Predictive factors for alveolar fenestration and dehiscence

Area of Science:

• Paleoanthropology
• Oral Biology
• Forensic Anthropology

Background:

• Investigating the historical prevalence and distribution of alveolar bone resorption provides insights into oral health in past populations.
• Understanding fenestration and dehiscence, two forms of alveolar bone loss, is crucial for diagnosing and treating periodontal issues.
• This study introduces a standardized method for assessing alveolar resorption in skeletal remains, applicable to diverse archaeological series.

Observation:

• Analysis of 1175 teeth from 81 Medieval French individuals (12th-14th century) revealed patterns of alveolar bone resorption.
• Compared with nine other studies, this research examined the incidence and distribution of fenestration and dehiscence over time and space.
• A novel, standardized methodology for recording alveolar resorption in skeletal samples was developed and applied.

Findings:

• Tooth position and function significantly influence alveolar bone resorption, with anterior teeth being more commonly affected.
• Bone resorption occurs more frequently on labial/buccal surfaces compared to palatal/lingual surfaces.
• Fenestration is more prevalent in the maxilla, while dehiscence is more common in the mandible (p≤0.001).

Implications:

• The consistent patterns of alveolar bone resorption across time and space offer predictive factors for oral health practitioners.
• These findings can guide therapeutic interventions, potentially improving patient recovery and treatment outcomes in oral therapy.
• Understanding historical patterns of oral pathologies aids in developing more effective, evidence-based approaches to modern dental care.