You may be surprised to know that fillings have been around for as long as humans have practised dentistry. As treatment methods evolved, filling options have too. This journey has led to the white composite dental fillings we have today which offer an instant treatment for decayed or damaged teeth.
Dentistry is one of the world’s oldest professions. In fact, if you needed a tooth extracted, you would often visit a barber in the olden days. It was only recently that dentistry became available to everyone, thanks to concepts like universal health care.
A Timeline of Dental Fillings
So, here’s a look at the timeline of dental fillings, and the highlights along the way.6000 Years Ago
The earliest evidence of fillings was discovered in the body of young man found in a cave in Trieste, Italy. His teeth had beeswax fillings. This early form of dental treatment is one of the only pieces of evidence about the mysterious early days of dentistry.201 AD
Evidence of gold dental prosthetics was found, which has been tied to the Ancient Etruscan civilisation.700 AD
Root of the earliest use of amalgam was discovered in a Chinese medical text, where there is a reference to the use of ‘silver paste’ as an amalgam. This has led some to believe that amalgam was being used as a form of dental filling.1530
This year is momentous. It was the year that the first known book entirely devoted to dentistry was released. “The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth” by Artzney Buchlein, was published in Germany. It covered everything from how to undertake gold fillings, right through to extractions. This book was intended for both dental surgeons and barbers.1746
Gold fillings were already in use by the 1700s. However, in 1746 the first attempts at making crowns—blended with natural teeth—occurred. Claude Mouton offers a description of a procedure in which white enamel was used to make gold crowns blend in with the surrounding teeth.1789
The world dentistry experienced a momentous occasion in 1789. Nicolas Dubois de Cheman of France introduced porcelain to the world of dentistry. Nicolas secured the first patent for porcelain teeth.1825
In 1825, Samuel Stockton began to commercially manufacture porcelain teeth. Stockton was an American dentist, inventor and an author. He went on to found the largest factory in the world, dedicated to producing products related to teeth. As a result of his operations, porcelain teeth dominate the dental supply industry for the next century and broaden the scope of dentistry enormously.1833 to 1850
These are the years during which a controversy that still plagues the dental world began: the amalgam controversy. The American Crawcours brothers were born in Poland, studied dentistry in France and moved to the US. The brothers’ questionable business practices coupled with their controversial amalgam techniques meant the technique didn’t catch on. Unfortunately, despite warnings about the mercury levels in amalgam fillings from the American Society of Dental Surgeons, these types of fillings did continue to be used as an economical alternative to gold. In fact, the pro-amalgam camp actually formed the American Dental Association in 1859.1855
The battle between amalgam and gold continues, as Robert Arthur invents the cohesive gold foil method which allowed dentists to fill cavities with a soft and malleable form of gold. Metal and amalgam fillings remained the most popular throughout the 19th and early 20th Centuries, with porcelain and gold enjoying some use.Modern Day
Today, dentists have a range of materials and techniques at their disposal, but composite resins are the most versatile and mercury-free. In fact, Care Dental Camberwell offers a safe amalgam removal procedure so patients can have these toxic and unsightly fillings removed.How Tooth Fillings Have Changed Over Time?
Tooth fillings have evolved significantly over time. The earliest known fillings, dating back around 6500 years, used beeswax. By 600 AD, Chinese texts mention the use of amalgam, a mixture of tin and silver, which became popular in the 19th century for its durability and affordability despite concerns about mercury content. Gold fillings, known for their durability, were also used but were costly. The mid-20th century saw the introduction of composite resin fillings, a mix of plastic and glass, which could be color-matched to teeth for a more natural look. These required less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgams. Ceramic fillings, made from porcelain, later emerged, offering excellent aesthetics and durability, mimicking the natural appearance of teeth. Today, a variety of filling materials are available, including gold, composite resin, and ceramics, tailored to meet different patient needs and preferences. These advancements have improved both the functionality and aesthetics of dental restorations, boosting patient confidence and oral health.When did They Stop Using Gold Fillings?
Gold fillings have been used in dentistry since the 1700s and became common in the 1800s due to their durability and biocompatibility. Despite the introduction of other materials like silver amalgam and composite resins, gold fillings are still in use today, primarily for their longevity and suitability for areas subjected to heavy wear, such as molars in patients with bruxism. However, their high cost and the labor-intensive process required for placement have made them less common in recent years compared to more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing alternatives like composite and ceramic fillings The history of fillings is a fascinating one. It is further evidence of the ingenuity of humankind. However, one part of the story is clear—composite fillings are the safest, cheapest and most effective treatment for filling cavities. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to our Camberwell dentists.