Conventional Microscopy Makes Perikymata Count and Spacing Data Feasible for Large Samples

Authors

Heather J H Edgar, Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Emily Moes, Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Cathy Willermet, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA
Corey S. Ragsdale, Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Current methods of quantifying defects of dental enamel (DDE) include either gross or low-level examination for linear enamel hypoplasia, histological analysis of striae of Retzius, or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of a tooth or a tooth cast. Gross examination has been shown to miss many defects. Other methods can be destructive, require transporting samples, and are expensive. Here, we show that digital light microscopy (DLM) can be used for the analysis of DDE as indicated by widened perikymata spacing (WPS). This method takes advantage of high-power (100×) microscopy, but is non-destructive, can be implemented almost anywhere, and is inexpensive.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: As proof of concept, we created photomontages of labial surfaces of five human canines from images made using DLM and SEM. We counted and measured the widths of all visible perikymata for each imaging modality and fit measurements to a negative curve representing the expected values for each tooth. We calculated residuals for each measurement. WPS were defined when R

RESULTS: There were more WPS detected in the images derived from DLM than from SEM. Overall, the data derived from the two imaging modalities provided similar information about the frequency and timing of stress during dental development.

CONCLUSIONS: The method described here allows for DDE data acquisition as WPS from large samples, making feasible population-level studies that reflect sophisticated understanding of dental development.

Recommended Citation

Edgar HJH, Moes E, Willermet C, S Ragsdale C. Conventional microscopy makes perikymata count and spacing data feasible for large samples. Am J Phys Anthropol. 2021 Oct;176(2):321-331. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.24369. Epub 2021 Jul 17. PMID: 34272873.