The Halloween season is very nearly upon us, and what better time to talk about the things that scare us most! In this latest blog edition, we’re talking about something far more terrifying than ghosts and ghouls – the way people USED to treat their teeth…
Here at Sarum Dental, we practice modern, safe and gentle dentistry from our practice just minutes from Salisbury’s city centre. But in the past, if you wanted to keep your smile, you’d have to put up with a lot of hair-raising treatments, including lead fillings and barbers treating your infection!

Dentistry Through The Ages
Long before the caring and professional care we offer in Salisbury today, taking care of your teeth was pretty scary.
- Teeth were pulled in marketplaces without pain relief
- Barbers would double as dentists – yes, you read that right…you could get your tooth pulled AND a quick haircut by the same person!
- Fillings were made of lead, tin or mercury
- Oral surgery was performed without anaesthesia
In the past, dental care was more like a horror movie than an important public health service. And with little understanding regarding oral hygiene, cavities and infections were common and often fatal.

Modern Dentistry in Salisbury, Wiltshire
Thankfully, those horrors are a thing of the past! The Sarum Dental team offers advanced, gentle and pain-free care for your smile, utilising the latest technology and techniques. Here’s what makes us the go-to dental practice in Wiltshire:
- We offer a full range of dental services, including dental implants, Invisalign, complete smile makeovers and specialist endodontic treatment!
- Our practice is consistently rated five stars by our local Salisbury community, who trust us to care for their smiles.
- Our no. 1 priority is your comfort and well-being. We are particularly adept at working with nervous patients, enabling them to access the high-quality dental care they deserve.
- We offer affordable membership plans to help our community spread the cost of treatment for the whole family.
What Our Patients Have To Say
”“My daughter had to have four teeth extracted, ready for orthodontic work. She was understandably very anxious about what would happen. She couldn’t have been in better hands than Neal’s. Over two appointments, he reassured her and made the process pain and anxiety-free. The dental work itself couldn’t have gone smoother. Thank you, Neal, for making what could have been a phobia for life-making experience into nothing more than a laugh about numb lips and dribbling. Highly recommended.”
”“I can't recommend this practice enough. I booked an emergency visit. Dr Neal was calm, reassuring, skilful and incredibly efficient. I am very impressed and will be returning for my regular dental checkups.”
