Did you know ancient civilizations believed small tooth worms were responsible for tooth decay and cavities?
Whatever made them come to this conclusion is not known. But we do know that they used a range of methods to try to get rid of the so-called tooth worms. One entails drilling a hole into the affected tooth and then stuffing it with herbs.
The days of hunting for worms have passed. Due to a rise in cutting-edge technologies and medical advancements, oral care has come a long way.
Dental History at a Glance
The first indication that oral health was a matter of public health importance goes back to ancient Egypt. Thousands of years ago, between 3,000 BC and 5,000 BC, Egyptians made a mixture of powdered ash for teeth-cleaning cream.
However, following the rudimentary drilling into teeth to look for worms and the introduction of the first form of toothpaste, dentistry took a long time to evolve into the modern medical science that it is today.
It was not until 1728 that the first book on oral health was published. Written by French surgeon Pierre Fauchard, the book is titled The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth.
Fauchard designed several tools and dental treatments to promote oral health while advocating that preventing tooth decay is vital to healthy teeth and gums.
The golden centuries in dental care
Following the release of Fauchard’s book, which is believed to have revolutionized dentistry through its preventative care approach, there were a few other milestones in the 19th and 20th centuries that set up dentistry as we know it today.
To create an environment for scholars to learn more about the science of dentistry, The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was established in 1840. It provided a space for aspiring dentists to practice their skills and share knowledge with other field experts.
Soon after, the American Dental Association (ADA) was initiated. The ADA provided a learning community in a network of dental professionals.
In the medical field, the introduction of local anesthesia and X-ray technology in the late 19th Century significantly impacted dentistry. Anesthesia helped to improve the patient experience and care, and X-rays helped dentists to assess dental conditions more accurately.
Antibiotics came into use in the 20th Century, which allowed for more effective treatment against oral infections.
While the advancements of the 19th and 20th centuries contributed mainly to improving dental services and treatments, it is now, in the technological age, when dentistry is at its peak.
Dentistry Now and in The Future
If a so-called dentist from one of the early civilizations walked into a dental surgery today, they would have been blown away by the cutting-edge technology. Let’s take a look at some of these innovations.
Dental implants, for example, use biocompatible materials that fuse with your jawbone—offering a long-term solution to tooth loss.
In orthodontist surgery, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems create accurate impressions of a patient’s teeth.
These advancements have set the tone for the future of dentistry, with exciting developments designed to improve how dentists work and how the patient experiences dental care.
Let’s take a look at some of these advancements in the tech side of dentistry:
- More advanced application of 3D printing
- A move to digital radiography that includes AI-aided assessments
- Using robotics during intricate dental surgeries
- Utilizing AI tools to collect and analyze data from a pool of patients
- An increase in regenerative dentistry, which uses biomedical engineering to aid in tooth regeneration and tissue growth
- Cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, with the increase in innovative treatments making it more available and accessible.
Technological advancements aside, there is also growth in the human aspect of dentistry.
It’s no secret that dentists are associated with pain. In a recent study of over 400 people, more than half reported dental anxiety. This can result in patients not seeking the dental care that they need.
The need to draw closer to patients is evident, and technology is again leading the charge.
One way this happens is through using augmented reality and virtual reality tools during dental checkups and surgeries. These tools will allow patients to see precisely what is going on in their mouths and help educate them on treating their dental issues.
In addition, through innovation in the field, treatment time can be reduced, and there is greater scope for less invasive dental treatments, all of which facilitate a much more positive patient experience.
Modern Oral Care Solutions for Dental Health
At Bridge Creek Dental, our dental practitioners stay on top of modern developments and trends in dentistry, including a focus on patient-centered care so that you can receive the best possible dental advice and care.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can take charge of your oral health and become a part of dentistry history.