Dennison Dental Care/Dr. Katya Yankelevich

05/14/2026

Before modern local anesthesia became reliable, dentistry demanded a certain… creativity. In the early 20th century, some dentists tried to distract patients from pain with live music, performers, comedy, or even a small glass of whiskey before treatment. One particularly famous dentist, Dr. Edgar “Painless” Parker, turned dentistry into something between vaudeville and medicine.
And yes — co***ne was once used in dentistry.
Not recreationally, but medically. Co***ne was actually one of the first local anesthetics used by physicians and dentists in the late 1800s before safer alternatives were developed. Thankfully, modern dentistry has evolved quite a bit since then. 😊
Today, comfort comes from:
✔️ profound local anesthesia
✔️ advanced technology
✔️ gentle techniques
✔️ patient communication
✔️ and sometimes a little calming music instead of a brass band
As fascinating as dental history can be, we can all agree:
we prefer our dentistry without showgirls and co***ne. 😄
Modern dentistry should feel safe, compassionate, precise — and ideally a lot less theatrical.

05/06/2026

Archaeologists in Scotland have discovered a rare 500-year-old gold dental bridge in the skull of a middle-aged man buried between 1460–1670 CE.

Researchers found a gold ligature attached to the lower front teeth, likely used to replace a missing incisor centuries before modern dentistry officially existed.

The procedure was probably performed by a jeweller, barber, or early tooth practitioner rather than a trained dentist. Scientists believe the man was relatively wealthy, as gold dental work would have been extremely expensive during that period.

The discovery suggests cosmetic and restorative dentistry existed long before the rise of professional dental medicine. Researchers also say the treatment may have been linked not only to oral function, but also to appearance, social status, and reputation in medieval society.

📄 Source: British Dental Journal
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-025-9107-3

04/28/2026

Coconut oil pulling is a traditional oral practice where a tablespoon of coconut oil is swished in the mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes before being spat out. It has gained attention for its potential role in supporting oral hygiene.
The key component is lauric acid, a fatty acid with natural antimicrobial effects. Preliminary studies suggest it may help reduce certain bacteria linked to plaque formation and early gum inflammation, with some participants showing improved gingival and plaque indicators.
However, research remains limited and based on small-scale studies, so it cannot replace standard dental care. Experts continue to recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental check-ups as the foundation of oral health.
Source: Peedikayil F.C. et al., Nigerian Medical Journal.

04/23/2026

Precision, teamwork, and a little bit of light—bringing everything into focus, one smile at a time ✨🦷

04/22/2026

🦷 Think modern dentistry is advanced? The Ancient Maya might like a word…
Over 1,000 years ago, during the Classic Maya period (250–900 AD), people were already getting what we might call… cosmetic dentistry upgrades. But instead of veneers, they went straight for jade inlays—beautiful gemstones carefully placed into their front teeth. And this wasn’t crude work. Using early rotary tools (imagine a primitive dental handpiece), Maya practitioners drilled precise cavities—often skillfully avoiding the pulp. No anesthesia. No suction. No overhead light.
But here’s the part that really impresses me as a dentist:
It wasn’t just decorative—it was functional. The adhesive used to secure these gemstones was a complex natural mix of plant resins and minerals—and studies suggest it had antibacterial properties. In other words, they may have been protecting the tooth while making it look stunning.
Some of these restorations have lasted over a thousand years.
So yes…Aesthetic, Protective, Long-lasting. Sound familiar?
We like to think we invented modern dentistry—but clearly, we’re just continuing a very old conversation between science, art, and the human smile.

📄 Source: Kemeny R. et al., Ancient Maya dental sealants and antibacterial properties, Science

04/16/2026

04/03/2026

Happy Easter from your favorite dental peeps 💗🐣

03/08/2026

02/23/2026

"I'm lucky I'm from the greatest country in the world. We have great dentists there. They're going to fix me right up.”

"I'm lucky I'm from the greatest country in the world. We have great dentists there. They're going to fix me right up."