Hypercementosis study of ancient populations in Colima

Abstract

During the paleopathological analysis of seven Prehispanic series from Colima, sheltered in the Osteology Lab from National School of Anthropology and History, hypercementosis cases (hyperplasia of the cement) were detected, in individuals who had severe degree of thickening cement of teeth. Of 64 cases analyzed, 24 individuals (37.5 %) had hypercementosis in varying degrees, including severe cases. The method used for identification was macroscopic and radiological observations. Although the etiology of this disease is still unknown, its presence has generally been associated with trauma, severe tooth wear, occlusal stress, periodontal disease, and systemic diseases, including Paget. In the present study the aim was to identify factors that might generate its appearance in these individuals, in particular, its relationship to oral pathology, diet and occlusal stress. The results show that the alteration is associated with the presence of periodontitis and dental calculus, and not a trauma or tooth wear, as has been reported in previous studies.