[The occurrence of denticles in the craniums of Norwegian Samis (Lapps)]

The purpose of the present radiologic study was to establish prevalence and distribution of pulp stones in mandibular premolars and molars in skulls of Norwegian Samis. The results were compared to those of previous investigations of ancient Eskimos, medieval Norsemen from Greenland, Danish Stone Age People and ancient Nubians. Forty-eight dentitions were radiographed and pulp stones recorded according to number and location within the teeth. Twenty-six percent of the Samis exhibited pulp stones. Molars showed a significantly higher prevalence of pulp stones than did premolars. The giant pulp calcifications described previously were limited to first and second molars. Pulp stones were located in pulp chambers only. Symmetric occurrence of pulp stones was common in contralateral teeth. Further epidemiologic studies of pulp stones in ethnic groups are needed.