Pro-Craft Dental Laboratory - February 2025

it in a cold spring, to no avail. “All at once, a sharp crack, like a pistol shot, burst his tooth to fragments, giving him instant relief,” the article said.

Dental Detonations From the Past THE BIZARRE HISTORY OF THE BURSTING TEETH

In another case, a woman a few miles away suffered severe pain in a tooth that ended “by bursting with report, giving immediate relief,” the dentist wrote. In a third case, in 1855, a woman reported that one of her canine teeth spontaneously split open “a sudden sharp report,” again leading to instant relief, the article said. Correspondence published in the British Dental Journal told of similar cases, including one recorded in 1871 by a different American dentist. He reported treating a woman whose molar “bursted (sic) with a concussion and report that well-nigh knocked her over” with a sound loud enough to deafen her for a few days, the correspondence said.

The cause of these dental detonations isn’t clear. The Pennsylvania dentist who reported the three initial cases suspected that a buildup of gas within

People love unsolved mysteries, as shown by the steady stream of new podcasts and TV shows about cold cases. Now, to the annals of mysteries like “Who invented Bitcoin?” or “What really happened to Amelia Earhart?” add this riddle for the ages:

the teeth may have triggered the eruptions, but modern experts say that notion arises from a misunderstanding of what causes tooth decay at that time. Some suggest that a mixture of metals in dental fillings may have caused a buildup of pressure, but there is little evidence to support that hunch. Or, the patients may simply have been exaggerating their symptoms.

What caused the mystery of the exploding teeth?

About a half dozen times during the 19th century, people were beset by agonizing dental pain followed by an explosion of a tooth, according to scientific journal articles reported by the BBC. In the first case, a clergyman in 1817 reported an ache in a canine tooth so intense as to drive him wild, according to a Pennsylvania dentist’s journal article. The reverend ran around trying to escape the pain, drilling his head into the ground and immersing

But without other explanations, the mystery of the exploding teeth remains unsolved.

Build Trust Through Thoughtful Responses Mastering Patient Reviews

Online reviews play a significant role in building your practice’s reputation. Today, potential patients often read reviews before booking an appointment. Responding to reviews — both positive and negative — shows that your practice values feedback, prioritizes patient care, and is committed to continuous improvement. Here are six best practices for responding to patient reviews effectively. RESPONDING TO POSITIVE REVIEWS When patients take the time to leave good reviews, be sure to acknowledge their feedback! A thoughtful response can strengthen the patient-practice relationship and encourage others to choose your practice. Best Practices: • Be sincere in your thankful response. • Mention specific details from their review (if possible) to personalize your response.

• Encourage them to continue visiting and maintaining their oral health.

Example: “Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations. Please contact our office so we can discuss how to resolve this.” WHY RESPONDING MATTERS Engaging with reviews, good or bad, builds trust and shows your practice values patient feedback. Thoughtful responses can turn negative feedback into positive resolutions and reinforce your practice’s commitment to exceptional care. By responding consistently and professionally, you’ll enhance your practice’s reputation, build stronger patient relationships, and create a welcoming vibe that attracts new patients. Remember: Every response counts!

Example: “Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re happy you had a positive experience with our team. We look forward to keeping your smile healthy and bright!” RESPONDING TO NEGATIVE REVIEWS Negative reviews can be challenging but offer valuable insights. Responding professionally can help rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability. Best Practices: • Be sure to stay calm and professional and avoid being defensive or emotional. • Acknowledge the concern while expressing empathy and concern. • Move the conversation offline and offer to discuss the issue privately.

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