[Odontology and orthodontics during the renaissance (Bartholomeo Eustachio)].

Abstract

During the Renaissance (14th-16th cent.) many significant progresses were noticed in the field of Anatomics. This was a result of the fact that many Greek intellectuals had been forced to immigrate to N. Italy because of the conquest of Constantinople and the dissolution of the Byzantine Empire. On the other hand, the dissection of human bodies had been allowed. During this flourishing the first among the most famous dessectors of that time was Andrea Vesalius succeeded by Bartholomeo Eustachio, professor of Anatomics at the famous, that time, university of Sapienza (N. Italy). Eustachio is the first scientist who was systematically dealt with the biology of Dental System, having the work under the title "Libellus de Dentibus" published at Venice in 1563. By this work, Eustachio gives the most precise description of the Dental System, his development as well as of the dental abnormalities. In more specific words, he brought to light in any detail and for the first time, the phenomena characterizing the development of this system, described in details the morphology of each tooth (deciduous and permanent), the formation in the uterus of the dental germs, as well as the non synchronized fact of their development. He, furthermore, distinguished (classified) the Dento-facial abnormalities into abnormalities of the teeth, of the alveolar and of the maxillae. Eustachio born at San Severino of Angona, died in 1574 but most of his works were published after his death as most important.