title: The dentist's armamentarium: a collection of 19th century instruments in the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry Library.
abstract: A small collection of antique dental instruments located in the LSU School of Dentistry Library (LSUSD) provides a glimpse into the world of the 19th century dentist. The instruments in this collection, with handles carved from common and rare early materials such as bone, wood, ivory, ebony, cameo, shell and pearl, provide a striking contrast to all-steel instruments of the 20th century. An understanding of their development and function substantially increases appreciation of these instruments, which can be categorized as instruments for oral surgery, prophylaxis, restoration, and general use. In this article, the authors summarize the historical development of each type of instrument and describe the specific items in the LSUSD Library collection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and Biomaterials, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA 70112-2256, USA.
authors.forename: Toby J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Cheramie
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Strother
mesh_terms: D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D007990:Libraries; D008145:Louisiana; D012575:Schools, Dental