Bees Knees thru the Gen Zs

May 3, 2022Community

3 hours west of Tulsa sits Sentinel, Oklahoma.  The most recent census shows 901 people call it home.  Since that was in 2010, we’ll assume it may have grown to 908 people.

A patient of ours shared these photos of her great grandfather who was the dentist in Sentinel in the 1920s.  It’s absolutely striking the advances in dentistry since these pictures were taken.  Granted, it was 100 years ago and advancements in every industry have surpassed understanding. However, in our world (the dental world), it was fascinating to dig a little and see how things have changed in the last century.

1920s

• Groundwork was laid for the modern practice of dentistry.
• Formal licensure was begun by the American Dental Association.
• Manual Tartar scrapers were invented and used as standard practice.
• Novocaine, which was introduced in 1905 may have been used to help reduce discomfort. Maybe.
• X-ray technology for the oral cavity was created & introduced although it posed a significant risk of shock to both patient and doctor because of the exposed high-voltage wire which ran outside the arm from the transformer to the head of the unit.
• Fluoride studies led to water fluoridation.
• The American Association of Dental Schools and the American Dental Assistants Association were established.
• Dental Schools became university based.
• Open socket infections were common since Penicillin wasn’t discovered until 1928.
• The foot powered treadle drill was the most common dental drill in operation although fairly new to the market was the electric handpiece model with a rotation speed of 3000 rpm.

• The NFL was founded in Canton OH and its first president was Oklahoma’s very own Jim Thorpe.
• Babe Ruth joined the Yankees
• Women were given the right to vote by way of the 19th amendment
• The sale of alcohol was prohibited by way of the 18th amendment.
• Scientists believed our galaxy to be the entire universe.

2020s

• Digital imaging X-rays in use instead of radiographs significantly reduces radiation.
• Diode lasers can be used for cavity detection.
• Biocompatible products are available for oral-systemic concerns.
• CAD/CAM technology greatly reduces the number of trips to the dentist and improves accuracy when fitting dental crowns and bridges.
• Composite and porcelain filling materials have replaced toxic mercury amalgams.
• Dental implants utilizing Titanium and Zirconia allow for a 95% success rate and are stronger and last longer.
• There are currently 66 schools of dentistry in 36 states.
• Dental handpieces (drills) today are either electric or air-driven and can top out at 420,000 rpm. They are even equipped with their own cooling system.
• Need a clear aligner, dental bridge, or full set of dentures or teeth?  It can be made in the dental office on a 3D printer.
• In a Biological practice such as ours, the focus is placed on proactive systemic dentistry and not just reactive patchwork dentistry.
• Microscopes are used to study your biofilm.
• Ultrasonic Scalers are used to remove calculus deposits from teeth.