Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 204, 121 - 124 (2008)
Published online: 9 February 2008 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2008.46
Subject Categories: Case reports | Dental anthropology | Restorative dentistry
On traditional dental extraction: case reports from Dinka and Nuer en route to restoration
M. S. Willis1, L. E. Harris2 & P. J. Hergenrader3
- Chronicles memories of a traditional childhood extraction process in Dinka and Nuer refugees from Sudan.
- Describes canine/incisor root retention in three males who experienced ritual extraction during childhood in Sudan.
- Describes dental practice and care systems among Dinka and Nuer in Sudan.
- Provides information about dental status among refugees that might be useful to dentists in western host countries.
Abstract
Ritual dental extraction among Sub-Saharan African populations has been practised for centuries, yet little is known about the removal process for any ethnic group. Dinka and Nuer refugees to the US requested replacements for missing anterior teeth removed during childhood. Among 36 Sudanese refugees, 238 individual extractions had been performed. Three retained canine/incisor root fragments; their cases are presented, including memories of the tooth-extraction ritual.
- Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, 928 Oldfather Hall, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0368, USA;
- Periodontal Resident, Department of Surgical Specialties, College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0757, USA;
- Coordinator, Certified Dental Assistant, College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0757, USA
Correspondence to: M. S. Willis1 e-mail: mwillis2@unl.edu
