Historical Pathways Highlighting Misgivings and Misinterpretations in the Processes of Tooth Absorption & Resorption.

Historically the physiological or pathological loss of tooth structure in situ was deemed to be due to the 'absorption' of tooth structure due to the removal of the inorganic components of dentin and cementum by osteoclastic (dentinoclastic) cellular activity. This nomenclature and the activity that it represented was considered by almost all dental researchers and clinicians in the 1800s and early 1900s. The shift to the concept of 'resorption' occurred in the first half of the 20th century, with clarity emanating from significant research activity on the pathology of osseous structures, origin of osteoclastic cell types, and the function of periodontal ligament cells.

Some Gleanings on the Origin, Etiology, Nature and Development of Pulp Stones - 100-year Perspective.

Quite often in today's contemporary literature, phrases, or statements such as, or similar to the following, are often seen at the beginning of published manuscript, Often these types of statements are used as a justification or a rationale for the published paper that follows. However, when looking carefully at the purported issue or issues at hand, there usually is to follow that requires a passionate inquisitiveness, an intellectual persistence, and a monumental determination to find the truth…but even what is discovered in this relentless pursuit may not necessarily represent the truth that may remain elusive. Hence, this historical exposé will focus on a specific issue about a little tissue that most contemporary authors have passed off as a mysterious, unknown entity - From 1969 to 2021, there have been over 100 publications or more that have addressed pulp stones purely from an epidemiological or management standpoint, with minimal to no effort to identify their true source or etiology, which may be locked in the vaults of antiquity.

Gleanings on the Origins of Electric Pulp Testing.

Attempts to develop a test for pulp vitality has had a somewhat convoluted history, as the concept of 'vitality' has been the pivotal focus of , especially when using electrical stimulation. Some researchers attempted histological correlations while others focused exclusively on radiographic correlations to validate electrical methods of pulp testing. Some the early literature rightfully focused on the concept of sensibility (a contemporary term in common usage) instead of vitality.

Historical Perspectives on the Evolution of Root Canal Sealer/Cements.

Various forms of sealing cements have been used in root canal procedures since the mid-1800s to create an impervious seal of the root canal system. In the process both entrepreneurs and charlatans have risen to the challenge. During the first half of the 20 century, significant activity in this realm was realized, which set the standards for the evolution of contemporary materials and applications.

Reflections on the Evolution of the Specialty of Endodontics in Colombia, South America.

The historical development of Endodontics as a specialty in Colombia, South America was due primarily to the influence of a few key endodontists from the United States and the industriousness and dynamic vision of leading dental professionals from Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia.

Historical Perspectives on the Removal of Intraradicular Posts Prior to the Availability of Ultrasonic Applications.

For decades the dismantling of previous dental work to correct inferior root canal procedures or to address recurrent dental caries has provided a significant amount of work for the restorative dentist. When coupled with teeth that have been root treated and also have an intraradicular post or dowel, the clinician was often presented with the challenge of post removal, without fracturing the root, and revision (retreatment) of the root canal procedures. While today's contemporary dentistry has the wherewithal to use ultrasonic devices to loosen and remove the post, this was not always the case historically, and creativity in this process was the hallmark of many of our predecessors.

Managing a Complex Crown Fracture in 1892 - Treatment Highlights within Current Contemporary Practices.

Historically, many teeth that had been traumatized resulted in extractions and replacements with a fixed partial denture (bridge). However, in rare situations some clinicians provided creative approaches to tooth retention much like what is done today, 125 years later.

Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Microbiological Aspects of Endodontics.

The microbiota of the oral cavity plays a significant role in pulpal and periapical diseases. Historically, 100 years ago little was known on microbiota, but after a century of investigations, only now can many of the intimate secrets of microbial growth, expansion, persistence, communal activities, and virulence be revealed. However, with the capabilities of the microbiota for mutation, quorum sensing, and information transference, researchers are hard-pressed to keep up with both the changes and challenges that an amazingly wide range of bacterial species pose for both the scientist and clinician.