Dentistry is the art and science of maintaining and promoting healthy teeth, gums and other oral tissues. It is a branch of the medical sciences and includes preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative aspects.
Dentists have an extensive understanding of human anatomy and the relationship between the oral cavity, head and neck and systemic health. They also have a deep understanding of dental materials, techniques and devices to restore and replace missing or damaged teeth.
The history of dentistry is an interesting one that began in ancient times. The first known dentist is believed to be Hesy-Re, who lived in Egypt around 3000 BC and is credited with the first use of the word “dentist”.
Evidence of dentistry has been found in skulls that have been 25000 years old, suggesting that it was widely practiced during the Cro-Magnon culture, which is considered to have been a Bronze Age civilization. It was also practiced in the Indus Valley Civilization, a very ancient civilization that is thought to have begun in 7000 BC.
Before the introduction of modern dentistry, many people suffered from a very poor level of dental care. This was largely because there were no effective pain control methods and the treatments available consisted of brute force, alcohol (usually brandy, rum or whiskey) and opium which had no effect on dental problems, causing either too much or too little pain.
This was an era of charlatans and the death rate from dental infection was high as well. It was only in the 18th century that dentistry began to evolve and become more sophisticated, with a book published by Pierre Fauchard in 1723, which is now recognized as the first comprehensive dental system.
During this time dentistry moved beyond the barber-surgeon profession and became more specialized in terms of equipment, technique and cosmetics. The first porcelain false teeth were created and in the mid-18th century, a man named Josiah Flagg invented the dental chair, which made sitting comfortably at a dentist’s office possible for everyone.
Today, dentists are able to perform many procedures without the need for anesthesia. The latest technology allows them to diagnose tooth decay and gum disease before it has progressed to a stage where the patient requires treatment.
For example, X-rays can be used to identify cavities in the mouth that are too small to see with the naked eye. Non-invasive techniques such as lasers can be used to remove plaque from the gums.
There is an ongoing movement towards evidence-based dentistry which focuses on incorporating current scientific research into the practice of dentistry. This is a good way to ensure that your patients are getting the best care possible.