Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:06
A Co-Culture Method to Study Neurite Outgrowth in Response to Dental Pulp Paracrine Signals
Published on: February 14, 2020
6.5K
Pulp pathosis associated with ancient Maya dental inlays
M Ramírez-Salomón1, E Vega-Lizama1, P Quintana-Owen2
1School of Dentistry, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Calle 61a No. 492a por Av. Itzáes, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
Archives of Oral Biology
|August 26, 2018
Summary
Ancient Maya dental inlays, while durable, increased susceptibility to pulp calcifications, caries, and lesions compared to untreated teeth. The cements used provided good sealing, minimizing severe pulp irritation.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Bioarchaeology
- Dental Anthropology
Background:
- The ancient Maya practiced dental inlays, a tradition with remarkable longevity.
- Understanding the oral health impact of these practices is crucial for historical context.
Observation:
- 193 inlaid teeth and 211 untreated teeth from pre-Hispanic Maya populations were analyzed.
- Macroscopic, radiographic, and microscopic examinations assessed caries, pulp calcifications, internal root resorption (IRR), and periapical lesions (PALs).
Findings:
- Inlaid teeth showed higher frequencies of pulp calcifications (59.8%), caries (18.5%), and PALs (19.2%) than untreated teeth.
- Despite increased susceptibility, pulp irritation and carious infections were relatively low, suggesting effective sealing by inlay cements.
Implications:
- Ancient Maya dental inlays, while aesthetically significant, posed increased oral health risks.
- The study highlights the trade-offs between cultural practices and long-term oral health outcomes in ancient populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.