Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Congenitally missing maxillary first molars are considered a trait that is indicative of Asian ancestry, specifically Japanese. Previous studies, including the one conducted by Ryota Abea et. al (2010), have linked the absence of this tooth with groupings of individuals that originate in this region of the world. In the forensic context, understanding the congenital absence of this molar can allow for greater interpretation of the skeletal remains and provide the forensic anthropologist the ability to create a more accurate biological profile of the individual in question.
FSD 19-161 arrived at the University of Montana from the Petroleum County Coroner’s Office in September of 2019 when forensic anthropological analysis began. After conducting the analysis of the remains presented, it was originally profiled as a European Male through metric and non-metric methods. However, several methods assessed contradictory ancestry estimations. One method indicated European ancestry, while another indicated Japanese descent.
Dental x-rays were also taken of the decedent and analyzed to provide a greater understanding of the individual and their pathologies. After reviewing the dental x-rays, it was confirmed that the maxillary first molars were actually missing and that these molars are congenitally absent and were not pulled antemortem, due to the placement and angle of the second molar root. Taking what was already known about the ancestral relationship of this pathology , with the new information provided by the dental x-rays we were able to readjust the biological profile of the decedent and included that the individual was likely of mixed European and Japanese descent.
The congenital absence of the first maxillary molars is indicative of Japanese descent and understanding that this pathology is associated with certain ancestral populations can assist forensic anthropologists in creating a more accurate and complete biological profile, as evidenced by case FSD 19-161. Understanding the significance of the congenital absence of teeth, specifically the first maxillary molar, will result in more accurate biological profiles in the future. In depth analyses of a decedent’s teeth may allow for a more reliable interpretation and analysis of remains, which in turn would increase the likelihood of correctly identifying a decedent.
Mentor Name
Kirsten Green
Congenitally Missing Maxillary First Molars: A Case Study Conducted on FSD 19-161
UC North Ballroom
Congenitally missing maxillary first molars are considered a trait that is indicative of Asian ancestry, specifically Japanese. Previous studies, including the one conducted by Ryota Abea et. al (2010), have linked the absence of this tooth with groupings of individuals that originate in this region of the world. In the forensic context, understanding the congenital absence of this molar can allow for greater interpretation of the skeletal remains and provide the forensic anthropologist the ability to create a more accurate biological profile of the individual in question.
FSD 19-161 arrived at the University of Montana from the Petroleum County Coroner’s Office in September of 2019 when forensic anthropological analysis began. After conducting the analysis of the remains presented, it was originally profiled as a European Male through metric and non-metric methods. However, several methods assessed contradictory ancestry estimations. One method indicated European ancestry, while another indicated Japanese descent.
Dental x-rays were also taken of the decedent and analyzed to provide a greater understanding of the individual and their pathologies. After reviewing the dental x-rays, it was confirmed that the maxillary first molars were actually missing and that these molars are congenitally absent and were not pulled antemortem, due to the placement and angle of the second molar root. Taking what was already known about the ancestral relationship of this pathology , with the new information provided by the dental x-rays we were able to readjust the biological profile of the decedent and included that the individual was likely of mixed European and Japanese descent.
The congenital absence of the first maxillary molars is indicative of Japanese descent and understanding that this pathology is associated with certain ancestral populations can assist forensic anthropologists in creating a more accurate and complete biological profile, as evidenced by case FSD 19-161. Understanding the significance of the congenital absence of teeth, specifically the first maxillary molar, will result in more accurate biological profiles in the future. In depth analyses of a decedent’s teeth may allow for a more reliable interpretation and analysis of remains, which in turn would increase the likelihood of correctly identifying a decedent.