Oral surgery and the practice of dentistry have an interesting history. Here are some interesting facts you may not already know:
- Oral surgery has roots in ancient history, between 500-300 BCE. Hippocrates and Aristotle both wrote about topics such as tooth extraction and wired jaws and teeth.
- In the early 11th century, a group of French barbers formed a group that functioned as one of the first known oral surgery organizations.
- During the 14th century, the most common forms of oral surgery were tooth extractions. The only anesthesia available was the consumption of alcohol.
- The American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded in 1840.
- Oral surgery treatments were first developed during the Civil War in the mid-1800s. During this time in American history, both sides of the Civil War – Union and Confederate – had dentists experimenting on injured soldiers. It was here that oral surgery was first known to be widely and successfully performed.
- In the early 1900s, oral surgeons pioneered cleft palate and other facial reconstructive surgeries.
- Oral surgeons developed many modern trauma techniques through their treatment of severely injured soldiers during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
- Oral surgeons don’t just work on teeth through extractions, dental crowns, bridges, and root canal treatments. They repair cleft palates, remove benign tumors, and repair damage to the mouth and face from trauma.
- Many oral surgeons are also skilled cosmetic surgeons, capable of performing complicated facial reconstructions following accidents or disease.
- Oral surgeons can perform jaw surgery to relieve pain from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and to correct serious overbites.
- Horses were the first patients of most veterinary oral surgeons. Later, advances led to the treatment of other animals.
Oral surgery is a fascinating part of dentistry that continues to grow progressively as time passes. Advances in science and technology have brought about an ongoing improvement in methods and materials. The future of oral surgery is a bright one that can only result in more satisfied patients with broader and happier smiles.
If you need a oral surgeon in Newport Beach, contact our office today for a consultation.
