Pulp pathosis in inlayed teeth of the ancient Mayas: a microcomputed tomography study

To evaluate three-dimensionally, using microcomputed tomography (μCT), the anatomical relationship between the cavity prepared to hold the inlay stone and the pulp chamber in the teeth of the ancient Maya.

Six well-preserved teeth from Maya corpses found in an archaeological site in Guatemala (approximately 1600 year old) were selected and scanned using a high-resolution μCT system (SkyScan 1174v2; SkyScan N.V., Kontich, Belgium). The sample comprised six maxillary teeth: two canines, one premolar, two central incisors and one lateral incisor. All teeth had one or two inlay stones on the buccal surface of the crown. Each specimen was scanned at an isotropic resolution of 22.5 μm, a rotational step of 0.70°, a rotational angle of 180° and a 3.1-s exposure time, using a 1-mm-thick aluminium filter. Images of each specimen were reconstructed from apex to the crown with dedicated software (NRecon v1.6.1.5) in approximately 450 slices. CTan v1.11 and CTVol v2.1 were used for three-dimensional visualization and qualitative analysis of the external and internal anatomy of the teeth.

The tooth modification in all samples was classified as type E1 (one stone on the buccal surface of the crown) or E2 (two stones on the buccal surface of the crown). In the canine teeth, the cavities created to insert the inlay stone did not reach the pulp chamber. Conversely, in the maxillary incisors, the cavities clearly perforated the pulp chamber resulting in massive internal inflammatory resorption or partial calcification of the pulp cavity. In the premolar tooth, a small perforation of the pulp chamber under the buccal cusp, without morphological alteration of the intraradicular dentine, was observed.

Microcomputed tomography analysis of teeth of the ancient Maya civilization showed that the inlay cavities cut reached the pulp chamber in the maxillary incisors and premolar teeth, with the potential to cause pulp and periapical disease.