Spring Is Here!

Hello friends,
Spring is here and I hope you are enjoying the Season and the Holidays with your loved ones.
I recently read a series of articles on dentistry and a comparison of the decade from 2000 to 2010 to the decade from 1900 to 1910. I want to share some of that interesting information with you.
In the past 10 years, new equipment and products entered the profession. It is interesting to note that their technology was based on the discoveries made in the latter half of the 20th century. A similar phenomenon occured from 1900 to 1910 and again the discoveries from the preceding century, starting in the 1850s made it possible.
By 1900, dentistry had made rapid strides. Until mid 19th century, there were no dental schools or dental profession. By 1841, Americans wanted to make it clear to the British and other Europeans that they were ready to declare their cultural and academic independence.
They started a dental journal, a dental professional society and a formal process of dental education. These were the 3 elements needed to define a profession. It is not surprising that 2 out of 3 of these entities had the word American in their title. Of course, there was still European influence in the education system even though there was political independence.
In Europe, science generated new knowledge and greater understanding of natural phenomena. In America, from politics to religion, Americans were questioning their belief system, why they believed what they believed and why they did things the way they did. New religions were formed daily, new social movements emerged and new political systems were born. The scientific method as a new way of thinking was so very different from the one provided by organized religion in understanding and exploring natural phenomena. The second half of the 19th century, technological and scientific advances impacted society and eventually dentistry.
By 1900, x-rays were discovered and dentists used x-rays to capture the internal image of a tooth.
Another scientific discovery that had a major impact on dentistry was the discovery of microbial action leading to tooth decay in 1890s. This provided dentists with a scientific rationale for diagnosis of tooth decay. This way, dentists were able to become more proactive and could justify their therapeutic measures. By 1900, the standard of care included the use of amalgam (silver fillings) to restore teeth. The electric motorized drill was also discovered.
In a similar way, many new products have been developed in the past 10 years to restore lost and damaged teeth. These new products and equipments have changed the way dentists think about treatment.
It continues to be very exciting for me to be part of it all. I have noticed great changes in my own dental practice throughout the past 10 years due to the advances in dental products, technology and equipments. Many of my patients have already enjoyed and experienced the innovative and amazing results of cosmetic dentistry and the effect it has had on their smile and ultimately their life. It wasn't too long ago when a person had to go through extreme measures and painful procedures in order to have a beautiful smile!
Dentistry has come a long way since 1841 and there is still so much more to come in a very near future.