The present protocol describes the techniques for the systematic assessment of skull specimens to characterize anatomical and developmental variations and abnormalities of the teeth, periodontal disease, endodontal disease, and temporomandibular joint pathology.
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Method Article
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
In This Article
Summary
Abstract
Museum skull specimens represent a non-invasive, informative, and readily available means to study temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lesions, dental pathology, and anatomic variations in many mammalian species. Studying the teeth and jaws of an array of species can present a challenge requiring attention to detail and understanding of a species' normal anatomy. In the present article, a systematic and precise protocol for examining skull specimens is discussed that has been applied to a variety of mammals to define characteristic diseases in the oromaxillofacial region. The procedure outlined is simultaneously precise, repeatable, and adaptable to the highly differing skull and tooth shapes and anatomy across species. Specifically, specimens are examined for missing teeth, periodontal disease, endodontal disease, TMJ pathology, and anatomical variations. Results gleaned from research on museum specimens may reflect the natural history, health, and disease status of individuals and species. Furthermore, these data can inform ecological and conservation research efforts, as well as the care of captive individuals.
Introduction
The development of jaws and teeth marks a critical time point in the evolution and development of vertebrates. While jaws initially developed as part of a mechanism of respiration in aquatic and marine species, teeth offered a new manner of apprehending and processing prey items1,2. Since the development of jaws and teeth, organisms have evolved innumerable variations in anatomy that correspond to their function and reflect the ecologic role to which they belong. Due to their mineralized nature, teeth and skulls represent a bounty of information that persists in the environment and fossil record and can offer ....
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Protocol
The present study was conducted using specimens from the Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, and the Museum of the North, University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Permission to examine skull specimens and publish works from the data was obtained from the museums that own and manage each collection.
1. Specimen selection and documentation
- Document specimen information, including identification numbers, species, sex, and location of origin.
NOTE: The number of specimens held within a certain col....
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Results
The current protocol results in a combination of objective and semi-subjective data, and the positive outcome depends on the accurate and repeatable assessment of specimens. Multiple observers with knowledge of the normal anatomy of the target species and an understanding of general dental and maxillofacial pathology ideally must be present to assess each specimen to minimize bias systematically. The assessment of each specimen must be discussed, and a consensus needs to be obtained. No threshold for the number of specim.......
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Discussion
The anatomy of the teeth and jaws is a quintessential example of divergent evolution and is a true reflection of a species' natural history, behavior, and health status. An individual's oral health may play directly into their survival and fitness. The current study outlines a systematic, reproducible, and detailed manner of assessing the dental health and TMJ abnormalities of museum specimens that may reflect pathology in live populations.
Despite dental diseases universally affecting.......
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Disclosures
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, and the Museum of the North, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, for making their collections available for this research.
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Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arctos Collaborative Collection Management Solution | https://arctosdb.org | ||
| Disposible Nitrile Gloves | |||
| Double-Ended Dental Explorer/Probe, #2 Handle | Hu Friedy | 541-5860 | |
| High resolution digital camera | |||
| Light source | |||
| Magnifying glass (Optional) | |||
| Surgical Magnification Loupes (Optional) | Surgitel | EVC00TTL |
References
- Reif, W. E. Evolution of Dermal Skeleton and Dentition in Vertebrates. Evolutionary Biology: Volume 15. Hecht, M. K. , Springer. New York, NY. 287-368 (1982).
- Mallat, J. Ventilation and the origin of jawed vertebrates: A new mouth. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 117 (4), 329-404 (1....
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