Dental status of three Egyptian mummies: radiological investigation by multislice computerized tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide a paleopathologic and radiologic overview of the jaws and teeth of 3 Egyptian mummies preserved in the Civic Museum of History and Art in Trieste. Computerized tomography (CT) imaging and postprocessing techniques were used to examine the oral structures. STUDY DESIGN: A 16-slice CT scanner was used (Aquilion 16; Toshiba Medical Systems Europe, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands). Scans were obtained at high resolution. Orthogonal-plane and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were created along with curved reconstructions of the lower and upper jaws. Determination of decayed/missing teeth (DMT) and decayed/missing/tooth surfaces (DMTs) were made with 3D images. RESULTS: Analyses revealed differences in the embalming techniques and state of preservation of the bodies. Marked wear of the occlusal surfaces was a characteristic finding in all of the mummies. The DMT and DMTs were low compared with values for contemporary populations. Two mummies had fully erupted third molars. All mummies exhibited bone changes consistent with periodontitis. CONCLUSION: The CT evaluations of the oral structures of the mummies provided insight into the dental status and oral diseases of these ancient Egyptians. The low DMT and DMTs values and indications of periodontitis may be associated with the lifestyle of these Egyptians. The fully erupted and well aligned third molars may represent a morphologic adaptation of the arches to the muscular activity associated with grinding tough foods.

After Kennedy...

Edward Kennedy's book Partial Denture Construction was published in 1928. A number of the principles that he advocated are still taught, albeit in a modified manner, although the background reasoning supporting those principles has changed somewhat. This paper highlights some of those principles and makes the point that several of them do not appear to have achieved wide acceptance over 70 years later.

Tooth loss, attrition and temporomandibular joint changes in a Romano-British population.

Mandibular condyles and temporal fossae were studied in a large Romano-British collection of skulls. The size and shape of the condyles differed from those in previous populations studied. Changes in form or shape of the condyles were age-related and could be correlated to the number of teeth lost on the same side and on the contralateral side. No statistically significant correlations were seen between attrition and condylar form and surface change.

[Dental examination of skulls of the early Middle Ages in Bial-Mett]. / Zahnärztliche Untersuchung frühmittelalterlicher Schädel aus Biel-Mett.

UNLABELLED: A systematic dental examination was made on 43 skulls from the 6th/7th and 8th/9th centuries which were excavated by the archeological service of the canton of Berne in the church of Biel-Mett. The examination consisted of the following parameters: Count, loss of teeth, caries (instrumental and radiological), calculus deposits, bone loss. The skulls were classified after age and compared with other findings. Generally speaking the results were comparable to findings of other excavations, but they are more detailed owing to more exact methods of examination. CONCLUSIONS: The examined population had lost about 23% of their teeth, had a relatively high caries incidence (30%) and a high caries morbidity. Most of the individuals had suffered from periodontal disease. High abrasion values point to the abrasive food then consumed.