Srpski Arhiv za Celokupno Lekarstvo (Jan 2010)
Tooth macromorphological and ultrastructural analysis of osteological material from the medieval locality of St. Panteleimon Church in Niš
Abstract
Introduction. Analysis of macromorphological and ultrastructural tooth characteristics of osteological material from the medieval site of St. Pantaleimon Church in Niš provides us with insight on the life, nutrition and habits of medieval population, as well as the structure and composition of their teeth. Objective. The aim of this research, based on the tooth inspection of skeletal remains from the medieval site of St. Pantaleimon Church in Niš, was to analyze macromorphological characteristics , ultrastructure of the dental tissue of maxillary and mandibular molars, canines and incisors, as well as their chemical composition. Methods. Macromorphological and ultrastructural analysis of the dental tissue of osteological material dating from the 12th century included 1312 teeth with advanced abrasion. Macromorphological changes were detected by using a dental mirror, probe and radiography. After irrigation, the teeth were prepared using the standard procedure and analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (JEOL-JSM-5300). Chemical analysis was done by expanded downscaling (EDS) method for Mg, P, Ca. Results. The analysis detected second degree abrasions of all teeth in individuals aged 20-25 years. Third and fourth degree abrasions of teeth were detected in individuals aged over 40 years. Ultrastructural analysis showed a complete obliteration of dentin tubules and pulp of the lower incisors, the apposition of intratubular dentin inside the tubules, as well as extensive deformity and loss of dentin structure on molars with preserved pulp volume and nerve fiber calcification. The calcification of nerve fibers showed that the formation of intratubular dentin was proportional with the biological potential of pulp and the degree of abrasion, and inversely proportional with the size of dentin surface. Chemical analysis showed that in the analyzed teeth Ca composition was slightly lower than that in the control group, P composition was almost identical, while Mg composition was multiply increased in comparison to the control group consisting of today’s persons of matching age and examined teeth as the medieval individuals. Conclusion. Different ultrastructural tooth characteristics as a part of the complex masticatory system of the medieval man are the result of individual and the whole community adaptation to actual living conditions. Nerve fibers calcification of the pulp can explain the absence of pain despite the high level of dental abrasion.
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