A healthy, beautiful smile is a dream for many, and Ottawa Dental Laboratory helps make this dream a reality. Learn more about the company’s origins and the history of dentistry in Canada’s capital, brought to you by Ottawa One.
Early History of Dentistry in Ottawa
The earliest dental fillings appeared over 10,000 years ago. While ancient oral hygiene practices may surprise modern readers, early methods included chewing tree bark or using frayed wooden sticks to clean teeth.
Research reveals that early fillings were made from beeswax. By the 19th century, metals such as silver, tin, and even gold were used to fill cavities. Amalgam fillings, composed of copper, tin, silver, and mercury, later gained popularity but also sparked controversy due to mercury’s potential health risks, including poisoning, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Today’s amalgam fillings, also known as “silver fillings,” still contain mercury but are chemically bonded to other metals, resulting in durable and cost-effective materials capable of withstanding significant chewing forces.
Modern Filling Options
In addition to amalgam fillings, other options are available:
- Porcelain fillings offer a natural look. These indirect fillings are created in a lab using an impression of the tooth. Patients need to visit the dentist multiple times to complete the process.
- Gold fillings are the most durable and long-lasting but also the most expensive. Like porcelain fillings, they require several appointments.
- Composite fillings, or “white fillings,” are made from acrylic resin and powdered glass. These fillings are matched to the colour of the tooth for a natural appearance.
Ottawa Dental Laboratory
Ottawa Dental Laboratory was established in 1937 by Lucien “Tony” Caruso. Initially specializing in partial dentures, the company quickly gained a reputation for excellence and grew into a leader in dental technology across the Midwest.
Caruso’s philosophy was central to the company’s success: “Do everything as if it were for your own mother.” This approach cemented the company’s reputation and ensured its growth. Today, Ottawa Dental Laboratory is a thriving family business managed by the third generation.
Lucien “Tony” Caruso
Lucien “Tony” Caruso was born in Ottawa in 1937 and passed away on May 4, 2000, at Pleasant View Luther Home. This small, tight-knit community of seniors emphasized care and compassion, offering Caruso a peaceful and secure environment during his later years.
Caruso’s funeral was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor David Rabben, with burial in Oakwood Memorial Park.
Locations of Ottawa Dental Laboratory
Now one of the top facilities in the Midwest, Ottawa Dental Laboratory operates across eight locations with a fleet of vehicles and over 100 employees. Despite decades of change, its mission remains the same: delivering beautiful smiles with personalized care.
Factors such as an internal training department, superior customer service, and cutting-edge technology contribute to the lab’s ability to deliver top-tier dental prosthetics. This dedication to excellence has helped maintain the company’s reputation and expand its client base.
Interesting Dental Facts
- In 1816, one of Sir Isaac Newton’s teeth was sold in London for $3,633.
- The average person produces about 25 quarts of saliva over their lifetime—enough to fill two swimming pools.
- Cotton candy was invented by a dentist. In 1904, Dr. William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton introduced it as “fairy floss.” By 1921, another dentist, Dr. Joseph Lascaux, patented a machine for producing it.
- Failing to floss can result in losing up to 30% of a tooth’s surface to decay.
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
- Contrary to stereotypes, seniors, not children, are the demographic most prone to cavities.
- People spend approximately five weeks of their lives brushing their teeth, assuming they brush twice daily.
- Women smile an average of 68 times per day, while men smile only 8 times.
- Cavities are the second most common disease after the common cold.
Dentistry in Ottawa
Since 1895, the Eastern Ontario Dental Association has served dentists in Bytown and the Ottawa Valley. Initially a small group of dentists meeting at the Russell House Hotel, it evolved into the Ottawa Dental Society in 1905. Today, the society boasts over 600 members and supports both dental professionals and the local community.
Ottawa is home to world-class dental clinics and highly trained dentists who continually adopt the latest technology. Ottawa Dental Laboratory exemplifies this excellence, offering preventive care, cleanings, fillings, implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry.
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