Los Angeles Implant Dentist Shares New Research Application for Ancient Plaque

Online, June 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - The "Journal of Archaeological Science" features a study in its May issue from University of Nevada, Reno researchers detailing a new research application for plaque.

Los Angeles implant dentist Dr. Joseph Marvizi is fascinated by this new application for dental calculus.

Researchers analyzed plaque from 58 skeletons unearthed in a Spanish cathedral. The population lived between the 11th and the 19th centuries.

UNR anthropology chair and associate professor G. Richard Scott tried his usual analysis methods, but they returned unclear results. He sent five samples to Dr. Simon R. Poulson, research professor in the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Poulson crushed the samples in the UNR Stable Isotope Lab and used a mass spectrometer for inspection.

"No one really thought there would be enough carbon and nitrogen in these tiny, 5- to 10- milligram samples to be measurable, but Dr. Poulson's work revealed there was," Scott says. "The lab results yielded stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios very similar to studies that used bone collagen, which is the typical material used for this type of analysis."

Bone analysis is expensive and invasive, requiring multiple acid baths to isolate collagen from the bone. Museum curators don't always allow this method because it breaks down the bone. Other methods analyze muscle, hair or nails.

"They are great, when you can find them," Scott says. "The problem is, they just don't hold up very well. They decompose too quickly."

Diets are analyzed from ratios of carbon and nitrogen. Proteins contain nitrogen, and plants contain carbon. Carbon samples relay information on the sort of vegetation the ancient population ate.

The study could revolutionize ancient dietary research, and Scott is excited about its potential research capabilities.

"It could save a lot of time and effort, and also allow for analysis when things like hair, muscle and nails are no longer available," Scott says.

Luckily for researchers, plaque lasts centuries without breaking down.

Marvizi's staff works diligently to clean teeth and remove plaque. His office also provides Los Angeles Invisalign treatment, dental bridges and teeth whitening to strengthen and improve smiles.

Learn More
To learn more about preventive oral care or to schedule an appointment with Long Beach dental expert, Dr. Marvizi, visit marvizicosmeticdentist.com or call 323-931-3881.

About Us
Dr. Joseph Marvizi builds lasting relationships with his patients. Together with his staff, he provides outstanding oral care while monitoring patients for potential dental issues.

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