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Dental status of three Egyptian mummies: radiological investigation by multi-slice CT
No full textObjective. The aim of the study was to provide a paleopathologic and radiologic overview of the jaws and teeth of 3
Egyptian mummies preserved in the Civic Museum of History and Art in Trieste. Computerized tomography (CT)
imaging and postprocessing techniques were used to examine the oral structures.
Study design. A 16-slice CT scanner was used (Aquilion 16; Toshiba Medical Systems Europe, Zoetermeer, The
Netherlands). Scans were obtained at high resolution. Orthogonal-plane and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were
created along with curved reconstructions of the lower and upper jaws. Determination of decayed/missing teeth (DMT)
and decayed/missing/tooth surfaces (DMTs) were made with 3D images.
Results. Analyses revealed differences in the embalming techniques and state of preservation of the bodies. Marked
wear of the occlusal surfaces was a characteristic finding in all of the mummies. The DMT and DMTs were low
compared with values for contemporary populations. Two mummies had fully erupted third molars. All mummies
exhibited bone changes consistent with periodontitis.
Conclusion. The CT evaluations of the oral structures of the mummies provided insight into the dental status and oral
diseases of these ancient Egyptians. The low DMT and DMTs values and indications of periodontitis may be associated
with the lifestyle of these Egyptians. The fully erupted and well aligned third molars may represent a morphologic
adaptation of the arches to the muscular activity associated with grinding tough foods
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