History of Dentistry:
The Indus Valley Civilization has yielded evidence of dentistry being practiced as far back as 7000 BCE. This earliest form of dentistry involved curing tooth related disorders with bow drills operated, perhaps, by skilled bead craftsmen. The reconstruction of this ancient form of dentistry showed that the methods used were reliable and effective. A Sumerian text from 5000 BC describes a "tooth worm" as the cause of dental caries. Evidence of this belief has also been found in ancient India, Egypt, Japan, and China. The legend of the worm is also found in the writings of Homer, and as late as the 1300s AD the surgeon Guy de Chauliac still promoted the belief that worms cause tooth decay. The Edwin Smith Papyrus, written in the 17th century BC but which may reflect previous manuscripts from as early as 3000 BC, includes the treatment of several dental ailments. In the 18th century BC, the Code of Hammurabi referenced dental extraction twice as it related to punishment. Examination of the remains of some ancient Egyptians and Greco-Romans reveals early attempts at dental prosthetics and surgery.
Ancient Greek scholars Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about dentistry, including the eruption pattern of teeth, treating decayed teeth and gum disease, extracting teeth with forceps, and using wires to stabilize loose teeth and fractured jaws. The first use of dental appliances or bridges comes from the Etruscans from as early as 700 BC. Roman medical writer Cornelius Celsus wrote extensively of oral diseases as well as dental treatments such as narcotic-containing emollients and astringents.
Historically, dental extractions have been used to treat a variety of illnesses. During the Middle Ages and throughout the 19th century, dentistry was not a profession in itself, and often dental procedures were performed by barbers or general physicians. Barbers usually limited their practice to extracting teeth which alleviated pain and associated chronic tooth infection. Instruments used for dental extractions date back several centuries. In the 14th century, Guy de Chauliac invented the dental pelican which was used up until the late 18th century. The pelican was replaced by the dental key which, in turn, was replaced by modern forceps in the 20th century.
The first book focused solely on dentistry was the "Artzney Buchlein" in 1530, and the first dental textbook written in English was called "Operator for the Teeth" by Charles Allen in 1685.[9] It was between 1650 and 1800 that the science of modern dentistry developed. It is said that the 17th century French physician Pierre Fauchard started dentistry science as we know it today, and he has been named "the father of modern dentistry". Among many of his developments were the extensive use of dental prosthesis, the introduction of dental fillings as a treatment for dental caries and the statement that sugar derivate acids such as tartaric acid are responsible for dental decay.

Dentistry:
Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete oral health.[1] Those in the practice of dentistry are known as dentists. Other people aiding in oral health service include dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and dental therapists. Dentistry is that branch of science which deals with the study and practice of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the mouth, the maxilla, and the face.
The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the first dental school in the world, opened in Baltimore, Maryland in 1840, and in 1867, Harvard Dental School became the second dental school affiliated with a university. Studies showed that dentists graduated from different countries, or even from different dental schools in one country, may have different clinical decisions for the same clinical condition. For example, dentists graduated from Israeli dental schools may recommend more often for the removal of asymptomatic impacted third molar (wisdom teeth) than dentists graduated from Latin-American or Eastern European dental schools.

In England, the 1878 British Dentists Act and 1879 Dentists Register limited the title of "dentist" and "dental surgeon" to qualified and registered practitioners. The practice of dentistry in the United Kingdom became fully regulated with the 1921 Dentists Act, which required the registration of anyone practicing dentistry. The British Dental Association, formed in 1880 with Sir John Tomes as president, played a major role in prosecuting dentists practicing illegally. A dentist is a healthcare professional qualified to practice dentistry after graduating with a degree of either Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Bachelor of Dentistry (BDent), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), or Bachelor of Dental Surgery/Chirurgiae (BDS) or (BChD) or equivalent. In most western countries, to become a qualified dentist one must usually complete at least 4 years of postgraduate study[citation needed]; within the European Union the education has to be at least 5 years. Dentists usually complete between 5–8 years of post secondary education before practicing. Though not mandatory, many dentists choose to complete an internship or residency focusing on specific aspects of dental care after they have received their dental degree.

Dental assistant help make dental treatment more efficient, by assisting the dental care provider by holding and passing instruments, by retracting tissues and suctioning to assist better vision of the operating field. They also mix materials and help maintain dental record keeping. Also instrument and equipment sterilization is a major role.

Dental therapists are licensed dental auxiliaries in some countries, who specialize in treating children's teeth and oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the duties therapists are able to perform. Typically, therapists under the prescription of a dentist are licensed to examine children's teeth, administer restricted techniques of local anesthesia, take radiographs, provide sealants, scaling and cleaning in children. Also restoring primary teeth and vital pulp treatments such as pulpotomies.

Dental hygienists are licensed dental auxiliaries who specialize in preventive dental care, typically but not limited to focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the duties hygienists are able to perform. In most jurisdictions, hygienists work for a dentist, and are licensed to administer restricted techniques of local anesthesia. Also radiographs, sealants, scaling, root planing and cleaning are common procedures performed by dental hygienists.

Dental technicians are dental auxiliaries who fabricates dental appliances such as removable prothesis including dentures, and fixed restorative work such as crown and bridges for the dental operator to insert. ... more

DENTAL NEWS:
April 3, 2009 - Cutting-Edge Surgical Technology Gives Patients Something to Smile About
Nu-Image Dental Implant Center Offers More Teeth for Your Money RALEIGH, N.C.--(Business Wire)-- The Nu-Image Dental Implant Center is pleased to announce the overwhelmingly positive response to both its "Teeth-in-An-Hour" and "All-on-4" procedures. These revolutionary operations are providing patients with the first real permanent option to traditional dental replacement solutions of dentures and/or partials.

"It really is a new age in dental implant surgery," said Dr. Kevin Neshat, DDS, MD, PA - Founder of the Nu-Image Dental Implant Center. "What is now being offered to patients through our Immediate Teeth Techniques (Teeth-in-An-Hour or All-on-4) is such a monumental departure from those traditional choices that our parents and grandparents had presented to them…and it`s not just about options for the sake of having them - these procedures actually translate to a better quality of life! People are getting that message with more and more of them researching, and ultimately opting for these new, cutting-edge implant solutions. Before now, any type of implant procedure meant months of visits, bone grafting, longer and more painful recovery times etc.," added Dr. Neshat.

The Teeth-in-an-Hour dental implant surgery system is one that streamlines the treatment process and provides the patient with permanent teeth in about an hour. The system incorporates the use of CT Scans and advanced 3-D imaging software to accurately assess bone structure in order to create a permanent prosthesis (stint) prior to surgery. This cutting-edge system offers a more accurate and safer positioning of dental implants and provides the patient with permanent teeth in one visit. ... more

Dr Caputo provides following services:

Dentist and Dental in Palm Harbor

Dentist and Dental in Oldsmar

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