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Micro-computed tomography of a 500-year-old tooth: technical note
David D McErlain1, Rethy K Chhem, Richard N Bohay
1Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.
Summary
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) accurately reconstructs ancient tooth anatomy, differentiating enamel and dentin. This non-destructive method precisely detects dental disorders like attrition and caries in historical specimens.
Area of Science:
- Paleodontology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Investigating ancient human remains offers insights into past health and lifestyles.
- Dental tissues preserve well, providing valuable information about diet, disease, and development.
Observation:
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was employed to analyze a 500-year-old human tooth.
- The imaging technique utilized a cone-beam micro-CT scanner for high-resolution data acquisition.
Findings:
- Micro-CT accurately differentiated enamel from dentin and revealed significant tooth wear (attrition).
- The imaging identified calculus deposits and a cervical root caries lesion.
- Excellent resolution and tissue contrast allowed visualization of the carious lesion's sclerotic zone and its extension along the dentin-enamel junction.
Implications:
- Micro-CT is a valuable, non-destructive tool for studying ancient dental anatomy and pathology.
- This technique enhances our ability to diagnose oral diseases in archaeological samples.
- The findings support the use of micro-CT for reproducible and accurate analysis of historical human teeth.