Humans have had teeth since their evolution, so it’s no surprise that the practice of dentistry is ancient. The term ‘Endodontic’ comes from Greek roots: ‘Endo’ means ‘inside’ and ‘odons’ means ‘tooth.’ Endodontic therapy, or the Root Canal, is an age-old treatment for saving diseased or injured teeth. It focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and curing problems related to the dental pulp.
Let’s take a look at the history of this important dental procedure with a timeline created by the Alaska Center for Dentistry in Anchorage.
—
**History of Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)**
**17th Century: Early Developments**
In the 1600s, dentists began draining root canals to relieve pain and pressure. Over time, they learned more about tooth pulp and improved their techniques, using materials like gold foil and asbestos to protect or remove pulp.
**3rd Century B.C.: Ancient Roots**
The earliest trace of endodontics might be a skull found in Israel’s Negev Desert, featuring a bronze wire in a tooth that could have treated an infected pulp.
**1725 to 1800: Toothache Remedies and Discoveries**
Lazare Riviere introduced oil of cloves in 1725 for its soothing properties. Pierre Fauchard, the father of modern dentistry, detailed pulp removal and debunked the myth of “tooth worms” causing toothaches.
**1800s: Pioneering Methods**
Leonard Koecker improved upon these ideas by using heated instruments to treat infected tissue in 1820, and protecting it with lead foil. Shearjashub Spooner recommended arsenic trioxide for pulp devitalization in 1836. Edwin Maynard crafted the first root canal instrument in 1838 by filing a watch spring.
**Late 1800s: Advancements in Tools and Techniques**
In 1847, gutta-percha was introduced as a filling material, and protective capping methods gained popularity. By the 1870s, thin rubber sheets for isolating teeth and rubber dam clamp forceps were in use. At the century’s end, materials like camphorated chlorophenol were employed to sterilize root canals.
**1895: The Advent of X-Rays**
Konrad Wilhelm von Roentgen discovered X-rays, revolutionizing how dentists diagnose and treat teeth.
**Early 1900s: Modern Radiography and Anesthetics**
X-rays, along with effective local anesthetics, made root canals safer and more comfortable for patients. Detailed radiographic evidence began to inform treatments around 1909.
**1943: Formalizing the Practice**
In 1943, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) was founded, promoting high-quality endodontic care and education.
**1958: Standardization of Instruments**
By 1958, dental manufacturers had standardized root canal instruments. Mechanized tools like the Giromatic, and sonic and ultrasonic devices, started being used, with nickel-titanium files emerging for their flexibility.
**1963 to 1994: Innovations and Recognitions**
The American Dental Association recognized endodontics as a specialty in 1963. Innovations continued, such as the Precision Endo Syringe introduced in 1978 and the Multi-Mode Syringe in 1994.
**2000s: Modern Techniques**
Today’s root canal treatments involve both mechanical and chemical cleaning and disinfection. Dentists use these methods to remove bacteria and debris, ensuring a thorough treatment.
**2012: Contemporary Procedure Steps**
The modern root canal process includes placing a rubber dam, creating an access cavity, cleaning and shaping the canals, and sealing the tooth with filling material. Often, additional restorative work is required to fully protect the tooth.
—
This timeline highlights the fascinating journey of endodontic therapy from ancient times to the highly sophisticated procedure it is today.