Abstract

Periapical lesions and their relationship with the subsistence´s practices in individuals of the Center-North of Mendoza during the Late Holocene. Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2018, vol.11, n.2, pp.109-122. ISSN 1852-060X.

Agriculture has been a central issue in Mendoza´s archaeology, due to its socio-cultural implications and its effects on population health. However, there are few studies on dental periapical lesions (PL) that involve recent theoretical and methodological aspects. The aim of the paper is to analyze the prevalence of the different PL in individuals of the Late Holocene of the Center-North of Mendoza, and its possible relation with the dietary transition. The sample included 26 skulls of adults corresponds to populations before and after agricultural intensification, Temporary Block I (before 1000 years BP, n = 20) and Temporary Block II (after 1000 years BP, n = 6), respectively. The presence and alveolar location of PL (granulomas, cysts and chronic abscesses) were estimated. Periapical lesions were identified in the 46.2% (12/26) of the sample, where 92% (11/12) belongs to the Temporary Block I. In these 12 individuals 30 PL were identified, of which the granulomas were more frequent (63.3%) than the cysts (36.7%). The alveoli of the maxilla were more affected (5.6%), with higher prevalence in molars (85.7%). There was a significant decrease in PL in individuals from periods where agricultural intensification occurred was observed. Therefore, PL seems to be associated with a hunter-gatherer economy, possibly related to the exposure of the pulp due to severe dental wear.

Keywords : Pulpodental-infection; Agriculture; Hunter-gatherer; Abscess; Dental-wear.

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