Volume 219 Issue 5, 11 September 2015
'HISTORY OF DENTISTRY IN 12 OBJECTS' SERIES: DENTAL KEY
The cover series for volume 219 celebrates 80 years of the British Dental Association (BDA) Museum. Each front cover features an object which highlights a landmark in dental history. The catch is that the object is placed out of its historical context and in a modern environment, causing you to look twice at each picture. The landmark objects were chosen by BDA Museum volunteers.
The cover of this particular issue shows an extraction tool known as the dental key. The key was first referenced around 1742. Early examples looked like a door key (of the period), with a straight shaft and an ebony or ivory handle. At the other end was a bolster with hinged claw; the bolster was placed against the side of the tooth and the claw over the crown. The key was then turned as in a lock, detaching the tooth. If a claw of the incorrect size was applied, there was a high risk of the tooth fracturing. It also had the disadvantage of operating in one direction only. Nevertheless, it remained the instrument of choice until the forceps popularised by Sir John Tomes were introduced in 1840. The extraction of a tooth, if conducted by a skilful hand, is a safe and easy operation; but if attempted by the unskilful, may occasion the most frightful and dangerous consequences, C Harris noted in The dental art, a practical treatise on dental surgery, 1839.
Photography by Filip Gierlinski
Website: www.filskifoto.com
Email: filip@filskifoto.com
With thanks to Henry Schein for making their London Showroom available for this photo shoot.
Email: everything@henryschein.co.uk; Tel: 020 7298 1980
Website: https://www.henryschein.co.uk/gb-en/dental-gb
Editorial
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