While the ancient Romans were not the first ancient peoples to use sophisticated dental techniques, they were the most advanced for their time. Advancing the medical knowledge they gained from the Greeks, the Roman's oral care surpassed that of most civilizations at the time.
Dental Professionals
There were actually three professionals who worked in the dental world, allowing patrons to choose between a tooth-drawer (one who only pulled teeth), a barber-surgeon (one who worked in bloodletting and cosmetic teeth shaping), and a physician who specialized in dentistry
Tooth Cleaning
While a form of early toothpaste was already around, Roman's continued employing those abrasive powders but added agents to freshen breath as well. The toothbrush had not been invented yet so people applied the pastes with their fingers. Toothpicks were commonly used to pick debris out of teeth as well.
Pain Relief
The Romans used several techniques to reduce the pain associated with dental procedures. Galen, the Roman physician, used the pickled root of a Chrysanthemum that would dull pain and loosen the tissue allowing for an easier extract (being careful with the application so as to not loosen healthy teeth). Aulus Celsus also suggested using Mandrake or holding a fig wrapped in wool to the affected tooth.
Dental Prostheses
It is no secret that the Romans were advanced in their engineering and construction which extended to their use of dental prostheses. They employed bridges and crowns made of gold and other materials which would fill the gap left from a missing tooth. Some of these prostheses even survived for archaeologists to find.
Ancient Roman Bridge
Source:http://suite101.com/article/dentistry-and-dental-care-in-the-roman-world-a389246
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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