Expression of Carabelli`s trait on deciduous molars in Croatian late antique and medieval populations

Carabelli`s trait (CT) is one of the most intensively studied dental morphological traits. Majority of published studies are performed on permanent teeth. Studies of expression of CT on deciduous teeth are very rare especially if performed on archaeological samples. Respecting that deciduous molars are morphologically considered a model for the permanent molars (isomorphy), examining deciduous molars it is possible to get data on crown patterns of permanent molars in an indirect way. This is very important in bioarchaeological investigations where the possibilities of crown patterns study are limited by excessive tooth wear. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and degree of expression of a CT on deciduous molars in samples from late antique - LA (3rd – 6th century) and medieval - M (7th – 11th century). Research has been carried out on 68 subadult Caucasian skulls (12 LA and 56 M) with 130 intact deciduous maxillary second molars excavated at 6 archaeological sites in Croatia. Expression of CT was classified according to the 8 level Dahlberg’s scale. CT was identified on 41.67% of examined teeth in LA sample and on 50.00% in M sample. Frequency of tubercle and cusp forms only was in LA sample 25.00% and 8.92% in M sample. There were no statistically significant differences in frequencies. According to the frequencies of CT both samples belong to the Garn`s intermediate frequency group. Deciduous molars of archaeological samples are often intact and should be used as substitute if permanent molars are unavailable for examination.