The history of endodontics and how it has evolved
Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed in the United States. In fact, an estimated 15 million root canals are done each year! But where did this procedure come from? And how has it evolved over time? In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of endodontics and how it has changed over the years. We will also discuss some of the major milestones in endodontic history and talk about how endodontists practice root canal therapy today. Finally, we will take a look at Dr. Nieves's career in endodontics and how being a board-certified endodontist can help you with tooth pain.
Endodontic history at a glance
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of the pulp and root canal of the tooth. This includes procedures such as root canals, endodontic retreatment and endodontic surgery. The history of endodontics dates back to ancient times. The first recorded instance of a dental procedure being performed on a live human was by the Sumerians in around 3500 BC. This procedure was a form of tooth extraction and was done using sharpened flint tools. Around 600 BC, the Etruscans (ancient Italians) began performing root canal therapy. They would drill into the tooth and remove the infected pulp tissue. They would then fill the empty space with beeswax. The first recorded instance of endodontic surgery was also by the Etruscans. They would cut open the gum tissue to access the root of the tooth and then remove any infected tissue. Thankfully, that same practice is no longer used today!
The history of endodontics in America
The history of endodontics in America can be traced back to the early 1800s. In 1827, Dr. William Thomas Green Morton became the first dentist in America to use ether as an anesthetic for a dental procedure. This marked a major milestone in endodontic history as it made dental procedures much less painful for patients. In 1838, another major milestone occurred when Dr. Horace Hanks Carr brought dentistry into the mainstream by opening up the first dental school in America, which was located in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1844, the first endodontic textbook was published by Dr. Isaac Hays. This textbook, entitled "A Surgery of the Mouth and Teeth", would go on to become a major reference for endodontists all over the world.
Endodontics today
Today, endodontists use modern technology and techniques to perform root canal therapy. The goal of endodontic treatment is to save the tooth by removing the diseased pulp tissue and bacteria from inside the tooth. This helps to relieve pain and prevent further damage to the tooth. Endodontists use a variety of instruments to access the inside of the tooth, including small mirrors, dental probes, and tiny files. Once inside the tooth, they will clean out the infected pulp tissue and bacteria. They will then fill the root canal to seal the tooth and prevent reinfection.
At Granbury Endodontics, we use a variety of different state-of-the-art treatments to help relieve tooth pain from our patients. One of the ones we're most proud of is the GentleWave® machine, which uses a minimally invasive approach to provide a more effective clean. It uses a combination of fluid dynamics and soundwaves to reach microscopic spaces and remove bacteria and tissue. Not only does it help clean the infected root canal system extremely well, but it can also typically be performed in just one procedure.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to see a board-certified endodontist like Dr. Nieves. He grew up in southwestern Fort Worth, and after attending Saint Bonaventure University for undergrad, he studied at the UT School of Dentistry in Houston to get his DDS. His final course of study to become an endodontist was specialty training at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and now he's living his dream as an endodontist practicing in Granbury!
Dr. Nieves is a highly skilled and experienced endodontist who can help you get relief from your tooth pain. He uses the latest technology and techniques to perform root canal therapy, and he has helped countless patients achieve long-term relief from their tooth pain. If you are in need of endodontic treatment, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nieves. We look forward to helping you get the relief you need!