Blue Bridge Lane
&
Fishergate House
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Ante-mortem tooth loss was diagnosed in those cases where evidence for remodelling was visible in tooth sockets. This was observed in 12% of tooth sockets (see Table 49), most of which were first (24%) and second molars (18.5%), with the lowest incidence of ante-mortem tooth loss in canines (4%). Ante-mortem tooth loss was greatest in the mature adults (55%) and lowest in the children and young adult group (2%), a trend which was probably also related to periodontitis.
A number of different factors can influence ante-mortem tooth loss, including the presence of cavities, periodontal disease and severe dental wear. In this population, the greater majority of ante-mortem tooth loss was thought to be the result of periodontal disease, which affected 50% of individuals, and increased with age, rather than cavities, the prevalence of which was low (6%).
The prevalence of ante-mortem tooth loss at Fishergate House (12%) was comparable to that from other medieval sites, particularly St. Andrew's (11.4%) and Towton (10.2%). The prevalence rate of ante-mortem tooth loss at Hull Magistrate's Court (15.4%) and St Helen's-on-the-Walls (17.5%) was slightly greater, whereas that for St Nicholas Shambles (7.6%) was considerably lower.
One tooth had probably been deliberately removed, rather than lost ante-mortem. This was the left second mandibular molar of C1159, a young middle adult female. The area around the original tooth socket had very sharply defined edges, but was remodelled in the centre, at the site of the tooth socket. This evidence suggests that the tooth had been removed using a small sharp implement, such as a knife, with an even and accurate cut, removing part of the gums and bone, as well as the tooth. This may have been carried out in response to a dental abscess. The operation had been performed some time before death, as the area was well-healed, despite the fact that the wound would have been open to bacteria and therefore infection. Dental surgery is very rarely reported in the osteological literature and this is the first case observed by the author. Extraction of teeth was probably the last resort in attempts to alleviate toothache.
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