Dentistry in the past and present: is there still any reason to be afraid?

Fear of dental treatments is the Soviet legacy. Just a glance at the dentist’s chair brings back horrific memories for older people. Deep-rooted fears are unconsciously passed on from generation to generation causing a phobia of dental treatments to spread like a virus. Let’s put a stop to this virus by comparing dentistry in the past and present. It’s time to change our prejudices based on specific facts rather than lingering negative emotions.

Dental equipment

The changes in dentistry are obvious even to the naked eye. In Soviet times, the dentist’s chair resembled a torture chair, while medical instruments of the time and their scarcity were frightening. Disposable instruments and other items did not exist, and steel drills with vibrating tips were used, which made the patient’s head shake. Now, the horror movie scenes have been replaced by modern surroundings and sterile equipment. Diamond drills that preserve enamel are used, while modern chairs are designed to make the patient feel comfortable even during long, complicated treatments. Despite the obvious changes and the comprehensive comfort that has been created, few people feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. It is not pain that prevents them from relaxing but their prejudices.

Pain is a thing of the past

Will it hurt during treatment? Such concerns should not exist nowadays. Of course, for those who have experienced Soviet dentistry, this remains a key question as at that time there were no suitable anaesthetics or sufficient tools. Bulky overheating drills, more reminiscent of construction tools than dental instruments and the excruciating pain during treatment left a lasting trauma. Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine dental treatment without anaesthetics. But there is no point in imagining it, because these days even complex surgical procedures can be performed without causing the patient any pain or discomfort.

If necessary, dental treatments are performed under local anaesthesia. Anaesthetics are injected near the nerve at the site of treatment to numb the area and suppress pain. However, it is much more difficult to suppress fear than pain. Therefore, it is useful to use aids that distract the patient’s thoughts. VR goggles are an excellent solution. By immersing themselves in a virtual world, patients are completely distracted from the treatment, and their fear and stress are replaced by enjoyment of new experiences.

Dental restoration in the past and today

High-quality dental materials and treatment tailored to each patient are something we take for granted today. Nowadays, dental prostheses are manufactured to precisely replicate the characteristics of natural teeth so that even patients cannot tell the difference and enjoy the results for years to come. The situation was much worse during the Soviet era. Dental crowns were not customised for each patient but only slightly polished after being fitted. To put it mildly, this did not produce the best results as the teeth did not fit snugly enough to the gums, they did not look aesthetically pleasing, and this also increased the risk of inflammation.

Modern technology for impeccable quality

Modern technology is an integral part of successful treatment today. In Soviet times, advanced tools such as 3D CT scans and microscopes were only a dream. Now, advanced technology ensures the accuracy of treatment and patient comfort during the treatment.

Before certain dental treatments, a 3D CT scan may be performed. This modern radiological diagnostic tool provides three times greater resolution and exposes the patient to much lower levels of radiation. The results obtained help to accurately diagnose the problem and prepare a detailed treatment plan. When it comes to the treatment process itself, modern treatment is difficult to imagine without a microscope. It is impossible to see everything with the naked eye, but with a microscope, the image is magnified many times over. This allows dentists to ensure the most aesthetic and long-lasting results while avoiding complications.

Final word

Soviet dentistry is as different from modern dentistry as night is from day, so there is no point in looking back and fearing the past. 

Instead, let us celebrate the enormous progress made in dentistry and the endless possibilities that allow us to create a healthy and beautiful smile for everyone with ease.