Brief Communication: Identification Reassessment of the Isolated Tooth Krapina D58 Through Occlusal Fingerprint Analysis

摘要

High variability in the dentition of Homoncan create uncertainties in the correct identification of iso-nlated teeth. For instance, standard tooth identificationncriteria cannot determine with absolute certainty if an iso-nlated tooth is a second or third maxillary molar. In thisncontribution, using occlusal fingerprint analysis, we reas-nsess the identification of Krapina D58 (Homo neandertha-nlensis), which is catalogued as a third maxillary molar. Wenhave hypothesized that the presence/absence of the distalnocclusal wear facets can be used to differentiate secondnfrom third maxillary molars. The results obtained confirmnour hypothesis, showing a significant difference betweennsecond and third maxillary molars. In particular we notenthe complete absence of Facets 7 and 10 in all third molarsnincluded in this analysis. The presence of these facets innKrapina D58 eliminates the possibility that it is a thirdnmaxillary molar. Consequently it should be reclassified asna second molar. Although this method is limited by thendegree of dental wear (i.e., unworn teeth cannot be ana-nlyzed) and to individual molars in full occlusion, it can benused for tooth identification when other common criterianare not sufficient to discriminate between second andnthird maxillary molars