History and Dentistry Practices in Ancient Rome
- Roman medicine initially relied on homemade remedies, but the profession of medicine was introduced by the Greek doctor Archagathus.
- The Twelve Tables, the basis of Roman law, mention dentistry practices.
- Prosthetic materials for dental and oral health conditions have been found in Roman cities.
- Historians and archaeologists have differing opinions on the extent of dentistry in ancient Rome.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Ancient Rome
- Romans used toothpaste made from human urine and goat milk to whiten their teeth.
- Dental bridges, crowns, and gold dental implants were developed in ancient Rome.
- The Etruscans were skilled at crafting dental bridges.
- Roman dental bridges were commonly made of bone or ivory.
Toothaches and Remedies in Ancient Rome
- Pliny the Elder discussed various therapies for tooth pain in his work.
- Remedies included pouring medication into the ear, inhaling wild mint, and using hare bones to incise the gums.
- Gargling the ash of deer horns was another treatment method.
- Roman doctors believed toothaches were caused by a toothworm.
Tooth Extraction in Ancient Rome
- The profession that performed dentistry in ancient Rome is unclear.
- Tooth extraction was a surgical procedure conducted to remove teeth.
- Teeth were extracted softly to avoid danger, and another method involved rocking the tooth until it could be removed with hands.
- Celsus recommended extracting the bone near the teeth and avoiding unnecessary extraction of children's teeth.
Cleft Lip and Palate in Ancient Rome
- Celsus described treatments for cleft lip and palate, including sutures and surgical procedures.
- Galen likely described facial cleft conditions and recommended scarifying the skin.
- A healthy palate was considered necessary for proper speech.
- The ancient Romans also killed children with cleft lips due to superstitions, but proper treatment was available.
Dentistry developed during the early parts of Roman history, possibly due to the arrival of a Greek doctor named Archagathus. Ancient Roman oral surgical tools included the dental drill, chisels, bone levers, tooth and stump forceps. The ancient Romans invented the usage of narcotics during dental surgery. These tools were used to treat conditions such as toothache and to extract teeth. It was believed in ancient Rome that the cause of the conditions that necessitated such treatment was a "tooth worm."