Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology

Museum skull specimens represent a non-invasive, informative, and readily available means to study temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lesions, dental pathology, anatomic variations in many mammalian species. Studying the teeth jaws of an array species can present challenge requiring attention detail understanding species' normal anatomy. In article, systematic precise protocol for examining is discussed that has been applied variety mammals define characteristic diseases oromaxillofacial region. The procedure outlined simultaneously precise, repeatable, adaptable highly differing tooth shapes anatomy across Specifically, are examined missing teeth, periodontal disease, endodontal TMJ anatomical variations. Results gleaned from research on museum may reflect natural history, health, disease status individuals Furthermore, these data inform ecological conservation efforts, as well care captive individuals.