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This study seeks to quantify the presence and prevalence of specific genetic and infectious diseases in the pre-Colombian Panamanian population and uses these data to consider the plausibility of these diseases as causative factors in the development of an abnormal supernumerary cusp morphology in a 1500-year-old isolated molar recovered from Cerro Juan Díaz (Los Santos, Panama).267 individuals from pre-Columbian sites throughout Panama.The anomalous tooth was analyzed through macroscopic, odontometric, and radiographic means. Tentative differential diagnosis was performed using inferences from paleopathological features of the broader regional population.The regional sample showed evidence of treponemal infection and developmental anomalies in 10.1% and 10.9% of individuals, respectively.While not able to rule out three potential genetic conditions, more evidence was found to support the differential diagnosis of congenital syphilis as the causative agent leading to the development of abnormal supernumerary cusps in the isolated molar.This study demonstrates how characterizing disease experience in the population can assist in differential diagnoses at the individual level and cautions against the assumption that any one lesion in isolation is unique to only one specific pathological condition.The timing discrepancy between clinical descriptions of congenital syphilis and genetic disorders, lack of knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms of the former, poor preservation of Treponema pathogen ancient DNA, and deficiencies in modern public health data from Panama limit the differential diagnosis.Inclusion and serious contemplation of genetic diseases in paleopathological differential diagnoses is necessary.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the 3-dimensional tooth crown symmetry and the crown volumes of maxillary and mandibular teeth in patients with unilateral or bilateral missing or peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors. Methods: Six groups were established for the possible clinical variations in patients with unilateral missing or peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors, bilateral presence of these tooth anomalies, and a control group (CG) with normal lateral incisors. The study was conducted on digital dental models of 132 patients. The morphologic symmetry of the antimere teeth was investigated using 3-dimensional deviation analysis. Volumes of contralateral teeth were compared within and among groups for the maxilla and mandible. Furthermore, volumes of teeth were compared in missing and peg-shaped quadrants and quadrants of CG. Intergroup differences were tested using one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests, whereas paired t and Wilcoxon tests were used for parametric and nonparametric variables, respectively, for intragroup comparisons. Results: Significant deviations in symmetry of antimere teeth were not detected (P > 0.05). The volumes of mandibular central and lateral incisors in missing or peg-shaped lateral incisor groups were smaller than in the CG (P < 0.05). Per quadrant analysis, volumes of the maxillary central incisor and mandibular central incisors, canines, and first molars in quadrants with missing or peg-shaped lateral incisors were smaller than in the control quadrants (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Neither unilateral nor bilateral presence of missing or peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors affected the morphologic symmetry of antimere teeth but did affect tooth volume, especially in the mandibular arch., American Association of Orthodontists, Dr Aras received the Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award from the American Association of Orthodontists from 2021 to 2022.

Treatment with glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome can be the cause of developmental disorders of the masticatory organ and bone or teeth abnormalities. The aim was to assess the frequency and type of dental abnormalities and the correlation of their occurrence with a dosage of glucocorticoids and treatment time in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.The study group consisted of 31 patients aged 5 to 17 diagnosed with idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome and 33 overall healthy children. The studies included clinical evaluation of dentition, radiologic diagnostics, and statistical analysis.In the study group, 77.4% of patients were diagnosed with abnormalities in dental development. Tooth number disorders, presence of persistent deciduous teeth and impacted teeth, abnormal crown or root shape, developmental defects of enamel, pulp stones, and bone structure disorders were identified. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the average treatment time of glucocorticoids in patients without and with tooth developmental abnormalities.Long-term use of glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome promotes the occurrence of developmental abnormalities of the teeth, calcification of the pulp, and disorders of bone tissue metabolism. For this reason, patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome should be under the constant care of a dentist.

Dental and oral diseases in the domestic ferret have been reported, but comparison with their closest wild relative, the European polecat (Mustela putorius), is lacking. Dental and orofacial pathology was evaluated by means of visual examination and dental radiographical analysis of 234 museum skulls. Most of these (70.5%) originated from Austria and the remainder came from seven other European countries. Linguoverted mandibular second incisor teeth were noted in 77% of the skulls. There were 7,268 (91.4% of all potential) teeth available for examination. Few (0.3%) were presumed congenitally missing and 0.5% were presumed missing by acquired means. Supernumerary teeth were present in 2.6% of the skulls. Most (65.6%) of the maxillary first molar teeth were three rooted with the palatal root protruding into the orbit. Most (67.2%) of the mandibular first molar teeth were three rooted with the smaller third root being positioned in the furcation of the two larger roots. Thirty-one percent of the teeth were four rooted, with the smaller fourth root also being positioned in the furcation of the two largest roots. Attrition/abrasion was shown by 17.2% of the teeth in 47% of the skulls. Periodontitis was recognized in 57.6% of the teeth in 91.9% of the skulls and dental fractures were noted in 7.2% of the teeth in 62% of the skulls. Radiographical evidence of endodontic disease was found in 25% of the fractured teeth. Tooth resorption, in the form of external inflammatory resorption associated with endodontic disease, was found in 0.1% of teeth in 2.1% of skulls. Extrusion affected 44% of the canine teeth. Lesions consistent with infection by the helminth Troglotrema acutum were identified in 33.3% of the skulls. Oral and dental disease was significant and varied, often consistent with reports of the species domestic counterpart - the ferret. Comparison with other mustelids, notably the beech marten (Martes foina), showed both clear consistencies and discrepancies, dependent on the type of pathology.

We report the case of a young woman who presented at age 10 years with height on the tenth centile, brachydactyly type E and mild developmental delay. Biochemistry and hormonal profiles were normal. Differential diagnoses considered included Albright hereditary osteodystrophy without hormone resistance (a.k.a pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism), 2q37 microdeletion syndrome and acrodysostosis. She had a normal karyotype and normal FISH of 2q37. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified a mutation in the ANKRD11 gene associated with KBG syndrome. We review the clinical features of the genetic syndromes considered, and suggest KBG syndrome be considered in patients presenting with syndromic brachydactyly type E, especially if short stature and developmental delay are also present.

Objective The aim of this paper was to analyse the dental remains of an adult male with three impacted canines from the Roman period cemetery in Osijek, Croatia. Materials The dental remains of an adult male aged 35–45 years at the time of death were analysed. Methods Macroscopic analysis of dental remains was accompanied by radiographic examination. Results The individual also had additional dental pathologies (carious lesion, antemortem tooth loss). A total of 21 permanent teeth were present in maxillae and mandible. Eighteen of them were normal fully erupted dentition, while three were impacted: left maxillary canine and both mandibular canines. The left maxillary and mandibular canines were mesially inclined, and the right mandibular canine was relatively horizontally positioned. Conclusion A case of non-syndrome impaction in which the lack of eruptive force in combination with the unfavorable position of the tooth bud might have resulted in multiple impacted teeth is presented. Significance Current clinical knowledge reports low frequency of this anomaly, with maxillary impaction occurring more often than mandibular. Furthermore, canine impaction is even more rarely reported in the archaeological material. The presented case is the only one from the archaeological setting with impaction present both in maxillae and mandible. Limitations In modern populations multiple impactions are often associated with various syndromes. Since the majority of syndromes affect soft tissue, their association with impaction cannot be confirmed in archaeological populations.

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a genetic disorder affecting organs derived from the embryonic ectoderm. Symptoms manifest early in life, and dental anomalies, including partial or complete edentulism, affect most of these patients. Overdentures have been a popular and conservative treatment option for patients with ED with a few natural teeth. Advancements in digital technology have improved and positively influenced dentistry, including removable prosthodontics. This clinical report describes a positive treatment outcome using computer-engineered complete overdentures to rehabilitate a patient with dental manifestations of ectodermal dysplasia.

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the deposition of amorphous hyaline material in the dermis and submucosal connective tissue. Here, we present a case of LP with significant oral, dermatologic, and neurologic manifestations occurring in a 10 year-old female of Asian descent. In addition to the more typical oral findings of restricted tongue movement and labial and buccal mucosal involvement, this case highlights an unusual pattern of gingival enlargement infrequently reported in the literature. As LP almost always involves the oral cavity, often before the onset of cutaneous lesions, it is important for dental providers to be familiar with the oral manifestations of this disease. Early detection and diagnosis of LP by the dental practitioner can help expedite proper multidisciplinary care and lead to significant reductions in patient morbidity and mortality.

Patients with ectodermal dysplasia have abnormalities of 2 or more structures that originate from the ectoderm. The oral manifestations often include the congenital absence of teeth and malformed teeth. This clinical report describes the interdisciplinary care from childhood through the definitive dental rehabilitation completed at skeletal maturation to replace the missing teeth in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia. Treatment began at 9 years of age with an implant-assisted mandibular overdenture to improve function and replace the missing mandibular teeth. Orthodontic treatment for the consolidation of space, composite resin restorations, and interim removable dental prostheses were provided to improve esthetics and replace the missing maxillary teeth. Skeletal growth was monitored, and orthognathic surgery was performed at the cessation of growth. The definitive rehabilitation consisted of a mandibular fixed dental prosthesis supported by dental implants and a maxillary removable dental prosthesis to restore the patient to esthetics and function.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:52:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-04-01 Objective: The goal of the present work was to use dental conditions that have been independently associated with cleft lip and palate (CL/P) as a tool to identify a broader collection of individuals to be used for gene identification that lead to clefts. Study design: We studied 1573 DNA samples combining individuals that were born with CL/P or had tooth agenesis, supernumerary teeth, molar incisor hypomineralization, or dental caries with the goal to identify genetic associations. We tested 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were located in the vicinity of regions suggested to contribute to supernumerary teeth. Overrepresentation of alleles were determined for combinations of individuals as well as for each individual phenotypic group with an α of.05. Results: We determined that the allele C of rs622260 was overrepresented in all individuals studied compared with a group of unrelated individuals who did not present any of the conditions described earlier. When subgroups were tested, associations were found for individuals with hypomineralization. Conclusions: Although we did not test this hypothesis directly in the present study, based on associations reported previously, we believe that CL/P is actually a syndrome of alterations of the dentition, and considering it that way may allow for the identification of genotype-phenotype correlations that may be useful for clinical care. Department of Pedodontics School of Dentistry Istanbul University Department of Pedodontics School of Dentistry Istanbul Medipol University Department of Oral Biology University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Department of Pediatric Dentistry UNESP Department of Pediatric Dentistry University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Department of Pediatric Dentistry UNESP

International audience; Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) is a heterogeneous clinical entity transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. The main feature, Axenfeld-Rieger Anomaly (ARA), is a malformation of the anterior segment of the eye that can lead to glaucoma and impair vision. Extra-ocular defects have also been reported. Point mutations of FOXC1 and PITX2 are responsible for about 40% of the ARS cases. We describe the phenotype of a patient carrying a deletion encompassing the 4q25 locus containing PITX2 gene. This child presented with a congenital heart defect (Tetralogy of Fallot, TOF) and no signs of ARA. He is the first patient described with TOF and a complete deletion of PITX2 (arr[GRCh37]4q25(110843057-112077858)x1, involving PITX2, EGF, ELOVL6 and ENPEP) inherited from his ARS affected mother. In addition, to our knowledge, he is the first patient reported with no ocular phenotype associated with haploinsufficiency of PITX2. We compare the phenotype and genotype of this patient to those of five other patients carrying 4q25 deletions. Two of these patients were enrolled in the university hospital in Toulouse, while the other three were already documented in DECIPHER. This comparative study suggests both an incomplete penetrance of the ocular malformation pattern in patients carrying PITX2 deletions and a putative association between TOF and PITX2 haploinsufficiency.

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, due to a mutation of ANKRD11, characterized by specific craniofacial dysmorphism, short stature and macrodontia of upper central incisors, intellectual disability and skeletal anomalies. We report a de novo mutation of ANKRD11 gene in a 7-years old girl, affected by KBG syndrome with bilateral conductive hearing loss. The aim of this article was to review the audiological findings of this syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Dental anomalies in Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), such as tooth discoloration, pulp obliteration (calcified dental pulp space), and taurodontism (enlarged dental pulp space) vary between and within patients. To better understand the associations and variations in these anomalies, a cross-sectional study was designed to analyze the dental phenotype in OI patients at the individual tooth type. METHOD: A cohort of 171 individuals with OI type I, III and IV, aged 3–55 years, were recruited and evaluated for tooth discoloration, pulp obliteration, and taurodontism at the individual tooth level, using intraoral photographs and panoramic radiographs. RESULTS: Genetic variants were identified in 154 of the participants. Patients with Helical α1 and α2 glycine substitutions presented the highest prevalence of tooth discoloration, while those with α1 Haploinsufficiency had the lowest (

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of the location of the rotational center and the morphology of teeth resulting in interference with the rotational path of insertion and to estimate when an interference test should be performed. Methods: A total of 400 dental radiograms of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars (100 for each position) were selected. The radiograms were used to hand-sketch the outlines on tracing paper. Then, an interference test was simulated using calipers. Mesial long occlusal rest seats with three different lengths were designed. A curve-simulated rotational path was drawn on the tracing paper showing the outline of a molar. If the curve was intersected by the mesial outline, interference was occurred. A total of 1200 tests were performed. Results: A significant number of interference cases (18.5%, N = 400) occurred when the rotational center was placed at the most distal margin of the occlusal surface. The interference was reduced (2.75%, N = 400) but still present at the distal fourth of the occlusal surface. At the distal one-third of the occlusal surface, interference did not occur (0%, N = 400). There was a significant difference between the results of the three rotational centers (p

Biallelic mutations in the nuclear gene LONP1 (LON peptidase 1, mitochondrial) cause CODAS syndrome (cerebral, ocular, dental, auricular, and skeletal anomalies), a systemic disease that can include infantile cataract. However, we have found that biallelic mutations in the gene can also underlie infantile cataract in the setting of minimal or no apparent extraocular findings. This report highlights our clinical experience with children referred for the management of infantile cataract who were found to harbor biallelic LONP1 gene mutations. Ptosis, external ear abnormalities, and joint abnormalities were accompanying findings and thus should raise suspicion for mutations in the gene when one or more are present in children with infantile cataract.

Objectives Talon cusp is a developmental anomaly consisting of a vertical ridge or cusp projecting labially or lingually from an anterior permanent or primary tooth. A range of prevalence between 0.06 % and 40.8 % has been reported in the literature. Although many epidemiological studies have been conducted, no synthesis of these data has been performed to date. The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of talon cusp and to investigate the link between sex and talon cusp. Source A systematic search was undertaken using the PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library electronic databases for publications from 1981 to 2020 investigating the prevalence of talon cusp and the link between talon cusp and sex. Study selection Three reviewers selected the studies independently, extracted the data in accordance with the PRISMA statement, and assessed the risk of bias via the GRADE & Cochrane approaches. Results From 39 potentially eligible studies, 9 were selected for full text analysis and 8 were included in the meta-analysis, representing 35,224 participants. The meta-analyses were performed with a random model, calculating a weighted-mean prevalence (at least one talon cusp per individual) of 1.67 %. Sex and talon cusp were not statistically significantly associated in our study (OR = 1.10; 95 % CI [0.82–1.47]; p > 0.05). Discussion We report the first prevalence of talon cusp provided by meta-analysis in a non-syndromic sample. A non-statistically significant association between sex and talon cusp is relevant in terms of genetic etiology. In order to improve the homogeneity and accuracy of the results of further studies, we propose a new universal scoring system for talon cusp. Clinical significance Talon cusp is a developmental anomaly with various clinical implications. Therapeutics may vary from simple monitoring to extraction of the supporting tooth. This condition occurs in approximately 1.67 % of the population.

Purpose The objective of this case series was to determine the oral, dental and craniofacial features of patients with EvC syndrome. Material and methods Eight patients with EvC syndrome were enrolled. A complete family history, pedigree analysis, detailed medical history were collected. Findings of clinical examination, including craniofacial and orodental manifestations, and radiological investigations were thoroughly studied. Results All eight patients had characteristic face, hypertrophic frenulum, conical and peg-shaped teeth, hypodontia of deciduous and/or permanent teeth and also skeletal dysplasia, small chest, short stature and hypoplastic nails. Additionally dysmorphic filtrum, serrated appearance of gingiva, diastema, enamel hypoplasia, microdontia, taurodontism, single rooted permanent molar, delayed eruption and high caries rate were observed with varying degrees. Cephalometric evaluation revealed skeletal Class III growth pattern in four subjects and Class II growth pattern in one subject. Conclusion Evaluation of craniofacial and orodental anomalies of EvC syndrome is required for accurate differential diagnosis from other congenital syndromes.

Objectives The present study aimed to identify the genetic cause of non-syndromic primary failure of tooth eruption in a five-generation consanguineous Saudi family using whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis. Design The family pedigree and phenotype were obtained from patient medical records. WES of all four affected family members was performed using the 51Mb SureSelect V4 library kit and then sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq2000 sequencing system. Sequence alignment, variant calling, and the annotation of single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels were performed using standard bioinformatics pipelines. The genotype of candidate variants was confirmed in all available family members by Sanger sequencing. Results Pedigree analysis suggested that the inheritance was autosomal recessive. WES of all affected individuals identified a novel homozygous variant in exon 8 of the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor gene (PTH1R) ( NM_000316 : c.611T>A: p.Val204Glu). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of primary failure of eruption caused by a homozygous mutation in PTH1R. Our findings prove the application of WES as an efficient molecular diagnostics tool for this rare phenotype and further broaden the clinical spectrum of PTH1R pathogenicity.

A molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a newly reported type of dental anomaly that involves a characteristic root malformation in permanent first molars and deciduous second molars and a crown defect in permanent central incisors. This case report describes a nonsurgical root canal treatment of a MIM-affected molar by aid of a reformatted axial view of the tooth cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A MIM-affected molar has calcified canal orifices and a few immature accessory furcal canals. Conventional root canal treatment with the aid of CBCT followed by resin restoration was performed on the tooth. The malformed roots of MIM teeth generally make it difficult to apply conventional endodontic treatment; however, it was possible to do with the aid of the reformatted axial view of the CBCT.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in the condition referred to as molar root-incisor malformation (MRIM) and elucidate the distribution of affected teeth. This study further aimed to identify associated environmental stressors. Study Design Individuals were identified through retrospective review of dental radiographs and through referral to the investigators. Histologic evaluation included examination of mineralized and decalcified sections of affected first permanent molar teeth. Results Thirty cases of MRIM were identified, with all having affected first permanent molars with dysplastic root formation. The primary second molars were affected in 57% of the cases, with permanent anterior teeth being involved in 40% of the cases. A variety of medical conditions were associated with MRIM, the most common being neurologic. Several affected individuals reported no significant past medical history or environmental stressors. Conclusions The etiology of MRIM remains unclear, and this unique developmental defect of the first permanent molar roots appears to occur in populations throughout the world. Clinicians identifying the MRIM phenotype should carefully evaluate the permanent incisors for associated developmental defects that could result in pulpal necrosis.

In the United States, the most widely used classification system for jaw deformities is the one provided by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Center for Health Statistics. This classification is part of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM), a taxonomy scheme that is based on the World Health Organization’s ICD, the world’s standard diagnostic tool for epidemiology, health management, and clinical care. 1 The most recent iteration of ICD-CM, the Tenth Revision (ICD-10-CM), sorts jaw deformities according to geometry into 3 groups: anomalies of jaw size, anomalies of the relation between the jaw and the cranial base, and unspecified (Table 1). 2 However, these deformities can affect 6 different geometric attributes: size, position, orientation, shape, symmetry, and completeness. In clinical practice and in teaching, the authors have found the ICD-CM classification to be incomplete and disjointed. With this in mind, the authors have developed a better classification system. The purpose of this report is to present it.

The aim of this study was to compare the pattern and prevalence of associated dental anomalies between maxillary and mandibular tooth agenesis (hypodontia).A sample of 3315 dental patients, aged 8.6 to 25.4 years, was surveyed for tooth agenesis (excluding third molars): 106 subjects were diagnosed with maxillary hypodontia (group 1) and 70 with mandibular hypodontia (group 2). Both groups were examined for the following dental anomalies: retained deciduous molars, infraocclusion of deciduous molars, impaction, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors, supernumerary teeth, transposition, transmigration, and ectopic eruption of the permanent molars. For statistical testing, the chi-square test (P0.05) was used to compare the occurrences of these anomalies among the groups.We found that 77.5% of the patients in the mandibular hypodontia group had at least 1 dental anomaly compared with 49.5% in the maxillary hypodontia group (P0.0001). The only dental anomaly with a significantly increased prevalence in the maxillary hypodontia group compared with the mandibular hypodontia group was microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisors (groups 1, 46.7%; group 2, 12.9%; P0.0001). On the other hand, the prevalences of retained deciduous molars (group 1, 9.4%; group 2, 60.0%), infraoccluded deciduous molars (group 1, 0.9%; group 2, 7.1%), and impacted teeth (group 1, 22.6%; group 2, 38.6%) were significantly higher in the mandibular hypodontia group. The prevalences of supernumerary teeth, transposition, transmigration, and ectopic eruption of permanent molars were low and not significantly different between the groups.Tooth agenesis isolated to the maxilla is frequently associated with microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisors, whereas tooth agenesis isolated to the mandible is frequently associated with retained deciduous molars, infraoccluded deciduous molars, and impacted teeth. The results of this study may provide additional evidence supporting the field-specific genetic control theory for dental development in both jaws.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of selected dental variations in association with infraocclusion, as well as determining the effects of infraocclusion on dental development and tooth size, in singletons and twins.Two samples were analysed. The first sample comprised 1454 panoramic radiographs of singleton boys and girls aged 8-11 years. The second sample comprised dental models of 202 pairs of monozygotic and dizygotic twins aged 8-11 years. Adobe Photoshop CS5 was used to construct reference lines and measure the extent of infraocclusion (in mm) of primary molars on the panoramic radiographs and on 2D images obtained from the dental models. The panoramic radiographs were examined for the presence of selected dental variations and to assess dental development following the Demirjian and Willems systems. The twins' dental models were measured to assess mesiodistal crown widths.In the singleton sample there was a significant association of canines in an altered position during eruption and the lateral incisor complex (agenesis and/or small tooth size) with infraocclusion (P0.001), but there was no significant association between infraocclusion and agenesis of premolars. Dental age assessment revealed that dental development was delayed in individuals with infraocclusion compared to controls. The primary mandibular canines were significantly smaller in size in the infraoccluded group (P0.05).The presence of other dental variations in association with infraocclusion, as well as delayed dental development and reduced tooth size, suggests the presence of a pleiotropic effect. The underlying aetiological factors may be genetic and/or epigenetic.

Between January and December 2013, the dental and periodontal health of 99 Swedish wild boars (Sus scrofa) was investigated. Sampling occurred in conjunction with routine hunting at six large estates in the southern and middle parts of Sweden. All six of the estates use supplemental feeding. The weight of the animals, their sex and their dates of death were noted. Age was estimated using tooth eruption and tooth replacement patterns. The oral cavity was inspected and abnormalities were recorded on a dental chart modified for wild boars. The findings included supernumerary teeth, absence of teeth, mild class II malocclusion, severe tooth wear, periodontitis, calculus, caries, tooth fractures and the presence of enamel defects. Swedish wild boars suffer from different dental lesions and the impact of supplemental feeding on dental and periodontal health is still to be investigated.

Background Dental caries is the main problem oral health and it is not well established in the literature if the enamel defects are a risk factor for its development. Objective Studies have reported a potential association between developmental defects enamel (DDE) and dental caries occurrence. We investigated the association between DDE and caries in permanent dentition of children and teenagers. Data sources A systematic review was carried out using four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct), which were searched from their earliest records until December 31, 2014. Study selection Population-based studies assessing differences in dental caries experience according to the presence of enamel defects (and their types) were included. PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews were followed. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled effect, and meta-regression was carried out to identify heterogeneity sources. From the 2558 initially identified papers, nine studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria after checking the titles, abstracts, references, and complete reading. Seven of them were included in the meta-analysis with random model. Results A positive association between enamel defects and dental caries was identified; meta-analysis showed that individuals with DDE had higher pooled odds of having dental caries experience [OR 2.21 (95% CI 1.3; 3.54)]. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that adjustment for sociodemographic factors, countries’ socioeconomic status, and bias (quality of studies) explained the high heterogeneity observed. Conclusion A higher chance of dental caries should be expected among individuals with enamel defects.

Background and Overview Dens invaginatus (DI) is defined as a rare dental malformation. The inherent structural variants of this anatomic disorder make it difficult to perform conventional endodontic treatment procedures by means of a conservative access cavity. In this clinical case report, the authors describe the treatment of a type II DI by means of guided splints for cavity access. Case Description This is a clinical report of a case of type II DI in a maxillary lateral incisor. The authors established the diagnosis by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The authors manufactured 3 splint guides from a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine file and a stereolithography file obtained from a plaster model of the patient by using software for guided implant placement, for access opening, and for locating the root canals. Conclusions CBCT is an effective method for obtaining information about the root canal system in teeth with DI. In addition, guided implant surgery software is effective for manufacturing splint guides for endodontic treatment with conservative pulp chamber access. Practical Implications Information obtained from CBCT allows the clinician to fabricate splint guides for minimally invasive access opening in this type of case, thus reducing the loss of dental tissue.

KBG syndrome is a rare disease characterized by intellectual disability, typical craniofacial dysmorphism, macrodontia of the upper central incisors, short stature, and skeletal anomalies. Recently, ANKRD11 was identified as a gene that is responsible for the disease. In addition, microdeletion of 16q24.3, including ANKRD11, has been reported to result in the KBG syndrome phenotype. Herein, we discuss a Korean family with KBG syndrome, as identified by ANKRD11 gene mutation. The patients included a nine-month-old boy and his 21-month-old sister who failed to thrive and have delayed development. Chromosomal microarray was performed to identify the underlying genetic cause, but the results showed no abnormalities. However, the mother of the children was found to have features similar to her children. Therefore, we strongly suspected an autosomal-dominant inherited disease and performed whole exome sequencing. A mutation of ANKRD11 gene was found in all patients, and the frameshift variant c.2395-2398delAAAG was confirmed. Clinical manifestations of the patients were consistent with KBG syndrome. We reviewed all reported cases with confirmed ANKRD11 mutation or 16q24.3 microdeletion including ANKRD11. As a result, we conclude that severe short stature, intellectual disability, and macrodontia are the main characteristics in KBG syndrome related to ANKRD11 mutation.

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between early and delayed surgical correction of malrotation in children with critical congenital heart disease (CHD).Patients with CHD who underwent cardiac surgery by 1 year of age and had malrotation diagnosed during their initial admission at 34 hospitals contributing to the Pediatric Health Information System in 2004-2009 were included. Ladd's procedures performed during the first admission were considered early correction, and those at a subsequent admission were considered delayed. Interhospital variability in the proportion of patients undergoing delayed correction was assessed, and outcomes were compared between the groups.Of the 324 patients identified, 85.2% underwent early correction. Significant variability existed in the proportion of patients undergoing delayed correction across hospitals (p0.0001). Baseline characteristics, including severity of CHD, were similar between the groups. In the delayed group, 27% of patients underwent a Ladd's procedure during an urgent or emergent admission, but none had volvulus or underwent intestinal resection. Rates of mortality and readmission within 1 year of malrotation diagnosis were similar in both groups. Chart validation confirmed 100% accuracy of diagnosis and treatment group assignment.In patients with critical CHD, delayed operative intervention for malrotation without volvulus may be a reasonable alternative.

PubMedID: 24717288 Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a focus of interest as a potential cancer therapy target. This membrane bound protease possesses the unique catalytic activity of hydrolysis of the post-proline bond two or more residues from the N-terminus of substrates. FAP is highly expressed in activated fibroblastic cells in tumours, arthritis and fibrosis. A rare, novel, human polymorphism, C1088T, encoding Ser363 to Leu, occurring in the sixth blade of the ß propeller domain, was identified in a family. Both in primary human fibroblasts and in Ser363LeuFAP transfected cells, we showed that this single substitution ablates FAP dimerisation and causes loss of enzyme activity. Ser363LeuFAP was detectable only in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in contrast to the distribution of wild-type FAP on the cell surface. The variant FAP showed decreased conformational antibody binding, consistent with an altered tertiary structure. Ser363LeuFAP expression was associated with upregulation of the ER chaperone BiP/GRP78, ER stress sensor ATF6, and the ER stress response target phospho-eIF2?, all indicators of ER stress. Proteasomal inhibition resulted in accumulation of Ser363LeuFAP, indicating the involvement of ER associated degradation (ERAD). Neither CHOP expression nor apoptosis was elevated, so ERAD is probably important for protecting Ser363LeuFAP expressing cells. These data on the first loss of function human FAP gene variant indicates that although the protein is vulnerable to an amino acid substitution in the ß-propeller domain, inactive, unfolded FAP can be tolerated by cells. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. Rebecca L. Cooper Medical Research Foundation: 571408 National Health and Medical Research Council National Health and Medical Research Council TWY and NAN were supported by Australian Postgraduate Awards. MDG was supported by project grants 512282 and 632822 from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and grants from the Rebecca L. Cooper Medical Research Foundation . GWM is supported by NHMRC program grant 571408 . We thank Professor John Bateman, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia for advice. Dr Ben Roediger and Dr Volker Benseler of Centenary Institute, and Eleanor Kable of Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, University of Sydney, assisted with confocal image analysis.

Temtamy preaxial brachydactyly syndrome (TPBS) is an autosomal recessive rare disorder characterized by hyperphalangism of digits, facial dysmorphism, dental anomalies, sensorineural hearing loss, delayed motor and mental development, and growth retardation. Loss of function mutations have been recently reported in the CHSY1 gene to cause the TPBS. Here, we report a novel missense mutation (c.1897 G > A) in the CHSY1 gene in two TPBS patients from a consanguineous Pakistani family. The mutation predicted substitution of a highly conserved aspartate amino acid residue to asparagine at position 633 in the protein (D633N). Polyphen analysis supported the pathogenicity of D36N mutation. Our finding extends the body of recent evidence that supports the role of CHSY1 as a potential mediator of BMP signaling.

Nance-Horan Syndrome (NHS) is a rare X-linked syndrome characterized by congenital cataract which leads to profound vision loss, characteristic dysmorphic features and specific dental anomalies. Microcornea, microphthalmia and mild or moderate mental retardation may accompany these features. Heterozygous females often manifest similarly but with less severe features than affected males. We describe two brothers who have the NHS phenotype and their carrier mother who had microcornea but not cataract. We identified a previously unreported frameshift mutation (c.558insA) in exon 1 of the NHS gene in these patients and their mother which is predicted to result in the incorporation of 11 aberrant amino acids prior to a stop codon (p.E186Efs11X). We also discussed genotype-phenotype correlation according to relevant literature. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The retinoblastoma is one of the most common tumors of the eye diagnosed in childhood. The treatment for patients with retinoblastoma includes surgical removal of the lesion along with adjunctive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If the tumor is controlled, these treatments can have secondary adverse effects pertaining to the growth and development of orofacial structures in young patients. This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient who underwent enucleation followed by radiation therapy and adjunctive chemotherapy to treat the primary diagnosis of retinoblastoma. This therapy resulted in a combination of dental and facial growth and developmental abnormalities.

Introduction The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontics for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up has been extensively reported in the literature. Compared with the traditional spiral computed tomography, high-resolution limited CBCT results in a fraction of the effective absorbed dose of radiation. However, it should be prescribed only after weighing the cost of radiation exposure with the benefit of the diagnostic information that can be obtained from the scan. Methods The purpose of this article is to discuss the application and advantages of intraoperative CBCT in endodontics, while reducing radiation exposure during complex endodontic procedures. Results In cases of increased difficulty or intraoperative complications such as complex anatomy, dystrophic calcifications, root resorptions, perforations, and root fractures, it is prudent to consider the use of CBCT with its inherent diagnostic value and limited radiation exposure. Conclusions The benefits of the added diagnostic information provided by intraoperative CBCT images in select cases justify the risk associated with the limited level of radiation exposure.

We present a de novo 1.4 Mb deletion of chromosome 19p13.11-p13.12 in a 16 year old boy with intellectual disability, autistic features, microcephaly, hearing impairment, hypertrichosis, synophrys, protruding front teeth, and other dysmorphic features. By comparing our patient to reported cases with overlapping deletions, we have refined the minimal critical region of hypertrichosis, synophrys, and protruding front teeth to 305 kb, a region containing seven genes. CASP14, which is considered a good candidate gene for hypertrichosis, is not included in this region, questioning the causal relationship.

Summary Introduction The aim of this investigation was to study the prevalence of tooth transposition in a population of orthodontic patients. Materials and methods A total of 547 patient records from our dentofacial orthopedics department were consulted. Each file included clinical observations, panoramic radiography, lateral cephalograms and dental casts. Patients with incomplete or poorly kept orthodontic records were excluded from the sample, as were those with unreadable panoramic radiographs. The classification of tooth transpositions used in the study was that first proposed by S. Peck and L. Peck in 1995. Computerized statistical analysis was performed using Epi-Info 6.0. Results The prevalence of tooth transposition was 2%, with the female population more heavily affected (64%). Tooth transposition occurred only in the maxillary arch. Of all the teeth, the canines were the most involved in this anomaly (100%). Transposition was associated with tooth agenesis in 18% of cases, peg lateral incisors in 27%, and persistent deciduous teeth in 18%. Conclusion The prevalence of tooth transposition in this study population remained low, but was nonetheless higher than that found in most published investigations.

Many authors have examined the surgical bone treatment of cleft palate patients, but no study has emphasized the role of orthodontic therapy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term stability of bone grafts when using an orthodontic-surgical protocol, to determine the success of bone grafts in minor vs severe clefts, and to develop a qualitative method for assessing the success of bone grafting.Forty-nine patients were included in this study. Occlusal x-rays were taken before (T0), immediately after (T1), and at least 1 year after bone grafting (T2). Two radiographic parameters were analyzed adjacent to the cleft side: the vertical bone level (Bergland scale) and the horizontal bone level (Witherow-derived scale).The bone graft success at T2 was 91.84% (95% confidence interval, 84.55-96.41). The severity of the cleft before grafting was not statistically correlated with success at T2 (P0.05). The concordance rate between Bergland and Witherow values was 87.07% (95% confidence interval, 82.69-90.69). The variables analyzed (sex, age, type of cleft, lateral incisor agenesis) were not statistically correlated (P0.05) with the stability of bone graft. Based on the results, the only factor involved in the stability of the graft seems to be dental age at the time of bone grafting and the orthodontic therapy before and after grafting.It seems appropriate to recommend early application of a surgical-orthodontic protocol to treat cleft lip and palate patients, prevent postoperative bone resorption, and guarantee correct positioning of the teeth.

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by connexins, in particular connexin 43 (Cx43), plays important roles in regulating signal transmission among different bone cells and thereby regulates development, differentiation, modeling and remodeling of the bone. GJIC regulates osteoblast formation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. Osteoclast formation and resorptive ability are also reported to be modulated by GJIC. Furthermore, osteocytes utilize GJIC to coordinate bone remodeling in response to anabolic factors and mechanical loading. Apart from gap junctions, connexins also form hemichannels, which are localized on the cell surface and function independently of the gap junction channels. Both these channels mediate the transfer of molecules smaller than 1.2kDa including small ions, metabolites, ATP, prostaglandin and IP3. The biological importance of the communication mediated by connexin-forming channels in bone development is revealed by the low bone mass and osteoblast dysfunction in the Cx43-null mice and the skeletal malformations observed in occulodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) caused by mutations in the Cx43 gene. The current review summarizes the role of gap junctions and hemichannels in regulating signaling, function and development of bone cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.

The expression of multiple connexin (Cx) types in the epidermis, their differential expression during wound closure and the association of skin pathology with specific Cx gene mutations, are indicative of important functions for Cxs in the skin. In this review, we focus on the role of Cx proteins in the epidermis and during wound healing and discuss mutations in Cx genes which cause skin disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of variations in tooth number, shape and position in the dental arch to determine if there are parts of the dental arch that show a higher prevalence of tooth variability.198 randomly selected Caucasian subjects (93 females, 105 males) aged between 10.0 and 24.5 years (mean age 14.15, SD 2.34 years) were included. A total of 5544 teeth were examined and dental anomalies of tooth number, shape and position (oral teeth positions and teeth rotations greater than 45°) were recorded.18.68 per cent of the subjects had one or more unerupted teeth. Aplasia as the cause of uneruption was found in 12.12 per cent of the subjects, statistically significantly more frequently in females than males (Fisher test, p0.05). Tooth shape anomalies were found in 6.57 per cent of the sample, more frequently in males than females (Fisher test, p0.05). Oral position of one or more teeth was found in 47.98 per cent of the sample, whilst rotations greater than 45° were found in 15.66 per cent, with no statistically significant differences between females and males. One or more of the observed dental anomalies were found in several tooth types, however all the observed dental anomalies were found only in second premolars and in upper lateral incisor.According to the results of this study, it seems that some places in the dental arch show a greater variability in terms of tooth number, shape and position. This could be a result of genetic and environmental influences during odontogenesis or a result of evolutionary trends.

Objective We investigated the disease-causing gene of oligodontia in Chinese families and analysed the pathogenesis of mutations of this gene that results in oligodontia. Methods Two families with oligodontia, but of different descent and 100 unrelated healthy controls were enrolled in our study. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples. Mutation analysis was performed by amplifying MSX1 and PAX9 exons and sequencing the products. After identifying the mutations, we performed site-directed mutagenesis to generate mutated vectors. The wild-type and mutated PAX9 vectors were then transfected separately to NIH3T3 cells. Immunolocalization, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and luciferase reporter assay were performed to analyse the effects of mutations on protein function. Results We identified two novel missense mutations, Leu27Pro (L27P) and Ile29Thr (I29T) in the paired-domain of PAX9. Analysis of homologous PAX proteins indicated that these two substitutions may affect the function of the PAX9 protein. Results of immunofluorescence and western blot showed that the mutations did not alter the nuclear localization of PAX9. EMSA and luciferase reporter assays indicated that both the mutated proteins could not bind DNA or transactivate the BMP4 promoter. Conclusions Two novel missense mutations in PAX9 have been indentified in Chinese families causing oligodontia.

Oculo-facio-cardio-dental (OFCD) syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by ocular, facial, cardiac, and dental disorders. Only about 20 cases have been reported to date. The most prominent of the various features of this syndrome is canine radiculomegaly. Other features include a long and narrow face, a high nasal bridge, a broad and pointed nose, a bifid nose, ear deformity, cleft palate or submucous cleft palate, maxillary growth retardation, a large gonial angle, open apices, delayed eruption, persistent deciduous teeth, extreme overbite, and constricted maxilla. Orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment has been reported for several patients, but surgical-orthodontic treatment for OFCD has not been reported. An 18-year-old woman with skeletal Class III malocclusion and OFCD syndrome was treated with edgewise appliance therapy combined with orthognathic surgery. We applied a light force during the treatment so as not to induce ankylosis. At the end of the surgical and orthodontic treatments, functional occlusion and an improved facial profile were achieved. After the retention period, stomatognathic function was improved. The results of this treatment suggest that surgical-orthodontic treatment is an effective method for improving skeletal disharmony, facial profile, occlusion, and stomatognathic function in patients with OFCD.

a b s t r a c t Objective: Malocclusions are relative infrequently analysed in bioarchaeological investigations and if investigated the samples are very small. This research provides analysis of orthodontic anomalies of even 1118 individuals from the Late Antique (LA) and Early Mediaeval (EM) period. Aims were to describe the prevalence of orthodontic anomalies in this historical period and to analyse which orthodontic anomalies are best suitable for bioarchaeological investigations. Methods: 1118 skulls were examined for anomalies of tooth number, tooth displacement (rotation, malposition, diastema and crowding) as well as for malocclusions. Results: The prevalence of hypodontia in the LA was 41.02% and 30.61% in the EM sample. Tooth displacement was noticed in 15.63% individuals from the LA and in 12.42% individuals from EM. About 26% of the LA sample and 7.19% of the EM sample were affected with tooth crowding and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Orthodontic anomalies affecting only one tooth or group of teeth are more suitable for examination in bioarchaeological investigations than orthodontic features requiring presence of both jaws and all or almost all teeth. Clinical investigation protocols and methodology should be adopted for bioarchaeological researches and international standards and recommendations should be established for this kind of investigation on skeletal remains.

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to critically evaluate the literature, describe the clinical and radiographic features of HD-SOD (hemimaxillofacial dysplasia/segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia), and describe one new case, involving a 12-year-old boy, with detailed radiological, clinical, and histologic characteristics. Methods Thirty-six cases published between 1987 and 2010, together with the present case, were evaluated according to criteria that included gender, age, location of the lesion, findings, and symptoms. Results We found that the lesion is discovered mainly in the first decade of life (71%), and has a male predilection (64%, 23/64). The maxillary alveolar process was affected unilaterally in all cases, with gingival and bone enlargement and facial asymmetry being constant findings. Missing premolars and skin manifestations were found to be common features. Conclusions New case reports should include clinical, radiographic, and histologic findings; follow-up reports; and treatment protocols to improve dentist and parent information regarding HD.

Objective. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is rarely reported in the Indian population. We present the clinical and radiological features of 6 cases of NBCCS in Indian patients. Study Design. The clinical and radiological features of 6 cases of NBCCS were characterized into major and minor criteria and compared with features reported in Indian patients and in patients from other parts of the world. Results. The most common features seen were presence of multiple keratocystic odontogenic tumors, rib abnormalities, and calcification of falx cerebri. Talons cusp and supernumerary teeth are features not previously reported in association with NBCCS. Basal cell carcinoma was not seen in any patient. Conclusions. Combining the current series with 17 additional cases reported in Indian patients, it is evident that the frequency of clinical and radiological features in NBCCS in Indian patients differs from other ethnic groups. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2012;113:99-110) Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also known as Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, is an infrequent multisystemic disease with a spectrum of developmental anomalies and predisposition to a range of neoplasms. 1-3 Its occurrence has been observed even in ancient Egyptian skeletons of the Dynastic period. 4 The

The authors conducted a study to quantify the reasons for restoring noncarious tooth defects (NCTDs) by dentists in The Dental Practice-Based Research Network (DPBRN) and to assess the tooth, patient and dentist characteristics associated with those reasons.Data were collected by 178 DPBRN dentists regarding the placement of 1,301 consecutive restorations owing to NCTDs. Information gathered included the main clinical reason, other than dental caries, for restoration of previously unrestored permanent tooth surfaces; characteristics of patients who received treatment; dentists' and dental practices' characteristics; teeth and surfaces restored; and restorative materials used.Dentists most often placed restorations to treat lesions caused by abrasion, abfraction or erosion (AAE) (46 percent) and tooth fracture (31 percent). Patients 41 years or older received restorations mainly because of AAE (P.001). Premolars and anterior teeth were restored mostly owing to AAE; molars were restored mostly owing to tooth fracture (P.001). Dentists used directly placed resin-based composite (RBC) largely to restore AAE lesions and fractured teeth (P.001).Among DPBRN practices, AAE and tooth fracture were the main reasons for restoring noncarious tooth surfaces. Pre-molars and anterior teeth of patients 41 years and older are most likely to receive restorations owing to AAE; molars are most likely to receive restorations owing to tooth fracture. Dentists restored both types of NCTDs most often with RBC.

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), also known as Goltz-Gorlin syndrome, is an autosomal dominant disease affecting tissues derived from the ectoderm and mesoderm. Knowledge and early diagnosis of the craniofacial alterations commonly found in patients with FDH provide oral health care professionals with effective preventive and therapeutic tools. This article aims to review the craniofacial characteristics present in FDH and the main systemic manifestations that have implications for dental management, while presenting a new case of the syndrome with novel oral findings.

We report a series of 5 cases of segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia (SOMD) with follow-up periods ranging from 8 to 21 years, bringing the total number of reported cases to 45. SOMD is a sporadic, mesoectodermal dysplasia that presents early in life, possibly as early as in utero and exhibits male gender predominance (1.7:1.0). Its features include enlargement of the soft tissue and/or bone of 1 hemimaxilla that may produce mild facial asymmetry. Subsequent growth of the affected area is proportional to that of the unaffected hemimaxilla. Sclerotic radiographic bone changes and dental developmental abnormalities are also present. The dense bone, which often exhibits a radiographic vertical orientation of the trabecular bone pattern, is typically associated with delayed eruption of the teeth. Congenitally missing premolar teeth (either or both) is a common feature of this condition that is of significant diagnostic value. Although ipsilateral cutaneous findings have been reported in 23%, our cases exhibited none. Computed tomographic imaging demonstrated extensive involvement of the maxillary bone, including the lateral wall and floor of the maxillary sinus and the hard palate. The affected bone presents no impediment to either orthodontic tooth movement or to the successful osteointegration of dental implants. The cause of SOMD is unknown; the clues to the cause of this unusual phenotypic expression are buried in the intricacies of developmental biology within the first branchial arch.

Congenital hyperextension deformities of the knee comprise a spectrum of lesions, including simple hyperextension, subluxation, and complete dislocation. At least half of the babies presenting with these deformities will have some passive flexion at birth that can be managed with casting and/or a Pavlik harness to maintain knee flexion for a few weeks. Fixed subluxation/dislocation is more difficult to treat and often accompanies the fixed dislocation of the hips in the neonate.1-3 In 1950, Larsen et al described multiple congenital large joint dislocations that were associated with facial abnormalities in six genetically-independent patients. The most striking findings were typical flattened “dish-like” faces, bilateral dislocations of multiple joints, and equinovarus deformities of the feet.4 Affected individuals had cylindrical shaped tapering fingers, and a cleft palate and abnormalities in the spinal segmentation were occasionally present. Since that report, numerous other associated clinical and radiographic findings have been determined. Autosomal dominant transmission with clinical heterogeneity is the more common mode of inheritance of this syndrome.4-6 Latta et al identified a juxtacalcaneal accessory bone that may be specific for this syndrome and indicated that congenital knee dislocation is the most difficult deformity to treat.5 Spinal maldevelopment in patients with Larsen syndrome is not an uncommon abnormality and requires prompt measures to prevent cervical spine kyphosis.7,8 In the present work, we report the short-term outcome using serial manipulations and casting followed by an open quadriceps tenotomy for knee dislocation in a child with Larsen syndrome.

Age of tooth emergence is a useful measure of the pace of life for primate species, both living and extinct. A recent study combining wild chimpanzees of the Tai Forest, Gombe, and Bossou by Zihlman et al. (2004) suggested that wild chimpanzees erupt teeth much later than captives, bringing into question both comparisons within the hominin fossil record and assessment of chimpanzees. Here, we assess the magnitude of the “wild effect” (the mean difference between captive and wild samples expressed in standard deviation units) in these chimpanzees. Tooth emergence in these wild individuals is late, although at a more moderate level than previously recorded, with a mean delay conservatively estimated at about 1 SD compared to the captive distributions. The effect rises to 1.3 SD if we relax criteria for age estimates. We estimate that the mandibular M1 of these wild chimpanzees emerges at about 3 2/3–3 ¾ years of age. An important point, often ignored, is that these chimpanzees are largely dead of natural causes, merging the effect of living wild with the effect of early death. Evidence of mortality selection includes, specifically: younger deaths appear to have been more delayed than the older in tooth emergence, more often showed evidence of disease or debilitation, and revealed a higher occurrence of dental anomalies. Notably, delay in tooth emergence for live-captured wild baboons appears lower in magnitude (ca. 0.5 SD) and differs in pattern. Definitive ages of tooth emergence times in living wild chimpanzees must be established from the study of living animals. The fossil record, of course, consists of many dead juveniles; the present study has implications for how we evaluate them.

Neanderthals have a distinctive suite of dental features, including large anterior crown and root dimensions and molars with enlarged pulp cavities. Yet, there is little known about variation in molar root morphology in Neanderthals and other recent and fossil members of Homo . Here, we provide the first comprehensive metric analysis of permanent mandibular molar root morphology in Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo neanderthalensis , and Late Pleistocene (Aterian) and recent Homo sapiens . We specifically address the question of whether root form can be used to distinguish between these groups and assess whether any variation in root form can be related to differences in tooth function. We apply a microtomographic imaging approach to visualise and quantify the external and internal dental morphologies of both isolated molars and molars embedded in the mandible ( n = 127). Univariate and multivariate analyses reveal both similarities (root length and pulp volume) and differences (occurrence of pyramidal roots and dental tissue volume proportion) in molar root morphology among penecontemporaneous Neanderthals and Aterian H. sapiens . In contrast, the molars of recent H. sapiens are markedly smaller than both Pleistocene H. sapiens and Neanderthals, but share with the former the dentine volume reduction and a smaller root-to-crown volume compared with Neanderthals. Furthermore, we found the first molar to have the largest average root surface area in recent H. sapiens and Neanderthals, although in the latter the difference between M 1 and M 2 is small. In contrast, Aterian H. sapiens root surface areas peak at M 2 . Since root surface area is linked to masticatory function, this suggests a distinct occlusal loading regime in Neanderthals compared with both recent and Pleistocene H. sapiens .