Six tooth keys, 19th century C017 / 8406
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Six tooth keys, 19th century C017 / 8406
Six steel tooth keys with steel, ebony (black), or bone (white) handles. Tooth extraction is the earliest known dental procedure, it was used as a last-resort cure for toothache. From around 1750 the tooth key, whilst still brutal, overtook the less-effective pelican tooth extractor as the instrument of choice for tooth-drawing. The claw end would be placed over the crown of the tooth and the device would be twisted to dislocate the tooth (often following prior loosening by an elevator tool). These tooth keys originate from France or England and date from between 1820 and 1850
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9212207
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1820 1820s 1850 1850s Antique Claw Dental Dental Care Dentistry Device Devices Ebony France French Instrument Instruments Nineteenth Century Steel Surgery Surgical Tool Tools Tooth Drawing Tooth Extraction Tooth Extractor Tooth Extractors Tooth Key Tooth Keys
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases six tooth keys from the 19th century, each with unique handles made of steel, ebony, or bone. These instruments were utilized for tooth extraction, a procedure considered as the earliest known dental treatment and often used as a last-resort remedy for severe toothaches. During this time period, around 1750, the tooth key surpassed the less effective pelican tooth extractor in popularity and became the preferred tool for extracting teeth. To perform an extraction using these brutal yet necessary devices, the claw end would be placed over the crown of the troublesome tooth. With a twisting motion, it would dislocate the tooth after being loosened by an elevator tool. Originating from either France or England between 1820 and 1850, these antique tools provide insight into historical dentistry practices. The photograph is set against an eggshell blue background that beautifully contrasts with these intriguing dental instruments. It serves as a reminder of how far dental care has come since then while also highlighting its evolution throughout history. The image captures not only surgical tools but also represents advancements in healthcare and oral health practices during the early 19th century. This remarkable print by SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY offers viewers a glimpse into our ancestors' experiences with dental procedures and reminds us to appreciate modern-day dentistry's progress in providing more comfortable treatments for maintaining healthy smiles.
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