When you think of dental care, the Neanderthals might not be the first group that comes to mind. However, there is evidence that dentistry was a part of Neanderthal life. Their treatments were a little different than what you encounter when you see the dentist today, of course, but they did take steps to improve their oral health.

Although not much is known about any sustained, organized approaches to dentistry in Neanderthals, teeth from the population show signs of scratches and grooves consistent with using a toothpick to treat the discomfort of impacted teeth. The toothpicks were likely made of pieces of bone or stiff grass. This discovery may not be surprising, given that toothpick use has been discovered in even older civilizations.

At University Associates in Dentistry, we rely on much more modern equipment to provide cosmetic and general dentistry in Chicago , including dental implants and porcelain veneers. To learn more or to make an appointment, call (312) 704-5511.

During the 1960s, dental technology and education became more specialized and diverse, which prompted the need for dentists to branch out into different specialties. This did not mean that the field of general dentistry weakened or became obsolete. On the contrary, general dentists were required to further their education, their technology, and their techniques. Let’s take a quick look at how general dentistry transformed in the 1960s.

After World War II, materials, techniques, and technologies greatly advanced in dentistry. Dentists were able to use dental laboratories to create more accurate and stronger inlays, dental crowns, and dentures. Dentists were also able to utilize better sterilization techniques, such as disposable needles and cold sterilization. These advancing technologies have shaped the modern dentist’s office and the modern dentist.

Learn more about general dentistry with University Associates in Dentistry and our experienced dentists in Chicago. We offer a variety of services found in general and cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth bonding and dental implants. We are available to answer questions at (312) 704-5511.

You may be surprised to know that your dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry treatments can be traced back to 500 B.C. and the ancient Etruscans. The Etruscans made enormous advancements in dentistry, and the restorative work they did laid the foundation for many of the procedures we use today.

One way the Etruscans changed dentistry was by developing an early form of dentures, using both human teeth and animal teeth that were held together with gold. They were the first to use gold in dentistry, including gold replacement teeth, which were used as symbols of wealth and were an early symbol of cosmetic dentistry.

At University Associates in Dentistry, our techniques might be more modern, but we are still dedicated to advancements in your dental care. To make an appointment for dental implants, teeth bonding, teeth whitening, or a dental consultation in Chicago , please call our office at (312) 704-5511 today.

The art and science of dentistry has been around for a long time, but did you know that it has been around for thousands of years? The first recorded dentist, known as Hesy-Ra, lived and worked in Ancient Egypt around 2600 BC, over 4,000 years ago. Let’s get to know more about this founder of dentistry—Hesy-Ra.

Archaeologists and Egyptologists have determined that Hesy-Ra was a high-ranking official under Pharaoh Djoser. Hesy-Ra had many titles, but he was the first to bear the title of “Chief of Dentists.” Though the translations of this title have been debated, many historians agree that Hesy-Ra was an exceptional Egyptian with an illustrious career. Beautifully-decorated cedar wood panels were found in his tomb, and they depict his life history. His tomb also held well-preserved wall paintings and ornaments that further showcased Hesy-Ra’s high distinction under Pharaoh Djoser’s administration.

With University Associates in Dentistry, you will find more than teeth implants, teeth whitening, and general dentists near Chicago. We love to learn exciting facts and history about dentistry , and we want to share these interesting pieces of information with you, our patient. Please visit our blog to learn more fun facts or call us at (312) 704-5511.

While there are a few popular connections between history and oral health, the story of the first president of the United States, George Washington , and his wooden teeth may be the most circulated. Dental implants and cosmetic dentistry have come a long way over the course of the past few generations, but how much truth is there to the wooden teeth myth? Take a look ahead and find out.

Like many people during that particular era, George Washington lost his natural teeth at a young age. He had a few sets of dentures that were made of different types of material, but wood was never one such type. Despite this fact, the myth that our first president wore wooden dentures has remained popular. Some suspect that the materials that comprised his dentures wore out over time, making it look like George Washington had wooden teeth. Although he certainly relied on dentures, they were never made of wood.

University Associates in Dentistry is committed to quality cosmetic dentistry in Chicago. From teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to sleep apnea treatment and periodontics, we are happy to help in any way we can. Call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website today.

Though dental care seems to have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent decades, there was another time in recent history that saw a great advancement in general dentistry. Following the Second World War, the level of technology and sterilization practices changed and improved substantially for the good of dental patients and dentists everywhere.

During the 1960s, sterilization techniques became more sophisticated and safer. Dentists began using sterilized disposable needles and sterilizing their instruments in an autoclave and with cold sterilization. This reduced the number of infections and illnesses caused by unsterile dental practices. High-speed drills and reclining dental chairs were also gaining in popularity and use in dental offices everywhere. The 1960s were also the time when dental restorations, such as dentures, were beginning to be custom-made in specialized laboratories. Many techniques and commonplace objects found in a dentist’s office today were invented and popularized during the 1960s.

Just as general dentistry has advanced, so too has University Associates in Dentistry . We constantly strive to provide our patients with the most up-to-date dental technology, including dental implants and dentures in Chicago. Please call us at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about our growing technology.