Dental Crowns: A Brief History

If someone has a tooth that is severely decayed, broken, or otherwise structurally compromised, their dentist will likely recommend that they have it covered with a dental crown. A dental crown is a customized cap that is placed over the chewing surface of the damaged tooth to restore its function and appearance as well as protect it from additional harm. However, dental crowns haven’t always been how they are now. Continue reading to learn about this history of dental crowns.

The Beginning of Dental Crowns

According to the American Dental Association, the Etruscans were using dental prosthetics as early as 166 AD. This includes the use of gold dental crowns as well as fixed bridgework. However, these dental crowns weren’t used for the same purpose as they are used today. Gold dental crowns were believed to be a symbol of wealth – especially for the Etruscan women. These dental crowns were not made for repairing broken teeth, and they weren’t placed by dentists. Instead, they were made by the goldsmiths who would remove healthy teeth and refit and place them with gold banding. These wealthy individuals would have their servants cook them solid foods so they wouldn’t ruin their dental work.

Dental Crowns in Medieval Times

In the Middle Ages, dental treatments became more complex. In the 1200’s to 1300’s, a Guild of Barbers was established in Face. Barbers would perform simple services, including the extraction of teeth. In the 1500s, the first book was written solely on the practice of dentistry as a guide for barbers and surgeons. “The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Infirmities of the Teeth” covered the basic procedures of dentistry, including the process of performing fillings and placing dental crowns. In 1575, Ambrose Pare published “Complete Works,” where he got even more technical with the importance surrounding treatments, like dental crowns.

Advanced in Dental Crown

In the late 1800s, the first major improvement in dental crowns occurred when Charles H. Land patented the porcelain “jacket” crown. This type of crown was used to make a broken tooth appear whole and undamaged, as it surrounded the entirety of the tooth. However, this invention was vulnerable to microscopic cracking, causing issues over time.

The next significant advancement in dental crowns was in the 20^th century when porcelain fuse-to-metal crowns were created. This combination of material allows patients to have a more natural tooth appearance from the porcelain while also receiving the durability the metal could provide. In 1984, the first synthetic crown made from ceramics and glass was manufactured.

Dental crowns have the ability to keep damaged teeth protected for many years, allowing them to last for much longer than they would otherwise. Thanks to many years of trial and error, modern dentures are reliable, natural looking, and comfortable.

About the Practice

At Care 32 Dental, Dr. Heliben Desai and Dr. Krunal Desai work together to treat patients in the Grand Prairie community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (469) 346-8828.