Multiple traumatic dental injuries: a case report in a young individual from the Samnitic necropolis of Opi Val Fondillo (VI–V century BC; Central Italy)

Traumatic dental injuries, although apparently rare in archaeological populations, can be found under certain circumstances affecting the dentition in a variety of ways. This paper contributes to the paleopathology literature by reporting one case of dental trauma. Evidence for differentiating antemortem/perimortem dental trauma from postmortem damage is presented, and it is suggested that these injuries were sustained due to an accidental fall, supported by the morphology, location and extension of the injuries and characterization of the impact. These data provide a valuable information for a reconstruction of past behaviors in the Samnitic necropolis of Opi Val Fondillo (VI–V century BC; Central Italy).

► This study reports one case of traumatic dental injuries.
► Dental trauma provides valuable information for a reconstruction of past behaviors.
► Dentinoenamel junction helps us to distinguish antemortem from postmortem fractures.
► The characteristics of the injuries are consistent with a blow on the chin.
► It is suggested that these dental trauma was sustained due to an accidental fall.