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Conclusion
It is all too easy to dismiss the quality of Pierre Fauchard’s dentistry as rudimentary by modern standards. Many of his techniques relied on materials that have been outdated for centuries. But he was the first to publish detailed designs of how to construct an obturator and his designs for obturators were sophisticated and complex. Considering the limitations under which he worked, they were ingenious for their time. Fauchard’s overall contribution to modern dentistry was exceptional. He was a creative and innovative thinker, a very caring clinician, and possessed considerable manual skills. He encouraged the sharing of knowledge and ideas among dentists, and wrote the first detailed textbook of dentistry. As a result of Fauchard’s efforts, the practice of dentistry was changed immeasurably for the better, and colleagues began to share information with each other.
Without Fauchard’s contribution, dentistry would not have evolved so rapidly to attain the status of a leading health care profession. His exemplary and humane approach to patient care was particularly evident in his provision of obturators, a very worthy practice which in those days rehabilitated patients afflicted by trauma or syphilis, and in modern times helps patients suffering from cancer, and those born with congenital defects of the palate.
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Fig. 4 Plate 40 from Le Chriurgien Dentiste. The fourth design, which was made specifically for a lady who had lost some anterior teeth, is shown at the lower right hand corner of this image. This prosthesis was made of ivory, and included an ‘elevation’ that extended into the defect and to which was attached a sponge. The fifth design is shown twice, in the middle of this image and in the lower left hand corner. It was made for an edentulous patient. Its oral component was made from metal and ivory. It was again retained by metal wings, and these are shown in a lower position in this image.
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References
1. Wiens J P, Wiens R L. Psychological management of the maxillofacial prosthetic patient. In Taylor T D. (Ed) Clinical maxillofacial prosthetics. pp 1-14. Illinois: Quintessence Publishing, 2000.
2. Lynch C D, Allen P F. A modified copy technique for obturator prostheses. Euro J Prosth Rest Dent 2004; 12: 166-170.
3. Jacob R F. Clinical management of the edentulous maxillectomy patient. In Taylor T D. (Ed) Clinical maxillofacial prosthetics. pp 85-102. Illinois: Quintessence Publishing, 2000.
4. Hoffman-Axthelm W. History of dentistry. pp 136-193. Quintessence Publishing, 1981.
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5. Viau G. The life of Pierre Fauchard. Dental Cosmos 1923; 65: 797-808.
6. McManus C. Pierre Fauchard. Dental Cosmos 1907; 49: 1233-1245.
7. Viau G. The manuscript of Fauchard. Dental Cosmos 1923; 65: 823-826.
8. Prinz H. Pierre Fauchard and his works. Dental Cosmos 1923; 65: 827-830.
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10. Fauchard P. The Surgeon Dentist. Vol. 2. Lindsay L. (Trans) pp 99-113. London: Butterworth & Co, 1946.
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