The Ancient History of Dentistry

Dental Implants in Chicago

Today’s general dentist uses sophisticated tools and techniques to make your dental visit a positive one. This video demonstrates the vast contrast between what you might experience with your dentist in Chicago and what ancient societies had to cope with regarding their dental care.

Thousands of years ago, civilization had little understanding of what caused tooth pain. For many years, dentists assumed that tooth decay was the result of worms in teeth. However, these individuals demonstrated much ingenuity in terms of how they addressed issues such as missing teeth and malocclusion. Archeologists have found evidence of ancient dentures made from human and animal teeth. They have also seen teeth-straightening procedures that predate Invisalign by several millennia.

University Associates in Dentistry offers exceptional dental care for all your oral health needs. Call (312) 704-5511 to make an appointment.

Blackhawks Face Stiff Challenges in the Playoffs

Dental Implants in Chicago

As the team dentist for the Chicago Blackhawks, University Associates in Dentistry has a vested interested in how the team does. That’s why we’re excited to see them launch into the 2015 playoffs and (hopefully) bring home the Stanley Cup. However, we know that the Blackhawks face some stiff challenges—not the least of which is keeping their teeth intact during on-ice scuffles.

First up is the Nashville Predators, whose regular season record (47-25-10) is very similar to that of the Blackhawks (48-28-6). The Blackhawks have plenty more experience in the playoffs, however, so we like to think that our team will prevail. Unfortunately, it’s still uncertain whether top-scorer Patrick Kane has recovered enough to make an impact in the series. Next up will most likely be the St. Louis Blues, who will be gunning for revenge after our team’s victory during last year’s quarterfinals. We don’t want to jinx anything, so we’ll stop there with the predictions and focus on providing stellar dentistry services in Chicago.

A Look at Oral Care Through the Ages

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Ancient Egypt The field of dentistry is one that has been in existence for thousands of years. While your dentist in Chicago may have at his disposal more information and strategies to prevent and address your dental needs, ancient medicine men likewise used what they knew to help individuals suffering from oral maladies. As these early pioneers of dentistry honed their practices, patients became the beneficiaries of these innovations.

Creating a Dental Profession
The ancient Egyptians are responsible for many cultural, medical, and industrial advancements. Among their many achievements is the establishment of the dental profession. While it would be many more centuries before the medical field cultivated a dental specialty , surviving Egyptian monuments indicate the existence of a person known as Hesy-Re who practiced the dental arts. Thousands of years later, Europe at last saw the first formal establishment of individuals who catered to the dental needs of the public.

Easing Tooth Pain

The toothache is a problem that likely predates written history. Moreover, well before individuals were looked to for their dental expertise, people were trying to find ways to address tooth pain and infections. People who practiced dentistry thousands of years ago did not comprehend how tooth decay developed. However, they did understand that alleviating pressure in infected teeth could lessen discomfort. Historians now know from the analysis of ancient teeth that patients were treated with crude drilling techniques.

Enhancing Patient Appearance

Did you know that cosmetic dentistry has its roots several centuries back? Procedures such as professional teeth whitening and porcelain veneers may be newer dental practices, but for hundreds of years, dentists have been applying cosmetic techniques to help patients achieve a more beautiful smile. For instance, documents have been found from the 1700s that discuss how to use enamel on restorative devices to maintain natural-looking teeth. While materials such as gold, silver, and even wood were often used to address tooth loss, dentists were taking advantage of porcelain to create more realistic teeth for patients as well.

Finding the right dentist doesn’t have to be a difficult process. The capable and courteous team at University Associates in Dentistry can help you achieve the healthy and great-looking smile you want. To make an appointment , call us at (312) 704-5511.

University Associates in Dentistry