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Technical note: a new three-dimensional technique for high resolution quantitative recording of perikymata
E Bocaege1, L T Humphrey, S Hillson
1Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London WC1H 0PY, UK. emmy.bocaege@ucl.ac.uk
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|December 3, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a new 3D imaging technique to analyze perikymata, or dental growth lines, on ancient teeth. This method offers a more objective way to measure enamel spacing for understanding developmental patterns.
Area of Science:
- Paleodontology
- Developmental Biology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Perikymata, incremental enamel markings, are crucial for understanding dental growth patterns and crown formation times.
- Current methods for analyzing perikymata spacing can be subjective and lack precision.
Observation:
- A novel three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique was employed to reconstruct dental growth profiles.
- Teeth from a medieval child were analyzed using the Alicona 3D InfiniteFocus imaging microscope.
Findings:
- Individual perikyma grooves were unambiguously identified on the reconstructed enamel surface.
- Direct distances between successive perikyma grooves were calculated using coordinate data.
- This quantitative approach provides a more objective method for recording perikymata spacing compared to existing techniques.
Implications:
- This 3D technique enhances the accuracy and objectivity of analyzing dental growth patterns from fossilized or archaeological remains.
- It offers new possibilities for reconstructing developmental histories and understanding biological processes in past populations.
- The method has potential applications in forensic anthropology and evolutionary biology.
