Historical Milestones in Endodontics: Review of Literature

Abstract

Endodontics is a well-known branch of dentistry. As we are growing into microscopic level and signaling stages, there is a need to look back on how this reputed branch of medicine came into existence. Here, only milestones in endodontics are discussed for the reader to enhance their knowledge by having a look at the historical background of endodontics and analyze the slow evolution in this field.

[Retracted] Strategies of Bioceramics, Bioactive Glasses in Endodontics: Future Perspectives of Restorative Dentistry

“…Qureshi et al explained that in the next level Phillip Pfaff took it further into another dimension; he initiated pulp capping using gold/lead in the year 1756 [ 14 ]. Then in 1809, for the first time, root canal filling with gold foil was experimented by Edward Hudson; furthermore, the authors also explained in 1834 phenols for canal irrigation [ 15 ]. It was reported that the first endodontic instrument was developed by Edwin Maynard (1838), then the most expected gutta-percha recommended by Watt in the year 1857, followed by obturation demonstrated by Bowman (1867) [ 15 ].…”

“…Then in 1809, for the first time, root canal filling with gold foil was experimented by Edward Hudson; furthermore, the authors also explained in 1834 phenols for canal irrigation [ 15 ]. It was reported that the first endodontic instrument was developed by Edwin Maynard (1838), then the most expected gutta-percha recommended by Watt in the year 1857, followed by obturation demonstrated by Bowman (1867) [ 15 ]. In this direction, in modern dentistry, electric current was applied and tested for pulp capping by Black in the year 1867, who also suggested zinc oxychloride as a pulp capping material [ 15 ].…”

“…It was reported that the first endodontic instrument was developed by Edwin Maynard (1838), then the most expected gutta-percha recommended by Watt in the year 1857, followed by obturation demonstrated by Bowman (1867) [ 15 ]. In this direction, in modern dentistry, electric current was applied and tested for pulp capping by Black in the year 1867, who also suggested zinc oxychloride as a pulp capping material [ 15 ]. Then, radiographs were evolved and became essential part of endodontics; dental X-ray instruments were used for diagnostic purposes after 1919 [ 16 ].…”

“…On the other hand, in restorative research, the first ceramic (calcium hydroxide) was introduced in the year 1920 to treat infected root canals. After 1993, revolutionary bioceramics materials were evolved for apical sealing, repair, and restorative purposes [ 15 ]. Fully reclining dental chairs were publicized in the year 1958; similarly, in the 1990s, aesthetic techniques have been introduced for tooth whitening [ 17 ].…”