Analysis of dental chipping for identifying and diagnosing tooth fracture patterns in osteological series

Objective

To develop a specific methodology for identifying dental chipping and determining its temporal occurrence in past populations.

Design

The analysed sample comprised of 2191 human teeth from various Bronze Age on the Iberian Peninsula (Argar culture, 1900–1450 cal BC). Among these, 471 chipped teeth were identified. Chipping was examined using various microscopic techniques (digital three-dimensional, optical, and confocal), focusing on distribution, morphology, position in the tooth, extent of damage, and post-chipping antemortem modifications (PCAM).

Results

The distribution and morphology of the chips enabled the identification chipping mechanism of the chipping, providing valid criteria to distinguish between antemortem and postmortem chipping. Microscopic analyses of the chipping segments—edges, sidewalls, surface, and surrounding area—facilitated determination of the time the chip ocurred (antemortem: recent, less recent, or not recent).

Conclusions

While experimental studies provide valuable insights into chipping mechanisms, many criteria may not be applicable to past populations because of the presence of PCAM. The lack of PCAM in some Argaric teeth suggests that previous studies may have underestimated the prevalence of chipping in past populations.