Occlusal tooth wear in human sculls of antique period from Vendenis and Municipium Dardanorum DD, Kosovo

Abstract

Aim: To describe the presence, frequency of attrition in permanent dentition of human skulls from two ancient archeological locations. Aims: To determine the rate of attrition using a specific quantitative and qualitative method. Methods: Twenty one human skulls from two ancient archeological necropolises (Vendenis and Municipium Dardanorum DD) were included in the analysis of samples for this study. A total of 498 teeth were present in all human skulls. The skulls (with their accompanying teeth) were then divided into groups according to locality of origin, age and sex. Macroscopic (observational) analysis of the teeth relied on inspection and exploration of the teeth in their totality. The classification system that was used to rate tooth wear was Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Statistical analysis used: Chi-test for small samples was used to evaluate the observations obtained from the study. Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis was not performed due to the small number of teeth and the content of zero values in respective age groups. Results: The results show that out of total 498 teeth, 89.35% had attrition and 10.65% had no attrition or Grade 0 TWI. 21.48% were Grade 1, 28.71% Grade 2, 26.90% Grade 3, 7.42% Grade 4 and 4.81% Grade 5. Conclusions: Grade 2 and higher rate of attrition, was predominantly present in first permanent molars.

Supernumerary fourth molar and dental pathologies in a Chalcolithic individual from the El Mirador Cave site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain)

“…Several studies have shown a correlation between tooth wear and periapical lesions. The bacteria spread through the root canal or through fine cracks in the occlusal surface and into the periapical region through the apical foramen or along the root (Koç ani et al, 2012). Because of the severe attrition, the pulp has been exposed, thus allowing the bacteria to enter.…”

“…The tooth wear on each tooth was determined following the Smith's scale with eight stages of wear (Smith, 1984). As some teeth also showed pulp cavity exposure, tooth wear was also rated according to the tooth wear index (TWI) with wear stages described as: grade 0-no wear; grade 1-only enamel shows wear; grade 2-exposure of dentine over almost half of the occlusal surface; grade 3-more than half of occlusal surface with exposed dentine, but still with enamel rim in places; grade 4-only dentine on occlusal surface, without opening of the pulp cavity, and grade 5-strong tooth wear with pulp cavity open (Koç ani et al, 2012).…”

“…The anterior teeth are less worn, with grade 4 according to Smith (1984) and grade 2 according to TWI (Koç ani et al, 2012).…”

“…Dental wear of mandibular and maxillary teeth following Smith's scale(Smith, 1984) and tooth wear index (TWI)(Koç ani et al, 2012).…”

Discussing a Forensic Dental Examination of 1861 – A Scientific and Historic Overview

“…Interestingly, a grade system of molar wear for age estimation was created by Miles33 followed by Brothwell who assessed pre-medieval British skulls (17 -45+yrs) and thus appropriate to archaeological specimens [33,34]. More recently, because of the processed food present in industrialized countries, the occlusal attrition has been reduced [30].…”