OkieGranny
Retired WS Staff
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2013
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Okay, let's not leap to conclusions about the teeth.
This is the best summary of info I could find on teeth missing from skeletal remains. I should include a *mildly graphic* warning here. Case histories, diagrams, and two black and white photos.
Scattered Skeletal Human Remains: Search Strategy Considerations for Locating Missing Teeth
When teeth aren't found with skeletal remains, it's usually because the officials working the scene didn't properly screen the soil in the vicinity.
This is the best summary of info I could find on teeth missing from skeletal remains. I should include a *mildly graphic* warning here. Case histories, diagrams, and two black and white photos.
Scattered Skeletal Human Remains: Search Strategy Considerations for Locating Missing Teeth
With the disappearance of the surrounding soft tissue and the periodontal ligament, teeth commonly become disassociated from their alveoli. This is true for single-rooted teeth such as incisors and canines, but also holds for immature molars and premolars, and when the roots of multi-rooted teeth are not sufficiently splayed to lock them into their sockets.
When teeth aren't found with skeletal remains, it's usually because the officials working the scene didn't properly screen the soil in the vicinity.