Historia de la Odontología

History of Dentistry

Ancient Origins

• The history of dentistry dates back to 23,000 B.C.

• Sumerians (5000 B.C.) believed dental caries were caused by worms in teeth.

• The first known dentist, Esirre, treated Pharaohs around 3000 B.C. and emphasized the link between medicine and dentistry.

Early Dental Practices

• A dental prosthesis from the 4th century B.C. is displayed at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico.

• Historical texts describe using heated instruments for dental treatments and stabilizing jaw fractures with wires.

Religious Context

• Teeth were associated with worship; Apolonia was a martyr who interceded for those suffering from tooth pain.

• Apolonia faced torture for her faith but remained steadfast, encouraging others to invoke her name for relief from dental pain.

Pioneers of Modern Dentistry

• Pierre Fauchar (1678–1761), known as the father of modern dentistry, systematized dental knowledge in his works.

• Dr. Hebe Black (1836–1915), recognized for contributions to standardizing dental procedures despite limited training.

Establishment of Dental Education

• The first dental school was founded in Baltimore, USA, in 1840.

• Dr. Basil E. M. Wilkerson invented key dental tools including the hydraulic chair and turbine.

Advancements in Dental Tools

• A 19th-century dental workbench is exhibited at Helsinki University’s Faculty of Dentistry.

Discoveries Impacting Dentistry

• William Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays on November 8, 1895, revolutionizing human anatomy visualization.