Histological and histochemical studies of human teeth of the Bronze and Stone Ages

Developmental defects and postmortem changes in archaeological pig teeth from Fais Island, Micronesia

“…This indicates that under certain conditions, organic structures can be preserved over longer periods in archaeological teeth. Similar observations were reported by Falin (1961), who found evidence of preserved odontoblast processes in dentinal tubules of human teeth from the Bronze Age. However, there is a caveat regarding the diagnosis of soft tissue preservation in archaeological and fossil bones and teeth since it has been reported that endocasts originating from bacterial biofilms can mimic soft tissue preservation in fossil bone (Kaye et al, 2008).…”

“…Microbial (bacterial and/or fungal) invasion has previously been reported for archaeological teeth (Sognnaes, 1955;Falin, 1961;Poole and Tratman, 1978;Bell et al, 1991;Turner-Walker, 2008) and bone (Marchiafava et al, 1974;Hackett, 1981;Jackes et al, 2001;Schultz, 2001;Hedges, 2002;Jans et al, 2004;Turner-Walker, 2008). So far, the organisms responsible for this invasion have not been properly identified (Turner-Walker, 2008).…”

Diagenetic alteration to teeth in situ illustrated by backscattered electron imaging

“…The morphology and distribution of diagenesis within the hard tissues has been of interest to many authors and was initially observed as boring canals within dentine, thought to be created by fungi (Wed1 1864). Since this initial histological study, other similar light microscopic studies have demonstrated in both teeth and bone that diagenetic alteration can be extensive (Clement 1963, Falin 1961, Garland 1989, Graf 1949, Hackett 1981, Marchiafava et al 1974, Piepenbrink 1986, Poole and Tratman 1978, Sognnaes 1955, Stout and Teitelbaum 1978, Wyckoff 1973. Diagenetic changes within the hard tissues spread from natural surfaces, including both the periosteal and endosteal surfaces of bone, and peripulpal, radicular and coronal surfaces of teeth.…”

Dentin hypersensitivity: pain mechanisms and aetiology of exposed cervical dentin

“…Premolars were the most affected tooth type. The comparison of dental hard tissue microstructure of archaeological and modern teeth has not shown any difference that could explain the different prevalence rates [99]. Non-carious cervical lesions are an entity found in modern civilization produced by nutrition behaviour and the use of tooth cleaning devices [100].…”