At Dental Design Studio,we’re proud to reflect on the incredible evolution of dentistry from its ancient origins to the advanced, patient-centered practice we offer today. Gone are the days when “tooth worms” were thought to be the cause of tooth decay.
Did you know that ancient Egyptians had specialized practitioners for dental care? Historical evidence shows that the Chinese may have used acupuncture as early as 2700 B.C.E. to alleviate tooth decay pain. Additionally, Hippocrates and Aristotle, around 500 B.C.E., discussed methods for treating oral diseases, including the use of red-hot wires for stabilizing jaw fractures and loose teeth.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were pivotal for dental innovation. In 1695, Charles Allen published “The Operator of Teeth,” the first English dental textbook. Allen suggested a homemade toothpaste made from powdered coal, rose-water, and “dragon’s blood” and even proposed using dog’s teeth for transplants.
Pierre Fauchard, in the 18th century, revolutionized dentistry with his work “The Surgeon Dentist,” which laid the groundwork for modern dental practices. He identified sugar as a major cause of cavities, introduced the concept of dental braces, and even suggested the idea of a dentist’s chair light.
The 1800s brought remarkable progress in dental technology. Auguste Taveau developed the first dental fillings made from silver coins and mercury in 1816. By 1840, significant strides included the use of nitrous oxide for sedation by Horace Wells and ether anesthesia for surgery by Thomas Morton. Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris also founded the first dental school, established the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and created the first dental society. By the end of the century, innovations such as porcelain inlays, the mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube emerged.
The 20th century saw incredible advancements in dental care. The advent of electric drills transformed dental procedures. In 1907, the “lost wax” casting machine revolutionized cavity fillings, and Novocain became a standard in pain management. Michael Buonocore introduced tooth bonding in 1955 to repair cracked enamel. Later, innovations included the fully reclining dental chair and, by the 1990s, “invisible” braces and at-home tooth bleaching systems.
Today, Dental Design Studio is at the forefront of exploring the connections between oral health and overall well-being. We’re excited about developments such as gene-mediated therapeutics to enhance tooth resistance to decay and the potential for regenerating tooth structures around weakened enamel. Our commitment is to incorporate the latest and most effective technologies as they become available.
Experience the benefits of modern dentistry with Dental Design Studio.Schedule your visit today to see how we can enhance your oral health with cutting-edge solutions.
Shorewood & Mokena
609 Rollingwood Dr, Shorewood, IL 60404
Call: (815) 725-8170
Hours:
Mon & Wed: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tue & Thu: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed
19125 La Grange Rd, Mokena, IL 60448
Call: (708) 479-2273
Hours:
Mon & Wed: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue & Thu: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed
Dr. Das and the Dental Design Studio team provide expert, compassionate care for patients of all ages. We are committed to meeting your unique dental needs in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
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