Prehistoric dentistry? P4 rotation, partial M3 impaction, toothpick grooves and other signs of manipulation in Krapina Dental Person 20 (original) (raw)

Aims: We describe four associated mandibular teeth, left P4 – M3, which show a number of features consistent with a diagnosis that toothpick grooves and other dental manipulations were associated with treating multiple eruption abnormalities. Materials and Methods: The four isolated teeth making up Krapina Dental Person (KDP) 20 were analyzed by eye and with a light microscope to document occlusal wear, toothpick groove formation, ante mortem enamel, dentin scratches and lingual fractures. Results: Definitive, stage 4 toothpick grooves (1) occur on all four teeth, but are especially marked on both mesial and distal faces of the left P4 (tooth #32) and the mesial face of the left M1 (tooth #82). Less distinct interproximal grooves, defined as stage 2 striations, appear on the distal face of left M1, distal lingual edge of M2 (tooth #3) and the mesial face of M3 (tooth #8). The left P4 also shows signs of dental probing on the mesial buccal cusp and all four teeth have fractures on th...