Predictive factors for alveolar fenestration and dehiscence

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution and incidence of two forms of alveolar bone resorption known as fenestration and dehiscence across time and space. To accomplish this a Medieval French population was studied and the results were compared with other studies to examine incidence and distribution of alveolar bone resorption. Thus, 1175 teeth were analysed for 81 individuals, from an agropastoral Medieval (12th–14th century) archaeological site of Vilarnau located in the South of France. Tooth presence and absence as well as dental alveolar resorption were recorded. A new standardised methodological approach to record alveolar resorption is presented and can be used for any skeletonised series. Measurements of dehiscence were made in the midline on each root in relation to the cemento-enamel junction and fenestration was considered as resorption restricted to alveolar bone. Through analyses of the distribution and incidence of alveolar bone resorption over-time in a Medieval French population, along with nine other studies, we present a list of predictive factors for alveolar bone resorption. Among these factors tooth position and function were the most important; anterior teeth were more commonly affected, bone resorption was more common on the labial/buccal versus palatal/lingual surfaces, fenestration was also more common on the maxilla and dehiscence on the mandible (p ≤ 0.001). These patterns do not vary through time or space, and therefore, provide predictive factors for health practitioners in oral therapy to improve patient recovery and post oral treatment success.