Abstract
Tooth morphology can provide valuableevidence in studies of prehistoric, historic and modernpopulations. The aims of this study were to derive datafor root anomalies in a Romano-British population, toinvestigate associations between anomalies, and tocompare findings with other populations to provideevidence concerning etiology. An additional aim wasto develop further the methodology and reproducibilityin such studies. From the Christian cemetery of 3rd-5thcentury AD in Poundbury, UK, 385 skulls were suitablefor examination. Radiographic technique was standardizedwith custom-made skull supports and criteriaestablished for each anomaly. There was a high levelof reproducibility for the diagnosis of each anomaly.The prevalence of the anomalies in individuals was:three-rooted mandibular first molars 1.8%, fused roots14.0%, cuneiform roots 16.9%, taurodontism 26.9%, andinvaginated teeth 1.1%. There were highly significant(P < 0.001) associations between fused and cuneiformroots, and both were significantly associated with thirdmolar hypodontia (P < 0.002; P < 0.05). These reductionsin root morphology were commonly bilateral andmore frequent in females, as is hypodontia. The findingsof this study are compatible with a multifactorialetiology of these anomalies, showing continuous variationin root morphology. The gradients of anomaliesobserved are also compatible with the concept of morphogeneticfields.
Highlights
Tooth morphology can provide valuable evidence in studies of prehistoric, historic and modern populations
There were highly significant (P < 0.001) associations between fused and cuneiform roots, and both were significantly associated with third molar hypodontia (P < 0.002; P < 0.05)
The findings of this study are compatible with a multifactorial etiology of these anomalies, showing continuous variation in root morphology
Summary
Tooth morphology can provide valuable evidence in studies of prehistoric, historic and modern populations. The aims of this study were to derive data for root anomalies in a Romano-British population, to investigate associations between anomalies, and to compare findings with other populations to provide evidence concerning etiology. The findings of this study are compatible with a multifactorial etiology of these anomalies, showing continuous variation in root morphology. Tooth root morphology can provide valuable additional evidence to crown morphology in studies of prehistoric, historic and modern populations. The present study aimed to derive data for root anomalies in a homogeneous Romano-British population and to investigate associations with other dental anomalies in this group. The study aimed to develop further the methodology of measurement and the reproducibility of diagnosis of root anomalies in archeological material, enhancing comparisons with other ancient and modern populations
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