A Historical Timeline of Dentistry
They say that those who do not know their history are condemned to repeat it. In the case of dentistry, however, our profession is built on a proud tradition of pursuing knowledge, seeking advancement, and trying to better serve humanity. Certainly, the more noble aspects of the history of dentistry have informed the philosophy of our South Ogden, UT dental practice, South Ogden Smiles. Our desire to serve our community with the finest restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and preventive and holistic dentistry drives us in all that we do.
Dr. Patrick Tanner believes that his patients deserve no less than the best that modern dentistry has to deliver. He strives to provide his patients with the most comfortable, relaxing dental experience possible in an environment that is centered on putting them at ease and making them feel at home. His office features an array of amenities, from stunning mountain views that can be enjoyed under warm blankets to 20-inch flat screen televisions and satellite radio. Dental care has certainly come a long way during its rich history.
We invite you to read the following timeline of the history of dentistry and then contact South Ogden Smiles to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Tanner. We would love to introduce you to the benefits of a truly modern dental experience.
The History of Dentistry: A Timeline
This timeline represents just a few of the highlights in the long history of dentistry:
- 7000 BC: This is the earliest date to which a dental procedure can definitively be traced back. It is around this time that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization used bow drills to treat tooth decay.
- 5000 BC: A text from this era refers to tooth decay as being caused by “tooth worms.” As preposterous as this notion may seem to us in the 21st century, this theory stood unchallenged by most dental professionals for thousands of years, until it was finally disproven in the 18th century.
- 600: The earliest evidence of dental implants can be traced back to this date. The jaw bone of a Mayan woman was discovered containing three fragments of shell embedded into the bone, replicating missing teeth.
- 1200-1400: The first tooth extractions are performed to alleviate tooth pain in Europe, by French barbers rather than by medical professionals.
- 1600-1700: Toothbrushes made of hog bristle have been available in China since approximately the seventh century. During the 17th century, they begin to make their way into Europe as explorers bring them back from China.
- 1723: Pierre Fauchard publishes Le Chirurgien Dentiste, known in English as A Treatise on Teeth. Later proclaimed the father of modern dentistry, Fauchard details many ideas that remain essential to dentistry in the book, including the causes of tooth decay.
- 1844: Dr. Horace Wells successfully uses nitrous oxide as an anesthetic for the first time during an extraction procedure.
- 1859: The American Dental Association is formed.
- 1960: The first dental laser is approved by the FDA for the treatment of gum disease.
- 2004: A study shows that root beer is the carbonated soft drink least likely to damage the teeth.
Schedule Your Initial Appointment at South Ogden Smiles
To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Patrick Tanner, please contact South Ogden Smiles today.