(
Advances in Dental Anthropology, pages 13-31
3
Scoring Procedures for Key Morphological
T raits of the Permanent D entition:
The Arizona State University Dental
Anthropology System
Christy G. Turner II, Christian R. Nichol, and G. R ichard Scott
Department of Anthropology, Arizona Srate University, Tempe, Arizona 85287 (C. G. T, C. R.N.); Department of
Anthropology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 (G.R.S)
INTRODUCTION
The observation of a dental morphological charac-
teristic in a manner other than by the presence/ab-
sence dichotomy is first seen in Ales Hrdlicka's
(1920) work on incisor shoveling. To be sure, other
early workers discussed gradations in tooth fom1, but
as rightfully criticized by Hrdlicka, they examined
the form of the whole tooth rather than focusing upon
individual anatomical variants. In his classic paper
on the shovel-shaped tooth, Hrdlicka (1920) notes
that the characteristic, when present, takes on differ-
ent forms ranging from minimal to maximal expres-
sion, and he gives descriptions and photographs to
aid others in making the same sort of observations .
The next phase in the deveiopment of standardized
technique for the observation of dental morphology
was the work of A.A. Dahlberg beginning in the late
1940s. Not only did he develop graded standards for
a large anay of characteristic's, but he made the im-
portant step of devising plaster plaques which could
be distributed to other workers in the field (Dahlberg,
1956). Some of the standards represented in the
Dahlberg series include plaques for shoveling , dou-
ble-shoveling, the hypocone, Carabelli's trait/cusp,
and the protostylid. During the early I 960s, Hanihara
(1961) developed observation standards for various
characteristics of the deciduous dentition.
As Dahlberg (I 956) has stated, his standards were
not intended to be the final word on this subject.
With-this in mind, work on the development of stan-
© 1991 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
dards for the observation of dental morphological
variants in the permanent dentition has continued at
the Dental Anthropology Laboratory of Arizona State
University. The result of this work is the Arizona
State University Dental Anthropology System.
The intention of the Dahlberg and AS U standards
is to permit observation beyond the presence/absence
dichotomy, and at the same time, to promote repli-
cability of results between \)bservers. The theory be-
hind the development of th:)se standards is to devise
a plaque which give:s physi<~tl representations of min-
imal and maximal trait exfiression and various gra-
dations between th0se twc( points. In selecting the
representatives of these graiies, the developer should
have the intention i"if makir;~ the finest level distinc-
tions possible that -~ an be ·f.epeated accurately. The
class intervals betwS~n the gi·ades of a standard should
be approximately e(f;ral. Mc)re than 5, but less than 10
grades of occurren2~ is idenl for most characters.
Dental anatomy ··iextboo~s ·describe many more
features than those !Ised in -·\he ASU Dental Anthro-
pology System. Tlw traits 4sed in this system have
been selected for standardiz~d study because they are
those most easily aQd relia~ly observed, most persist
for many years in dentally h-1\rsh lifeways (usually the
case with archaeolcigicanj::derived samples), most
have low or no sex dimorph(sm, the fossil record has
shown that (whatever thd r adaptive value) they
evolve very slowly ~nd, altqgether, these traits pow-
erfully characterize .popula\!ons for affinity studies.
Furthemwre, this battery of characters provides the
14 Turner et al.
Fig. 1. Shove ling plaque, ·upper latera l incisors.
maximum information with a minimum of observa-
tion time and cost. These and other reasons for the
use of dental morphology in anthropological research
are extensively discussed by Scott and Turner
(1988).
The following is a description of the scoring pro-
cedures in the current AS U Dental Anthropology
System. For each character in the system, the name
of the trait, the teeth on which it may be observed, a
definition or tocational comment, the name(s) of the
developer(s) and reference (if any) of the procedure,
the name of the standard reference plaque (if any),
the scoring categories, and any additional comments
to aid in the use of the trait or procedure are given.
Space limits illustrating all trai ts, but a few examples
are provided. A complete set of plaques can be ob-
tained at cost from the senior author. The plaques
should be used for making observations, not the pho-
tographs in this article , so that a three-dimensional
appreciation of the characters may be obtained.
MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE
CROWNS AND ROOTS
Winging
Upper central incisor. Rotation of the upper central
incisors is a character discussed. by Enoki and Dahl-
berg (195 8) . Their procedure as modified by Turner
(1 970) is followed (no reference plaque). The scoring
is as follows :
l. Bilateral winging: Central incisors are rotated
mes iolingually, giving a V-shaped appearance when
viewed from the occlusal surface. When the angle
formed is greater than 20 degrees, it is classed as 1A;
when less than 20 degrees, lB.
2 . Unilateral winging: Only one of the incisors is
rotated. The other is straight. No subclasses are rec-
ognized.
3. Straight: Both teeth form a straight labial sur-
face , or follow the curvature of the dental arcade.
4. Counter-winging: One or both teeth are rotated
distolingually.
Comments. Because the mesiolingual rotation of
both of the incisors is thought to be the result of a
genetic system, and mesiolingual rotation of a single
incisor or distolingual rotation of one or both incisors
seems to be caused by tooth crowding, the status of
both antimeres must be considered , when possible.
Judgment is required if winging is present and there
is crowding of adjacent teeth.
Shoveling
Upper incisors, canine, and lower incisors. The
presence of lingual marginal ridges. Scaling of this
feature was first proposed by Hrdlicka (1920) , a
plaque developed by Dahlberg (1956) , and an ex-
panded classification developed by Scott (1973).
Reference plaques: Ull -ASU Ull shovel; UI2 ,
UC-ASU UI2 shovel ; Lll , LI2-ASU L1 shovel.
Figure 1 shows the UI2 shovel plaque. Scoring (Uil ,
UI2, UC):
0. None: Lingual surface is essentially flat.
1. Faint: Very slight elevations of mesial and di-
stal aspects of lingual surface can be seen and
palpated.
2. Trace: Elevations are easily seen. This grade is
probably cons idered minimal expression by
most observers .
3. Semishovel: Stronger ridging is present and
Scoring Procedures for Dental Traits 15
Fig. 2. Double-shoveling plaque, upper incisors.
there is a tendency for ridge convergence at the Comments. The medial two-thirds of the tooth ,
cingulum . rather than the margins. should be observed to avoid
4. Semishovel: Convergence and ridging are false impressions which can result from the presence
stronger than in grade 3. of shoveling or double-shoveling. Ideall y, labial con-
5. Shovel: Strong development of ridges, which vexity should be assessed at a location approximately
almost contact at the cingulum. one-third of the way down from the occlusal surface,
6. Marked shovel: Strongest development. Mesial or two-thirds of the distance up from the crown-root
and distal lingual ridges are sometimes in con- junction. Labial convexity ' is inversely correlated
tact at the cingulu m. with double-shoveling. These two traits should not
7. (U/2 only) Barrel: Expression exceeds grade 6. be used together when a stupy assumes independent
To be considered barrel-shaped, the form traits. Whi le designed for 'the central incisor, the
should not result from a hypertrophied tuber- plaque may also be used su£cessfu ll y for the lateral
culum dentate. inc isor.
Doiible-sh.qveling
Comments. This scaling approximates that of Upper incisors, ca'rtine, q'f.st premolar, and lower
incisors. The presence of l~b ial marginal ridges. A
Hrdlicka as: ASU 0 = Hrdlicka none; 1-2 = trace;
standard reference .··was developed by Dahlberg
3-4 = semishovel; 5-6 = shovel. Because shov-
eling correlates on all incisors and the upper canine, (1956). ASU procecjure de~eloped by Turner and
Laidler Dowda in 19]9 . Refg-ence plaque: ASU Ull
only one tooth should be used in characterizing pop-
ulations. The upper central incisor is preferred. The double-shovel. Figury 2 sho~ys the Ul double-shovel
plaq ue . Scoring: ...
three plaques can be emp loyed for. studying the gen-
eral shoveling field effect. 0. None: Labial ~wface is smooth.
l. Faint: Mesial H!ld dist~l ridging can be seen in
Labial Convexity strong contrasf.ing light. Distal ridge may be
Upper incisors. The labial surface of the upper absent in this gnd stronger grades .
incisors , when viewed from the occlusal aspect , can 2. Trace: Ridging is moi·e easily seen and pal-
pated. -',
range from being essentiall y fl at to showing a
marked degree of convexity. Procedure developed by 3. Semi-double-shove/: Ridging can be readi ly
palpated. ·
Nichol et at. (1984). Reference plaque: ASU Ull
4. Double-shovel: Riding is pronounced on at
labial curvature. Scoring:
least one-half qf the tqtal crown height.
5. Pronounced double-slipvel: Ridging is very
0. Labial surface is flat.
prominent and may occur from the occlusal
1. Labial surface exhibits trace convexity.
surface to the crown-r6ot junction.
2. Labial surface exhibits weak convexity.
6. Extreme double-shoveC
3. Labial surface exhibits moderate convexity.
4. Labial surface exhibits pronounced convexity. Comments. Judgment about double-shoveling pres-
16 Turner eta!.
ence can only be made safely for grade 6 on heavily
worn teeth. The UI! plaque can be used for the upper
lateral incisor, canine, first premolar, and lower in-
cisors. Although the correspondence in fo rm is not
particularly good, the strength of ridging can usually
be assessed without difficulty.
Interruption Groove
Upper incisors. Grooves which cross the cingu-
lum , and often continue down the root, are occasion-
ally seen on the upper incisors (more frequen tly on
the lateral incisor than on the central). The morpho-
genesis of these grooves is not understood, but they
seem to be related to the tuberculum dentale. First
systematically studied by Turner (1967). No refer-
ence plaque . Scoring:
0. None . The mesial, distal, and medial areas
of the lingual surface of the incisor are
smooth , continuous, and not disrupted by
any vertical to near-horizontal groove.
M. An interruption groove occurs on the mesi-
olingual border.
D. An interruption groove occurs on the disto-
lingual border.
MD. Grooves occur on both the mesio- and dis-
tolingual borders.
Med. A groove occurs in the medial area of the
cingulum.
Comments. Because the location of most interrup-
tion grooves is near the crow n base , they can usually
be scored on heavily worn teeth. However, they are
probably often obscured by gingival tissue in the liv-
ing. Therefore, considerable judgment should be ex-
ercised in their use for characterizing living popula-
tions, especially if children are included .
Tuberculum Dentale
Upper incisors and canine . This feature occurs in
the cingular region of the lingual surface of the upper
incisors and canine. (Tubercles may also appear on
the lower canine, but these are not currently consid-
ered in the ASU system.) This feature can take the
form of ridges on the lingual surface (referred to as
mediolingual ridges) or various degrees of expres_sion
of a cusp (known on the can ine as the canine tuber-
cle). Several attempts have been made to classify
tuberculum dentale variation . None , including the
one presented here, has been fully satisfactory , and
much within and between-observer error has been
found (Nichol and Turner, 1986). Reference plaques:
UII-ASU UII tuberculum dentale; Ul2, UC-
combination of ASU UII t.d . and ASU UC distal
accessory ridge. Scori ng:
0. No expression. Cingular region of the lingual
surface is smooth . Ignore any shoveling pres-
ence .
1. Faint ridging. Matches grade I of the ASU UI I
t.d. plaque.
2. Trace ridging. Matches grade 2 of the ASU Ull
t.d. plaque.
3. Strong ridging. Matches grade 3 of the ASU
UII t.d. plaque.
4. Pronounced ridging. Matches grade 4 of the
ASU Ul l t.d. plaque.
5-. A weakly developed cuspule is attached to ei-
ther the mesio- or distolingual marginal ridge.
Cuspu le apex is not free. Not represented on a
plaque. Interpolate between ASU UII t.d.
grade 4 and the tuberculum dentale fo und on
ASU UC DAR grade 4.
5. Weakly developed cuspule with a free apex.
Size corresponds appro ximately with ASU UC
DAR grade 4 tuberculum dentale.
6. Strong cusp with a free apex. Size is equal to or
greater than the ASU UC DAR grade 5 tuber-
culum dentale.
Comments. Ridge strength, not num ber of ridges, is
assessed in grades 1- 4. Only one of the three teeth
should be used for population characterization. The
center of the tu berculum dentale morphogenetic
field, and most trait variation, seems to be at the
lateral incisor. This tooth is preferred for population
descriptive purposes.
Canine Mesial Ridge
Upper canine. Normally, the mesiolingual mar-
ginal ridge of the upper canine is similar in size to the
distolingual marginal ridge. Occasionally, the mesial
ridge is larger than the distal, and, in pronounced
cases, it possesses a distal deflection approx imately
two-thirds of the way down from the occlusal surface
due to its attachment to the tuberculum dentale. This
extreme form occurs with. some frequency among
Africans (especially Bushmen) and has been called
the Bushman canine by Morris (1975). In keeping
with all other trait names, which do not have ethnic
labels, an anatomical name has been assigned. Scale
developed by Turner and Dale Klausner ·in 1979.
Reference plaque: ASU UC mesial ridge. Scoring:
0. Mesial and distal lingual ridges are the same
Scoring Procedures for Dental Traits
Fig. 3. Distal accessory ridge plaque, upper canines . Note that there is no grade I, which usually can be seen on ly on
unerupted teeth.
size. Neither is attached to the tuberculum den-
tale if present.
I. Mesiolingual ridge is larger than the distolin-
gual, and is weakly attached to the tuberculum
dentale.
2. Mesiolingual ridge is larger than the distolin-
gual, and is moderately attached to the tuber-
culum dentale.
3. Morris's type form. Mesiolingual ridge is much
larger than the distolingual, and is fully incor-
porated into the tuberculum dentale.
Comments. The canine lingual surface morphology
of grade 3 appears strongly asymmetrical when
viewed from the lingual aspect. T his trait infre-
quently exhibits symmetrical expression on antim-
eres.
Canine Distal Accessory Ridge
Upper and lower canines. Occurs in the distolin-
gual fossa between the tooth apex and the distolin-
gual marginal ridge. Standards developed and dis-
cussed by Scott (1973 , 1977). Reference plaques:
UC-ASU UC DAR, LC-ASU LC DAR. Figure 3
shows the UC distal accessory ridge plaque. Scoring:
0. Distal accessory ridge is absent.
I. Distal accessory ridge is very faint. (No exanl-
ple of grade I appears on the UC plaque, in-
terpolation required.)
2. Distal accessory ridge is weakly developed.
3. Distal accessory ridge is moderately devel-
oped.
17
4. Distal accessory ridge is strongly developed.
5. Distal accessory ridge is very pronounced.
Comments. Because there is no dentin involvement
in this trait, it can be worn off without leaving any
trace of its having been present. For population stud·
ies, use scores of children and young adults. This
trait appears to be the most sexually dimorphic fea-
ture of the human den!ition. Observers may not wish
to pool sexes in popu)ation studies where sex ratios
among samples are unequal. '
Premolar Mesial a~d Distal Accessory Cusps'
Upper premolars. Small aciessory cusps are some-
times seen at the me~ial and/or distal ends -of the
sagittal grooves of th~;upper pJemolars. T hese cusps
are defined by a strong separajion from both the buc-
cal and lingual cusp{ What ·)nay appear as .a very
small accessory cusp but is still attached to either the
buccal or lingual cus~s , shou(d not be considered as
an accessory cusp. hocedury proposed by Turner
(1967). No reference plaque. -~coring:
0. No accessory Cl!SPS occ~r.
I. Mesial and/or · distal accessory cusps are
present.
Comment. Because no apparent dentin involvement
occurs, observations should be limited to younger
individuals.
Tricusped Premolars
Upper premolars. An upper premolar with three
cusps is a rare variant (1 /8 ,000 teeth) observed in
southwestern U.S. Indians but among almost no
18 Turner eta!.
other peoples of the world. No reference plaque.
Scoring:
0. Extra distal cusp (hypocone) is absent.
I. Hypocone is present. Its size eqtials that of the
normal lingual cusp.
Comment. One specimen (UARK Upper Nodena
256) has been found that has the hypocone and a
crown confi guration like the following trait (Turner,
personal observntion).
Distosagittal Ridge
Upper first premolar. A trait first defined and
termed Uto-Aztecan premolar by D.H. Morris et al.
( 1978). It occurs when a pronounced ridge from the
apex of the buccal cusp extends to the distal occlusal
border at or near the sagittal sulcus. There is also a
mesial rotation of the buccal surface and a buccolin-
gual expansion of the buccal cusp. It is possible that
the distosagittal ridge is an intermediate or weak ex-
pression of the very rare three-cusped premolar de-
fined above. Given the rarity of these two characters,
it is not possible to determine if they do represent
parts of a continuum and in fact shou ld be combined.
Example given on ASU Uta-Aztecan premolar. Scor-
ing:
0. Norrnal premolar form occurs.
1. Distosagittal ridge is present.
Comment. Originally discovered among Uta-
Aztecan speaking peoples of the southwestern United
States. Now known -to occur in many other Amerin-
dian populations but nowhere else in the world.
Metacone
Upper molars. The distobuccal cusp or cusp 3.
Absence and weaker forms of expression are ex-
tremely rare for M I and M2, but do occasionally
occur on M3. Plaque developed by Turner and Diane
Kaschner in 1978. Reference plaque: ASU UM meta-
cone. Scoring:
0. Metacone is absen t.
I. An attached ridge is present at the metacone
site, but there is no free apex.
2. A faint cuspule with a free apex is present.
3. Weak cusp is present.
3.5. An intermediate-sized cusp is present (not
shown on plaque, interpolation necessary).
4. Metacone is large.
5. Metacone is very large (equal in size to a large
Ml hypocone).
Comments. The present plaque was developed spe-
cifically for the third molar but works reasonably
well for the other molars if form is ignored and only
size is considered. The grade 3.5 was inserted (but
not added to plaque) after field testing revealed the
need for a full interval grade. The designation 3.5
does not mean that the interval is less than the other
grades; it was added in this manner so as not to
change computer files of hundreds of earlier obser-
vations by Turner. Observers beginning work with
the current classification may wish to renumber
grades 4 and 5 as 5 and 6, respectively, and to label
the inserted grade as 4 rather than 3. 5.
Hypocone
Upper molars. The distolingual cusp or cusp 4.
Absence and severely reduced forrns of this cusp are
more common on Ml and (especially) M2 than the
same forms of the metacone. Plaque developed by
Larson (1978) and modified by Turner and Scott in
1975. Reference plaque: ASU UM hypocone. Scor-
ing:
0. No hypocone. Site is smooth.
I. Faint ridging present at the site.
2. Faint cuspule present.
3. Small cusp present.
3.5. Moderate-sized cusp present.
4. Large cusp present.
5. Very large cusp present.
Comments. As with the metacone, a full interval
grade had to be added to the plaque after develop-
ment, again labeled 3.5. The plaque works well with
the first and second molars, but judgement is re-
quired for the third molar because many distal acces-
sory cuspules can be present, and cusp 5 can be
larger than the hypocone . Identifying homologous
distal cusps on the third molar can be difficult. Cor-
respondence between the categories of this standard
and the Dahlberg (1951) 4, 4 - , 3+, 3 standard for
hypocone reduction are given in Turner (1979).
Cusp 5 (Metaconule)
Upper molars. A fifth cusp, the metaconule, may
occasionally be present in the distal fovea of the up-
per molars between the metacone and hypocone.
This trait has been discussed and scaled (no plaque)
by Harris (1977; Harris and Bailit, 1980). The ASU
scaling is similar to that of Harris . Plaque developed
Scoring Procedures for Dental Traits
by Turner and Richard Warner in 1977. Reference
plaque: ASU UM cusp 5. Scoring:
0. Site of cusp 5 is smooth, there being only a
single distal groove present separating cusps 3
and 4.
i. Faint cuspule is present.
2. Trace cuspule present.
3. Small cuspule present.
4. Small cusp present.
5. Medium-sized cusp -present.
Comments. When present, cusp 5 usual! y has two
adjacent distal grooves: On a worn tooth, double-
grooving can be used to identify that cusp 5 had been
present. However, this means of identification
should not be used for the third molar, where multi-
ple distal grooves are common, even in the absence
of any cusps.
Carabelli's Trait
Upper molars. Occurs on the lingual surface of the
mesiolingual cusp (the protocone or cusp 1) of the
upper molars. Plaque developed by Dahlberg (1956).
Reference plaque: Zoller Laboratory UM Carabelli
cusp. Scoring:
0. The mesiolingual aspect of cusp I is smooth.
I. A groove is present.
2. A pit is present.
3. A small Y-shaped depression is present.
4. A large Y-shaped depression is present.
5. A small cusp without a free apex occurs. The
distal border of the cusp does not contact the
lingual groove separating cusps I and .4.
6. A medium-sized cusp with an attached apex
making contact with the medial lingual groove
is present.
7. A large free cusp is present.
Comments. This classification assigns numbers to
the lettered categories of Dahlberg's plaque. The
plaque works well for all three molars. A pit can
occur in the medial lingual groove (differing from the
mesiolingual position of the pit of grade 2) , which is
suspected of being related to Carabelli's trait. This
pit has not yet been incorporated into the Carabelli' s
trait standard.
Parastyle
Upper molars. One of the paramolar cusps of Bolk
(1916). It is most common on the buccal surface of
the mesiobuccal cusp (the paracone or cusp 2) of the
19
third molar. The parastyle may also occur on the
other !JlOlars in the same location. A similar structure
can also be found on the buccal surface of cusp 3 on
any molar, suggesting either that the position of the
parastyle is not morphogenetically fixed, or an inde-
pendent feature is being confused with the parastyle.
Given the rarity of the parastyle, any expression on
the buccal surface is scored . Plaque developed by
Joseph F. Katich and Turner in 1974. Reference
plaque: ASU UM parastyle . Scoring:
0. The buccal surfaces of cusps 2 and 3 are ·
smooth.
I . A pit is present in or near the buccal groove
between cusps 2 and 3.
2. A small cusp with an attached apex is present.
3. A medium-sized cusp with a free apex is
present.
4. A large cusp with a free apex is present.
5. A very large cusp with a free apex is present.
This forrn usually involves the buccal surface
of both cusps 2 and 3.
6. An effectively free peg-shaped crown attached
to the root of the third molar is present. This
condition is extremely rare, and is not shown
on the plaque.
Enamel Extensions
Upper premolars a~d molars. Projections of the
enamel border in an apical dir~ction. First scored and
classified by Pedersen (1949). His classification is
followed with minof" modification. No reference
plaque. Scoring:
0. Enamel border is straight, or rarely curved to-
wards the crown. Score. any extension not at-
tached to the crpwn as absent.
I. A faint, approximately !.0-mm-long extens ion
projecting toward and a]ong the root.
2. A medium-sizeq, approximately 2.0-mm-long
extension. " .
3. A lengthy extension, g~nera lly >4.0 mrn in
length is present. It may extend all the way to
the root bifurcatjon on molar teeth.
Co~ment. Any of these four grades may have an
enamel pearl present at or near the site of the exten-
sion, even when there is no extension , Pearls are not
scored in the ASU system because intersample com-
parability would requ ire that all molar root surfaces
be examined-an impossibility for most dental se-
ri·es. Premolar enamel extensions almost never ex-
20 Turner et a!.
ceed grade 2. They are almost always on roots with
strong buccal developmental groove expression.
Enamel extensions can also occur on the lingual sur-
face. The upper first molar is the key site. If the
enamel extension is discontinuous or interrupted,
only the portion in contact with the crown is scored
for length.
Premolar Root Number
Upper premolars. The upper premolars are usually
single-rooted. When two roots are present there is
normally a buccal and a lingual root. Three roots
result from the bifurcation of the buccal root. When
multiple roots occur, they are usually on the first
premolar. Multip le-rooted upper incisors and canines
have not been found in more than 15,000 observed
individuals. The upper first premolar is the key site .
Procedure defined by Turner (1967, 198 1). No ref-
erence plaque. Scoring:
I. One root: Tip may be bifurcated (bifid).
2. Two roots: Separate roots must be greater than
one-quarter to one-third of the total root length.
3. Three roots: Length defined as in grade 2 .
Comment. Root number can often be scored when
teeth are missi ng by simply counting the number of
complete sockets. Root number can sometimes be
detennined for molars that are loose in their sockets,
but cannot be easily removed, by li fting the tooth as
much as possible and then shining a small flashlight
on the root area, where, if root separation occurs near
the crown-root junction, white light will pass
through the interroot space. Practice on teeth that can
be removed from their sockets is strongly recom-
mended for this flashlight procedure in order to ex-
perience what is obstructed and unobstructed passage
of light.
Upper Molar Root N umber
Upper molars. The upper first molar usually has
three roots. The greatest variation in root number
occurs on the second molar, the key site. The third
molar usually has one or two roots; rarely, fi ve or
more third molar roots are present. This unusual con-
dition seems to be associated with developmental
problems where hypo- or hyperplastic crowns form
and excess cusp numbers and/or other anomalies'ex-
ist. Procedure .defined by Turner (1967). No refer-
ence plaque . Scoring:
I. One root: T ip may be bifurcated with deeply
inset developmental grooves.
2. Two roots: Separate roots are greater than one-
quarter to one-third of the total root length.
Length determination should take into account
bending which is common on third molars.
3. Three toots: Length defined as in grade 2.
4. Four roots: Length defined as in grade 2.
Radical Number
All teeth . In cross section , a root may be single
and lack any developmental grooving. More often, a
single-rooted tooth will exhibit developmental
grooves which partition the cross-sectional area into
two or more " unseparated " rootlike di visions termed
radicals. First defined by Turner (1967). No refer-
ence plaque. Scoring:
I. One radical: No developmental grooves.
2. Two radicals: Two developmental grooves or
two round roots with no developmental
grooves .
3. Three radicals: Three developmental grooves
or one round root with no developmental
grooves and one root with two developmental
grooves.
4. Four radicals: Continuation of above with var-
ious root number and developmental groove
combinations.
5. Five radicals: Continuation of above.
6. Six radicals: Continuation of above.
7. Seven radicals: Continuation of above.
8. Eight radicals: Continuation of above.
Comments. More than eight radicals may occur on a
multi-rooted molar. Radical number has not been
found to show much variation except on molar teeth .
Definitions given here apply to all teeth. Radical as-
sessment should not be done when there is extensive
cement. In some cases of hypercementosis, even root
numbers cannot be identified with certainty.
Peg-Shaped Incisor
. Upper lateral incisor. Defined by various workers
as a tooth which is very reduced in size and lacking
the normal crown morphology, being instead peg-
shaped. A continuum probably exists that ends with
congenital absence of the tooth, the peg form being
near the absence threshold. Standardization by
Turner . No reference plaque. Scoring:
0. Normal sized incisor.
I. Incisor reduced in size, but having norn1al
crown form .
2. Peg-shaped incisor as defined above.
''
Scoring Procedures for Dental Traits
Peg-shaped Molar
Upper .third molar. Recognized by many workers
as a small tooth. lacking the appropriate crown mor-
phology. As with the lateral incisor, a continuum
ending in congenital absence, with the peg-shaped
form being near the absence threshold, probably ex-
ists. Usage defined by Turner. No reference plaque.
Scoring:
0. Full-sized crown with normal third molar mor-
phology.
1. Molar reduced in size to 7- to 10-mm bucco-
lingual diameter. Form is near normal or some-
what "shriveled. "
2. Molar is <7 mm in buccolingual diameter.
Crown is peg or cone-shaped with rarely more
than two rounded cusps lacking any secondary
morphology. Root is simple and single.
Comment. Peg-shaped upper third molars can easily
be identified from socket size and circular form if
tooth has been lost postmortem.
Odontome
Upper and lower premolars. Recognized by Ped-
ersen (1949) and defined by Alexandersen (1970) as
any pin-sized , spike-shaped enamel and dentin pro-
jection occurring on the premolar occlusal surface.
No reference plaque . Scoring:
0. Odontome not present.
1. Odontome present.
Comments. Because odontomes usually have a den-
tin component, they can be recognized as having
been present by a circular light brown dentin expo-
sure even after these fragile structures break off.
Moreover, because they often occur in or near the
sagittal sulcus, they can be identified even in premo-
lars with moderate cusp wear. Once a premolar has
worn to the extent that normal dentin is visible on the
buccal cusp, it should be scored as missing data.
Because of their rru·ity , it is suggested that their fre-
quency be determined by a '' tooth count'' rather than
an " individual count" basis. Odontomes are only
rarely found on other teeth. All premolar crown sur-
faces should be inspected with a 10 x hand lens .
Congenital Absence
Upper lateral and lower central incisors , upper and
lower second premolars, and upper and lower third
molars. Congenital absence was first extensively
21
studied by Montagu (1940). Skeletal reports vary in
· their ..use of X-ray equipment. Their comparability,
therefore, is low. Here, no X-ray films are suggested
because many studies are too far-ranging to make
X-ray films time and cost effective or standard X-ray
procedures possible. No reference plaque . Scoring:
0. Tooth is present. Any degree of visible impac-
tion is considered as present.
I. Tooth is congenitally absent. No sign of tooth.
Comments. Congenital absence should be consid-
ered on ly in adult individuals who are older than
17-20 years, as determined by basisphenoid syn-
chondrosis or other dentally independent growth
events (Ubelaker, 1984). When congenital absence is
suspec ted in adults for upper or lower third molars ,
the distal surface of the existing second molars
should be inspected with a 10 x hand lens for wear
facets that would indicate antemortem third molar
presence. Gaps at the incisor or premolar sites usu-
ally indicate antemortem loss. This method does
leave the possibility that totally noneru pted teeth will
be mi sidentified as congenitaily absent. In large stud-
ies, this potential source of error may be acceptable
due to cost and time considerations.
Premolar Li~gual Cusp Variation
Lower premolars . .. Yariou~' procedures have been
developed to classifY. the considerable variation in
lower premolar crowJ)S (e. g .;·Pedersen, 1949; Kraus
and Furr, 1953). The· proced!lre in the ASU system
considers only the mi1nber ol' lingual cusps and their
relative size. Procedttres developed by Scott (I 973)
with slight modification. Reference plaques : LPI-
ASU LP I cusp; LP2·.- ASU !·-P2 cusp. Scoring:
A. No lingual cu>p: A ridge may be present that
suggests a muc]j reduq;d structure without a
free tip, but it is scored as cusp absent. Grade A
was added after lliaque production began when it
was realized that lingual cusps can be absent.
0. One lingual cusp: Size and form may vary a
great deal but ti p can b~ seen.
I. One or two lingiwl cusps: This indecisive class
should not be used for worn teeth. It is better to
score such teeth' as mis§ing data.
2. Two lingual cusps: Mesial cusp is much lru·ger
than distal cusp.
3. Two lingual cusps: Mesial cusp is larger than
distal cusp .
22 Turner et al.
Fig. 4 . Anterior fovea plaque, lower first mo lars.
4 . Two lingual cu,ps: Mes ial and distal cusps are
equal in size .
5. Two lingual cusps: D istal cusp is larger than
mesial cusp .
6. Two lingual cusps: Distal cusp is much larger
than mesia l c usp.
7. Two lingual cusps: Distal cusp is very much
larger than mesial cusp. With wear, this class
can be confused with grade 0. When in doubt,
score individual as missing data.
8. Three lingual cu,ps: Each is about the same
size.
9. Three lingual cusps: Mesial cusp is much
larger than medial and/or distal cusp. With
wear, grade 9 can be confused with grade 3.
When in doubt, score indi vidual as missing
data.
Comments. This classification of premolar crown
variation is very sensitive to wear. Careful judgment
is needed so as not to misidentify a given tooth. If a
worker is not experienced in side identification , loose
teeth should not be scored. A useful rule for side
detem1ination is that the root tip is usuall y deflected
distally, it usuall y has stronger developmental groov-
ing on its mesial border, and the buccal cusp is al-
most always hu·ger and morphologically more com-
plex than the lingual cusp . Odon to mes are not
considered in this classification. T he second premo-
lar is considered the key tooth for this variation and
is easier to score .
Anterior Fovea
Lower first molar. Located on the anterior occlusal
surface, this feature, termed precuspidal fossa, was
·; j
1 poplastic form , groove pattern detem1 ination is dif-
considered to be taxonom ical ly significant by
Hrdlicka ( 1924). Variation standardized by Turner
and Shawn-Mari Chilton in 1979. Reference plaque:
ASU LMI anterior fovea. Figure 4 shows the LMI
an terior fovea plaque. Scoring:
0. Anterior fovea is absent. The sulcus between
cusps I and 2 continues without interrupt ion
from the center of the occlusal surface to the
mesial border.
I . A weak ridge connects the mesial aspec ts of
cusps l and 2 producing a faint groove ..
2. The connecting ridge is larger and the resulting
groove deeper than in grade l.
3. Groove is longer than in grade 2.
4. Groove is very long and mesial ridge is robust.
Comments. Due to the early eruption of [he first
molar, it is almost always very worn, even in young
adults. Scoring such individuals is hazardous, espe-
cially for grades 0-2. It is recommended that anterior
fovea observations be limited in nonindustrial indi-
viduals to those whose age is less than 12 years.
Caries can rapidly obliterate the anterior fovea site.
Readers concerned abou t the dental morphology of
fossil hominids instead of subfossil or rece nt popu-
lations should also score anterior fovea for the third
molar. It is the senior author's impression that this
trait is many times more common in Pleistocene third
molars than in those of more recent populations.
Groove Pattern
Lower molars. Well defined studies of the lower
molar groove pattern begin with Gregory (1916) ,
Scoring Procedures for Dental Traits
were expanded by Hellman (1928), and culm.inate in
the three class system developed by Jorgensen
(1955). No referenc:e plaque. Scoring:
y. Cusps 2 and 3 are in contac t.
+. Cusps 1-4 are in contact.
X . Cusps I and 4 are in contact.
Comments. Groove pattern sho uld always be deter-
mined with the aid of a lO x hand lens. Even with
advanced attrition, groove pattern is often recogniz-
able. Caries can obliterate the pattern site quickly,
and plaster dental casts may be very unreliable. On
third molars with many supernumerary cusps and hy-
ficult. The lower second molar has the greatest
amount of interpopulation variation, thus making it
the key tooth to score if time does not perm it all three
to be studied. D.H. Morris ( 1970) made the obser-
vation that groove pattern can be affected by the
deflecting wrinkle, which should also be studied for
correlation purposes.
Cusp Number
Lower molars. The pioneering work on molar
cusp number was by Grego1y (1 916) . Only slight
modification is made to his classification in the ASU
system (Turner, 1967). No reference plaque. Scor-
ing:
4. Cusps 1-4 (1, protoconid; 2, metaconid; 3, hy-
poconid, 4, entoconid) are present.
5. Cusp 5 (hypoconulid) is also present.
6. Cusp 6 (entoconulid) is also present.
Comments. Score cusps as present regardless of
size . Do not confuse cusp 7, which is not used in this
classification, with cusps 2 or 4 . Cusp 7 is not used
in this classification to avoid confusion of cusp ho-
mologies (i.e., counting six cusps on a to.oth that has
a cusp 7 , but no cusp 6). If cusp 5 exists , but pres-
ence of cusp 6 is uncertain , score tooth as having
more than 4 cusps so that a 4/>4 dichotomy can be
used for comparative purposes. Note: cusp 3 can be
very small in third molars.
Deflecting Wrinkle
Lower first molar. The form of variation of the
medial ridge on cusp 2. First recognized by Weiden-
reich (1937), variation was standardi zed by Richard
Seyben and Turner in 1975. Reference plaque: ASU
LM deflecting wrinkle. Scoring:
23
0. Deflecting wrinkle is absent. Medial ridge of
cusp 2 is straight.
I. Cusp 2 medial ridge is straight, but shows a
midpoint constriction.
2. Med ial ridge is deflected distally , but docs not
make contact wi th cusp 4.
3. Medial ridge is deflected distally forming an
L-shaped ridge . The med ial ridge contacts cusp
4.
Comments. T he deflecting wrinkle seldom occurs
on the second or third molars. Because there is no
apparent den tin involvement in this trait , it is difficult
to score on teeth of individuals much older than 12
years of age due to wear.
Distal Trigonid Crest
Lower molars. A ridge or loph that bridges cusps
and 2 . It is rare in the permanent molars. When
present, it is usuall y on the first molar. Hrd licka
(1924) studied this feature and found it to be useful
for comparative purposes. A trait occurrence plaque
was developed for deciduous teeth by Hanihara
(1961). No reference plaque for permanent molars.
Scoring:
0. Absent: Distal borders of cusps 1 and 2 are not
con nected by a crest orloph.
1. Present: Distal borders are connected by a
ridge .
Comments. Hanihara's deciquous molar plaque can
be used to help ident!fy the '[rail on the permanent
molars. To be considered pres~nt , it should appear as
one of the two exampjes on t~e plaque. Note that the
example on the right is som,;what obscured by the
presence of a pronounced deflecting wrinkle. T his
trait is difficu lt to score, even ·wi th only grade 1 wear
(some dentin exposui·e), an'J unreliably identified
with grade 2 wear (c4.sps wo:;n off).
Protostylid
Lower molars. A paramolar cusp found on the
buccal surface of cusp I. It j$ normally associated
with the buccal groove separating cusps I and 3. The
protostylid is most cgmmon ' o n the first and third
molars. Standard de veloped by Dahlberg (1 956) .
Reference plaque : Zoiler Laboratory LM protostylid.
Scoring:
0. No expression of any sort. Buccal surface is
smooth.
1. A pit occurs in the buccal groove .
2 . Buccal groove is curved distally.
 (
24 Turner et al.. Scoring Procedures for D ental T raits 25
3. A faint secondary groove extends mesially 0. Cusp 6 is absent.
from the buccal groove. I. Cusp 6 is much smaller than cusp 5 .
4. Secondary groove is slightly more pronounced. 2. Cusp 6 is smaller than cusp 5.
5. Secondar; groove is stronger and can be easily 3. Cusp 6 is equal in size to cusp 5.
seen. 4. C usp 6 is larger than cusp 5.
6. Secondary groo ve extends across most of the 5. Cusp 6 is much larger than cusp 5.
buccal surface of cusp I. This is considered a
weak or small cusp. Comment. T here is no way of knowing whether a
7. A cusp with a free apex occurs. single distal cusp is 5 or 6. This procedure requires
that ·t here be two distal cusps to define cusp 6 .
C omments. The buccal pit (grade I) is frequently
Cusp 7
the site of dental caries in agricultural populations. If
the pit can be identified in a carious molar, score Lower molars. Cusp 7 , the metaconulid or tuber-
appropriately. However, if caries has destroyed the culum intermedium , occurs in the lingual groove be-
protostylid site , no observation can be made even tween cusps 2 and 4 of the lower molars, most com-
though it is very likely that a pit had been present. monl y on the first molar. Standard developed by
Also, the buccal pit is often fill ed by dentists as a Turner (1970) . Reference plaque: ASU LM cusp 7. Fig. 5. Root fonn plaque, lower firsl premolars .
preventive measure , making identification difficult in Scoring:
dental casts of !iving people . Not scoring such indi-
viduals will cause some underreporting of protostylid 0. No occurrence of cusp 7 . root surfaces are deeply grooved. As now known, I. One root: Root tip may be bifurcated. If tips
occurrence. 1. Faint cusp is present. Two weak lingual this anomaly is part of a morphogenetic continuum are free for more than one-fourth to one-third of
grooves are present instead of one. from a single to a double-rooted tooth. Standardized the total root length, score as two roots. T he
Cusp 5 lA. A faint lipless cusp 7 occurs displaced as a variation scale developed by Turner and Stephen fi rs t molar root will usually be U-shaped in
Lower molars. Cusp 5, or the hypoconulid , occurs bulge on the lingual surface of cu sp 2. Herzog in 1979. Reference plaque: ASU LPI Root cross section with a deep developmental groove
on the distal occlusal aspect of the lower molars . It is 2 . Cusp 7 is small. Form. Figure 5 shows the LP I root variation plaque . in the lingual surface. In the second and thi rd
graded in terms of size only in the absence of cusp 6. 3. Cusp 7 is medium sized. Scoring: molar roots, a single deep lingual, or deep lin-
Standard developed by Turner and Richard Warner in 4. Cusp 7 is large. gual and buccal qevelop':'ental grooves can oc-
1977 . Reference plaq ue : ASU LM cusp 5. Scoring: cur.
0. Developmental grooving is absent or, if
Comments. Because of its lingual position and the present, shallow with rounded rather than Y- 2. Two roots: T wo ~eparate roots exist for at least

0. No occurrence of cusp 5. The molar has only 4

cusps (cusps 1-4).
I. Cusp 5 is present and very small.
2. Cusp 5 is small.
~. Cusp 5 is medium-sized.
4. Cusp 5 is large.
5. Cusp 5 is very large .
C omment. There is no way to know if a single distal
cusp is number 5 or 6. If single, assume cusp 5 as 6
seems to be a supernu merary cusp . Others (Bigger-
staff, 1969) ha ve considered the develo pment of the
distal fovea a pan of ihe hypoconulid range of ex-
pression. We do not currentl y consider the expression
of the distal fo vea in the ASU system.
C u sp 6
Lower molars. Cusp 6 , the entoconulid or tuber-
culum sextum, occurs in the distal fovea of the lower
molars lingual to cusp 5. It is scored by size relative
to cusp 5. Standard developed by Turner (I 970).
Reference plaque: ASU LM cusp 6. Scoring:
nature of upper and lower molar occlusal contact,
cusp 7 can be commonly identified and graded even
in molars with the main cusps worn off (grade 2
wear). Cusp 7 is never considered in detem1ining
lower molar cusp number, only cusps 1- 6 are in-
volved.
C anine Root Number
Lower canine. T he mandibular canine can have
one or two roots. Standardization by Turner (1967).
No reference plaque. Scoring:
I. One root.
2. Two roots, free for more than one-quarter to
one-third of the to tal lingual root length.
Comment. When a second root is present it is usu-
ally small, conical in form , and present on the lingual
aspect.
Tomes's Root
Lower first premolar. Tomes (1923) was the first
to draw attention to this condition where the mesial
shaped indentation.
I. Developmental groove is present and has a
shallow V-shaped cross-section.
2. Developmental groove is present and has a
moderately deep Y-shaped cross section.
3. Developmental groove is present, V shaped,
and deep . Groove extends at least one-third of
the total root length.
4. Developmental groov ing is deeply invaginated
on both the mesial and distal borders.
5. Two free roots are present. They are separate
for at least one-foutth to one-third of the total
root length.
Comment. Tomes's anomalous root is equivalent to
grades 3 and 4 of this classification.
Lower Mola r Root Number
Lower molars. The lower molars can have one to
three roots. The history of studies on lower first mo-
lar root number are reviewed in Turner (1971). Vari-
ation standardized by Turner (1967). No reference
plaque. Scoring:
one-fourth to one-third of the total root length.
A strong di stoli ngual racJical is likely an unat-
tached supernu merary tt\[rd root.
3. Three roots: A ihird (si;pernumerary) root is
present on the ci)stoling~al aspect. It may be
very small but is. usual/¥, about o~e-third the
size of the normal distar root.
Commen ts. A single-rooted fits! molar can occur as
indicated above, appar~ntly b~~ause of the failure of
complete separation Qfa doi,ble-rooted condition.
The rule to follow for qll molru;; is that, when no light
can be seen between i)Jcompl~tely separated mesial
and distal roots, the tooth should be considered single
rooted . Even if the root tips ar~ united , light through
the middle of the rooi' definef a two-rooted molar .
Use of a tlu-ee volt pen light i~: recommended. Occa-
sionally , one will find ~1 lower first or third molar that
has the one root form ;··but als(l possesses the super-
numerary third distal root. In such cases, the tooth is
scored as having two roots, even though this may be
homologically erroneous. If ce.mentosis is excessive,
the individual should be scored as "missing data. "
The third molar may have so much developmental
.I
I

26 Turner et al.
noise, in the form of hypercementosis, bent roots,
and hypoplasia, that the scoring of root number is
diflicult and susceptible to error.
T orsomolar Angle
Lower third molar. This condition occurs when th~
third molar has rotated lingually or buccally relative
to a line draw n through the midd le of the t1rst and
second molars. The torsomolar angle was first rec-
ognized as common in American Indians, and de-
fined by Neiberger (1978). Proced ure:
Lay a small transparent protractor on the lower
third molar and rneasure its rotation relative · to a
baseline formed from the middle of the first and sec-
ond molars . Without rotation. the angle is 0 degrees .
If rotation is present, record it by degree, tooth, and
direction (buccal or li ngual). Torsomolar angle
should not be meas ured when a tooth is impacted, or
if there has been possible posi tional shift (mes ial
drift) due to antemortem loss of the l'irst or second
molar.
OTHER FEATURES
Palatine Torus
A linear exostosis that can develop along part or all
of the palatine suture . Standard developed by Turner.
No reference plague. Scori ng:
0. Torus is absent: Palate is smooth.
I. Trace: Torus is elevated about 1-2 mm.
2. Medium: Torus is more extensive, elevated 2-5
nun.
3. Marked: Torus is elevated more than 5 mm.
4. Very marked: Torus may be 10 mm high and
10-20 mm wide. This degree of development
is seldom encountered outside of Arctic popu-
lations, and even there it is rare.
Comment. Torus can be recorded regard less of in·
dividual age, bu t for comparative purposes, one
should use only ad ul ts si nce the torus is age depen-
dent.
Mandibular Torus
Nodular bony exostoses that can develop on the
lingual aspect of the lower jaw in the canine and
premolar region. Standard developed by N.T. Morris
(1970). No reference plaque. Scoring:
0. Absent: No elevation can be palpated.
I. Trace: An elevation can be palpated but not
easily seen.
2. Medium: Elevation is 2-5 mm.
3. Marked: Elevation is >5 mm.
Comment. Torus is scored by size, regardless of de-
gree of bilateral asymmetry. Score the strongest ex-
pression. As with the palatine torus, use only ad ults
for comparative purposes . The most marked degrees
of expression known occur in Eskimos. These may
be so large that bony contact almost occurs near the
midline.
Rocker Jaw
Curvature of the in ferior surface of the horizontal
ramus of the mandible. Standard developed by
Turner. No reference plague. Scoring:
0. Absent: Lower jaw does not rock back and
forth when set on a f lat surface because the
projections formed by the chin and distal bor-
ders of the ascending rami form a tripod.
I . Almost rocker: The lower border of the hori-
zontal ramus is sufficien tly curved to make the
jaw unstable when placed on a flat surface. !.
Such a mandible will rock for abo ut I sec .
2. Rocker: Horizontal ramus is so convexly
curved that the mandible will rock back and
forth on a fl at surface for several seconds.
Comment. As with the tori, rocker jaw is an age-
dependent condition. Only adults should be used for
comparative purposes.
Tooth Status
All teeth . It is useful to make observations of the
presence/absence status and degree of attrition of all
teeth, not onl y for the intrinsic value of the informa-
tion , but for cross-checking of data after recording
and before analysis. Obviously, data recorded for
teeth that are missing must be in error. Traits suscep·
tible to obliteration by wear have been mentioned ,
and in some cases, the wear grade at or above which
trait observation should not be made is noted . When
a tooth is present , scoring is as follows:
0. No wear. This occurs only in unerupted .or
erupti ng teeth.
0-1. Wear facets can be seen with a 10 x hand lens
on one or more cusp occlusal planes.
I. Dentin is exposed on one or more cusps. Al-
most always occurs earlier in incisors t11an in
postincisor teeth.
(
Scoring Procedures for Dental Traits 27
2. Cusps worn off. Incisors are graded as 2 if · have localized infection , such as pockets of bone loss
most of the crown mass is gone . adj ace~J t to one or a few teeth, or the bone loss can be
3. Exp6sed pulp. Incisor crowns usually worn generalized. affecting most or all teeth. Procedure
off. defined by Turner ( 1979). Scoring:
4.' Root stump is funct ional. All or most of the
enamel is worn off. None: No identifiable bone loss. Alveolar tooth
border is hard and smooth. Root exposure does not
exceed 1-3 mm dependent on age. Note that supcre·
Other notations used if wear status cannot be
ruption can occur with as much as one-third of the
scored:
entire root length being exposed without any indica·
tion of alveolar bone loss, necrosis, or pocketing.
A. Antemortem loss: Socket is partly or fu lly
Pockets. One to three teeth may have localized
filled in .
alveolar bone loss. Pockets vary in size . Remainder
C. Congenital absence: This indicator is never
of a! veolar bone is smooth. Record affected teeth.
used for subadults, as defined by third molar
Generalized. slight: Periodontal disease affects
eruption or basisphenoid sutu re closure .. A con-
many teeth with 3-5 mm of exposed root plus pos-
genital absence score Of I should be given for
sible alveolar border pitting . Pockets usually occur as
those teeth in which that feature is recorded.
well.
I. Impacted: Usually third molars or second pre·
Generalized, medium: There is 4-5 mm of root
molars.
'. P. Postmortem loss: Socket is open and smooth
exposure, alveolar border is usually ragged, and deep
pockets can occ ur.
and shows no sign of tilling or resorption.
Generalized, marked: More than 50% of the root
U. Une;upted: Tooth is present but unerupted.
is exposed in many teeth . Alveolar border is severely
Missing data. Site not available for scoring.
eroded. Pocket depth and form easily grade into the
Comments. Intermediate wear grades of I-2, 2-3 , appearance of an abscess . Because bone loss is usu-
and 3-4 can be used where appropriate . Scores of A, ally not uniform, generali zed amount is estimated on
P, U, I, and 0-4 equal presence for congenital ab- an average slate of one or both jaws.
sence considerations. Comment. Deep pockets in an advanced case of pe·
riodontal disease cannot be differentiated from ab-
scesses. An abscess is de l'ine~ as any perforation of
Caries
the alveol ar bone that .ex its fr{lm a root socket. Any
All teeth. A tooth is considered carious if the le- shallow to deep necro tic area without a perforation is
sion has an irregular border and discolored, easily called a periodontal ~.ocket. :~core periodontal dis·
removed, necrotic dentin at the lesion site . An oc· ease according to bon.c loss, :,:egardless if there has
clusal pit with a hard polished interior and usually been post infective healing. ·
hemispherical shape is not considered carious. Such ......
occl~sal pits are· rare, and, when observed, occur
chiefly in Arctic populations. The same sort of oc- Cultur al Tre<1tment
clusal pits have been found in sea otter molars. Pro· Anterior teeth are S~!JTICtim~~ modified or removed
cedure defined by Koritzer (1977). Procedure: according to various ~ u ltural practices and customs
Caries are scored by location on a tooth with nine (see also Chapter 20. this volw;~e) . Categories to look
possible sites: Occlusal (Oc), mesial (M), distal (D), for aJe as follows:
buccal (B), lingual (L), and combinations of occlusal
and the other four surfaces, i.e., mesio-occlusal A. Tooth removal rr ablation : Seldom found in
(MO). All carious sites on a tooth are recorded. individuals less than 12 years of age . Ablation
Comment. If a crown is totally destroyed by caries, can be certain if gaps occur or if there is strong
leaving only a necrotic root stump, the status for such differential wear~ in opppsing upper or lower
a tooth is scored as 4 (root stump functional), and teeth. To be certain that ~b lation and not trauma
caries is scored as occlusal (Oc). is the cause of missing ieeth, a population pat-
tern must ex ist.
Abscessing and Periodontal Disease B. Filing: Teeth may be filed to a point, ha·ve their
Alveolar bone loss is correlated with soft tissue labial smface filed flat or depressed, or be dec-
periodontal disease. The di seased individual can orated with inci sed lines. Filed or chipped
 (
28 Turner et al.
..r-r- 0 ~ ~
--"--' ll~r--:
notches at the tooth corners may occur along times deeply so, and sometimes with raised !il-l--'
with other treatment. borders.
~H-
C. Staining: In betel-chewing regions of eastern
Asia and the Pacific, crania are frequently en-
3. Severe: More than one-half of the TMJ area is
pitted, eroded , and raised borders may be sub- "'I- t-- .,
2~
. .
.....
" -
countered with red-brown stained teeth. This is stantial. Eburnation may be present. < 0
-
uninte ntional treatme nt , whereas inte ntionally
=I- r- -~ §
"'1- t- 1-
~<
0
black-stained teeth are fo und in the same re- Comments. TMJ damage can be observed in an ef- ~

gion . Use of to bacco stains teeth; but it is fort to account for the bilateral asymmetry in tooth
il_ r-
"'~1- r-
black-brown in color.
D. Inlaying: Cup-shaped holes can be drilled into
wear that occurs in many individuals , and as a sec-
ondary source of information on stress ari sing from
;1- t-
1-
1- "."
I
J
J.
the enamel of an incisors labial surface fol- tooth-use ac ti vity. TMJ damage is age-dependent.
lowed by the insertion of various decorati ve Therefore, inter-gro up comparisons should be lim- i l- t- 1- "'I ~ 1-
materials li ke gold , pyrite, or tu rq uoise .
E. Cleaning striatiO!IS: Abrasives like pumice
ited to adults. ~I- t-
I]I_ 1-r- ~1" :I
"
.j -
-
,_
J
mixed with charcoal will scratch enamel. Such RECORDING AND t- 1-
t- 0
z
,"
cleaning or brushing striations can easily be COUNTING PROCEDURE t l- t--
I ~ :~ .I 1- t - 1-
seen on lab ial and buccal surfaces with a I 0 x A typical ASU Dental Anthropology Laborato ry "' - -
::'1
. . J
c .,. "" . .... 1- 1- 1-
;;,
hand lens. Excess ive brushing can leave
notches on buccal surfaces, usuall y at the
data form is show n in Fig ure 6. All teeth are ob-
served and noted for the vario us features on the data ;I- t-
.
g 0
z
"~ u
"'c " """
" "", .,,
0
"." 1- 1- 1- t-
crown-root j unction. Toorhpick grooves can be : 1- r- a ~ " ·B u "o "w 1- 1- 1- t--

. ..
form. Except fo r the caries rows where empty boxes p,

., J .. g .
found on buccal surfaces , but more often on are used to signi fy that no carious lesions are present , H

distal or mesial root surfaces at or near the " g

., • . ~ ~ . . . ~. . B. • .
it is ou r procedure to leave boxes unfilled where ob-
crown-root junction. servations are not possible, regardless of the indi- ~
" -
~ B
~ .~ 0
0
.0
cated tooth status. For example , the upper canines ;!' 0
Crown Chipping ,. -~ > ~
~ ~ ~ 0
u
it ~·
~ t .~
i 1~
0 0
might be present , but no o bservation could be made ,; 0
B
Exfoliation or pressure chi ps are indicative of var- for the distal accessory ridge (C d.a.r.) because of u g u 0 ~ • i ~ r , u, u,
u ~ ~ ;
ious tooth use activiries (Turner and Cadien, l 969) . wear .
,_,1-r--
J !il- r - '--'
j
When less than ten teeth are chipped , each is scored. f....=
If chipping is present on the majori ty of teeth regard-
The data form illustrated in Figure 6 was slightly
' j;l
I
1- t -

~I
modified after the text of this article was written.
less of number, it is identified as generalized. Minor Only three changes were made: (I ) supernumerary or ~1-1- £!1 i.···- 1-
fl aking of marginal enamel in teeth with grade 2 or 3

t :I-
extra teeth have been added to the observation sched- !;!_

. ~I
'- 1-
wear is not considered as crown chipping. ule ; (2) new variants are formally searched for; and ~ ;_ r-
(3) hypoplasia will be scored in the future when a <
.
:1 I-
O ther T reatment
A categ01y used for any tooth mod ification that is
standard reference plaque has been completed and
tested for reliability.
.,......
.I . .5 ., "
I-

., . . " .
c
~
>!1- t- 0
"
not listed under cultural treatment. An example of
other treatment is a newl y recognized wear pattern
No box is reserved for the extremely rare tri-
cusped upper premolars. When these occur, we in- >-~ ~
~1- 1-
z
u ·~ -~ " I
that Turner and Machado ( 1983) termed LSAMAT dicate them as present by placing an asterisk in the P
~~
<».0
~1- t -
"0 ~
~
\-~
~
.c
t) I
~1- 1-
::i."l
(lingual surface att rition of maxill ary anterior teeth) . !
m & d boxes . The single box for lower incisor shov- ~ O>"' 1-
I
1-
i
Z
Such treatment or conditions should be scored per
tooth.
eling is used for scoring onl y the lower central inci- .~~ il- - r- -
.
1-
sor$ . Congenital absence is redundantly scored ""
<O
(status lines and boxes) in this system. Upper incisor ~~ ul- - - - u
-t- 1-
Temporo-mandibular Joint Damage <C
"
tl- r-
Z< ~
labial convexity was not being observed at the time
§~
~
Osteoruthritic damage/destruction can affect the 1- ~- -
of the design of this form .
articular surface of the temporalo-mandibular joints
(TMJ). Categories defin ed by Turner in l 980. Scor-
While observations are made for each trait on both
~';!
.'l .-
:'
1- -
!
the right and left antimeres, when groupi ng observa- l- t-
ing:
tions for population comparisons, individuals (not 1- t- 1-
teeth) ru-e counted. Several different methods may be ~
0. No damage: TMJ surface is smooth and unpit-
. s . e .,"
used to ruTive at a single score for a trait for an
0:
ted.
I. Slight: One-fourth of the TMJ surface is pitted.
individual. However, we recommend the individual

. . . . .,.
~
"
~
~
ti .
... . ~
coun.t method of Turner and Scott (1977). This < u
2. Medium: More than one-fourth but less than
~ g M
0
0 ~
method makes the ass umptions that there is only a E u u

·~
.0 0 0
one-half of lhe TMJ smf ace is pitted, some-
~ ., ~ ~ "
~
.0
single genotype for any specific trait, and that , when 8
" " "' 1 ~ i f

30 Turner et al.
asynunetry is present, the antimere exhibiting the
greater degree of trait expression is the more accurate
indicator of the genotype. Therefore, the score used
for the individual is the highest grade of expression
observed between the two sides. This method maxi-
mizes the sample size over a method where only one
or the other antimere is used. The operational char-
acteristics of this method are discussed in greater
detai l in Scott (1 980). Recording of the scores for
both ·anti meres is important for asymmetry studies.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The ASU methodology was initially aided by a
grant from the Wenner-Gren Fou ndation. Several
students have contributed directly to the . system .
These indi viduals are identified in the descriptions
for each trait. We wish to especially thank Roy A.
Barnes, physical anthropology technician, who for
many years has helped immensely with the develop-
ment, production, and distribution of the ASU
plaques. The ASU Department of Anthropology has
also been very supportive of this activity, as has Al-
bert A. Dahlberg .
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