The diseases of the periodontium are considered as old as
the recorded history of mankind 1–3. The historical evaluation of
pathology and therapeutics can be traced through the variety of
sources: anatomical findings from more or less well-preserved
skeletal parts, detailes observed in mummies, instruments and
equipments collected during archaelogical investigations and
evidence from engravings and various manuscripts 2
. Studies in
paleopathology have indicated that a destructive periodontal disease, as evidenced by bone loss, accompanied early human beings in diverse cultures 1–6. Almost all early historical records
that involve dental topics have several chapters dealing with periodontal disease and the need for treatment.
The development of dentistry can be conveniently divided into three periods 2
: magico-religious medicine (5000–
400 BC); empirico-rational medicine (400 BC–1500 AD)
and scientific medicine (1500 AD – until today).
