History of dental technology: preparation and filling in the pre-electric era

This article provides a comprehensive historical and analytical overview of the evolution of fundamental dental techniques — tooth preparation and restoration — prior to the widespread implementation of electrical technologies.

The study reconstructs the development of dental instrumentation, spanning from Neolithic tooth drilling practices to 18th-century mechanically innovative devices. A central aspect of the analysis is the operation of these devices in the absence of electricity. Parallel analysis traces the evolution of dental filling materials, from natural organic substances in prehistoric times to metals and sophisticated alloys, notably early amalgam formulations. Particular emphasis is placed on the dental innovations resulted from adapting instruments and technologies drawn from diverse fields of human activity, including jewellery making, lathe work, and textile spinning. The analysis reveals both the historical context and practical implications. Through empirical practices of the past — often involving significant patient risks — current treatment principles evolved, with safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility emerging as core priorities.