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Mitchells trimmer: Who was Mitchell and what was he trimming?
I N B R I E F
Provides an understanding as to why the commonly used instrument is named as a trimmer when it is not used for trimming.
Highlights the origins of the well-known instrument.
GENERAL
A. Dattani*1 and S. J. Hayes2
Mitchells trimmer, also known as an osteo-trimmer, osteocarver or osteocarver #4, is a commonly used instrument in a dental professionals armamentarium. Today the instrument is used in a range of dental specialties; however, its modern use has no association to trimming. This article explores the origin of the Mitchells trimmer, its intended use and reveals the founder of the renowned instrument.
BACKGROUND
This article explores the origin of the Mitchells trimmer, discusses its intended use and reveals the founder of the renowned instrument. The instrument is frequently used in a variety of dental elds. In oral surgery it is used to aid in raising a mucoperiosteal ap and debriding tissue. Its use in orthodontics includes removing excess cement after removal and placement of orthodontic bands.1 It is used in restorative dentistry to remove crowns, and for conveying, placing and shaping composite materials.2 However, to date there has been very little literature on the founder of the instrument and its anticipated use. Searching an assembly of historic archives has revealed the founder and the intended use of the renowned trimmer, both of which will be discussed in this paper.
DR WILLIAM MITCHELL
William Mitchell was born in 1854and spent his early years in Delaware, Ohio. He studied dentistry at the University of Michigan and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1878.3 William had a brother who was also a dentist, Dr Louis J. Mitchell, and soon after graduating they both moved to London, England, to establish themselves as general dental practitioners. William Mitchell moved to 39 Upper Brook Street, London.4
William Mitchells rst citing was in the American journal of dental sciences in 1886as Dr W. Mitchell when he reported his experience on removing a crown that was rmly xed in place.5 Mitchell is usually known to have signed as Dr W. Mitchell DDS London, England. His next citation was in the The dental review in 1888;he wrote a piece...