Case of pulp stones and dental wear in a Mesolithic (5900 ± 100 BC) individual from Woźna Wieś (Poland)

Abstract

AbstractThe present study will focus on the analysis of pulp stones and dental wear of an adult (26–30 years old) individual from Woźna Wieś, dated from the Mesolithic period (5900 ± 100 BC). The dental material included 14 permanent teeth. Cone beam computed tomography was used in the identification of pulp stones. Pulp stones were classified by location and volume. The scores for mechanical dental wear were based on the scales proposed by Smith and Scott.The anterior teeth showed an advanced stage of mechanical dental wear. The first molars exhibit higher wear scores than the second and third molars. The pulp stones were diagnosed in 10 teeth (10/14, 71%). Generally, these calcified structures were found in the pulp chamber (10/14, 71%). The relationship between the stages of dental wear and the presence of pulp stones turned out to be statistically significant (p = .012). The correlation coefficients between tooth wear and pulp stones in the pulp chambers and root canals were .434 and .327, respectively. The pulp stones occur most frequently on the teeth with advanced dental wear. However, we also cannot rule out the dietary factor. It can be supposed that this individual's diet did not lack products with high calcium content.