with the human eye.
- Utilising AI’s predictive abilities to identify problems before they arise.
- Creation of an optimal patient plan based on numerous inputs.
Summary
Dentistry has advanced significantly from its beginnings. Industry standards, modern tools, and anaesthesia have transformed patient outcomes. At Kew Road Dental, we are committed to delivering a modern, comfortable, and optimal experience for our patients. Contact us anytime to discover how we can assist with your dental needs.