Abstract
One-rooted mandibular second molars arelabelled “C-molar” because of the root’s morphology.The frequency of C-molars is strongly associatedwith ethnic origin, being most common in North-EastAsians. The present study analyzed the frequency ofone-rooted molars and associated pulpal chamber in 48Prehispanic Mayans and in 142 modern subjects studiedat the School of Endodontics, UADY. The frequency ofone-rooted molars in the Prehispanic sample is 35%,with 32% of these having C-canals. Similarly, 42 of 142 (30%) modern teeth exhibit a C-canal. The similaritybetween ancient and modern samples suggests thatgenetic admixture since the European conquest has notaffected trait expression, and it implies that the Mayaexpress the Sinodontic pattern of dental morphology.Endodontically, the significant correlation betweenC-molar and C-canal is an advantage for recognizingthe canal’s anatomy if treatment is indicated.
Highlights
The dental morphology of Maya populations belongs to the Sinodont family (Turner, 1990) and falls into the Sino-American group (Scott and Turner, 1997)
Mandibular second molars are described according to a one- or two-roots dichotomy (Turner et al, 1991; Scott and Turner, 1997)
Single rooted lower second molars are described as C-shape, due to the pulp chamber morphology that appears as a “C” in the rootscross section
Summary
The dental morphology of Maya populations belongs to the Sinodont family (Turner, 1990) and falls into the Sino-American group (Scott and Turner, 1997) It is characterized by, among other features, a high frequency of undivided roots in the lower second molar (Scott and Turner, 1997). The frequency of single rooted second lower molars in North and South American native populations has been reported to range between 30% and 35% (Scott and Turner 1997) Frequency of such traits in the Maya region ranges between 15% and 30% (Jacobi, 2000; Wrobel, 2004; Cucina et al, 2005). Maya population’s ancestry is Sinodont, yet the conquest has led to admixture with European and African populations in the region, likely altering the genetic (and morphological) structure of the population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
