Explorations in LEXT image and profile capture for dental enamel surface morphology

Bioarchaeology as a field of study can contribute important insights to our understanding of how stress-related phenomena experienced in childhood influence later life conditions. One area that is especially effective is looking at the dental enamel surface microstructures reflecting patterns of growth and growth disruption. Since dental enamel grows incrementally, and because it does not remodel once formed, a record of growth disruption (formed during childhood) is preserved for the rest of an individuals' life. Enamel surface defects are commonly observed macroscopically as enamel hypoplasia. However, this method does not capture the smaller defects reflecting a disruption in only a few of the growth lines visible on the tooth surface. Previous approaches to the assessment of these structures have included scanning electron microscopes and polarized light microscopes with photomontaging and z-stacking capacity. This paper presents the application of the Olympus LEXT 3D Laser Measuring Microscope OLS4000 and Olympus LEXT analytical software to capture and examine dental enamel surface microstructures. The use of the LEXT for these purposes is critically assessed, and the strengths and challenges discussed. Recommendations are made for future application of this instrument to bioarchaeological research.