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Updated: May 9, 2025
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Precision of In Vivo Quantitative Tooth Wear Measurement Using Intra-Oral Scans
Published on: July 12, 2022
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Inter-microscope comparability of dental microwear texture data obtained from different optical profilometers: Part
Mugino O Kubo1, T Kubo2, Ellen Schulz-Kornas3
1Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Kashiwa, Japan.
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
|April 30, 2025
Summary
Dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) data can now be compared across studies. New correction formulas standardize DMTA measurements, revealing how abrasives affect herbivore dental wear.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Zoology
- Geology
Background:
- Dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) is crucial for understanding vertebrate feeding ecology.
- Standardization of DMTA data is limited by diverse instruments and processing methods across laboratories.
- Published DMTA data for extant and fossil species lack intercomparability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop correction formulas for standardizing DMTA data from different instruments.
- To facilitate intercomparison of DMTA datasets.
- To conduct a meta-analysis on herbivore feeding ecology using corrected DMTA data.
Main Methods:
- Six confocal instruments from five laboratories scanned standardized tooth samples.
- Discrepancies in DMTA parameter values were analyzed across instruments.
- Regression equations were developed for correction formulas based on high correlations.
- Published DMTA data were adjusted and a meta-analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in DMTA parameter values were observed among instruments.
- Instruments from the same manufacturer showed less variation.
- Correction formulas were developed for specific DMTA parameters.
- Meta-analysis revealed positive effects of internal and external abrasives on DMTA.
Conclusions:
- The developed correction formulas enable standardized DMTA data comparison.
- Ruminant and non-ruminant herbivores exhibit different responses to dietary abrasives.
- Ruminants' digestive processes mitigate external abrasive impacts, reducing dental wear.
