Cavities have plagued humans since ancient times. Often they are painful even before they can be detected by the human eye. Left untreated, cavities lead to infections that are sometimes life-threatening. Their methods, treatments and equipment have benefited from years of scientific study and inventions. As computer technology has developed, it also has played a role in increasing the effectiveness of dentistry.
Archeologists have discovered that the Indus Valley Civilization of 7000 B.C. may have enjoyed the only reliable cavity treatments before modern dental methods evolved. Indus dentists, if they can be called that, actually used a bow drill to treat and cure cavities. They may have actually been bead makers who used their skill to fill an aching tooth. After that, the forerunners of modern dentistry developed the use of forceps.
Modern dentistry also focuses on prevention and treatment of gum disease. Gingivitis symptoms include gum swelling, tenderness, bleeding or discoloration (bright red or purple). To a remarkably high degree of certainty, regular dental cleanings combined with daily flossing prevent these problems. That fact, combined with advertising from toothpaste and toothbrush companies, prompted most Americans to adopt this important habit.
Amalgams came to be made of a silver compound which filled the cavity but left a glaring dark spot. What's more, older metallic amalgams did not hold their shape as intended. The metal had a tendency to shrink and expand, causing gaps and cracks in teeth over time. These compounds have improved, but many dentists and their patients prefer resin amalgams. These can match the tooth and be much less noticeable.
A root canal actually goes beneath the tooth to deaden the nerves and stop any resulting pain. It was a good thing, too, because Americans also began living longer. Keeping teeth free of cavities became more important than ever before. Over the last 100 years, dentistry became a specialized field, and dentists became among the best-educated members of society.
Archeologists have discovered that the Indus Valley Civilization of 7000 B.C. may have enjoyed the only reliable cavity treatments before modern dental methods evolved. Indus dentists, if they can be called that, actually used a bow drill to treat and cure cavities. They may have actually been bead makers who used their skill to fill an aching tooth. After that, the forerunners of modern dentistry developed the use of forceps.
Modern dentistry also focuses on prevention and treatment of gum disease. Gingivitis symptoms include gum swelling, tenderness, bleeding or discoloration (bright red or purple). To a remarkably high degree of certainty, regular dental cleanings combined with daily flossing prevent these problems. That fact, combined with advertising from toothpaste and toothbrush companies, prompted most Americans to adopt this important habit.
Amalgams came to be made of a silver compound which filled the cavity but left a glaring dark spot. What's more, older metallic amalgams did not hold their shape as intended. The metal had a tendency to shrink and expand, causing gaps and cracks in teeth over time. These compounds have improved, but many dentists and their patients prefer resin amalgams. These can match the tooth and be much less noticeable.
A root canal actually goes beneath the tooth to deaden the nerves and stop any resulting pain. It was a good thing, too, because Americans also began living longer. Keeping teeth free of cavities became more important than ever before. Over the last 100 years, dentistry became a specialized field, and dentists became among the best-educated members of society.