Dental modifications: a perspective of Indonesian chronology and the current applications

Background: Dental modifications are one of the forms of initiation rite. Thus tradition can be found in all of Indonesian regions, even in South East Asia, in previous era. Modes and dentistry, as a culture product, including its modifications or decorations toward body and teeth have appeared in present day, such as tattoo and decorations on teeth which are taken particular model and superimpose or inculcate ornament of jewel, diamond, gold and others. The first research aim is to describe how functions of modifications on teeth represent cultural affinity and population of biologic affinity that accompany it from time to time; starting from prehistoric period to present day, especially in Indonesian region. The second aim is to submit applicable proposal that is useful for medical area, particularly in dentistry. Method: The research materials include teeth of the adult human skulls of Java, Balinese, and East Nusa Tenggara from some paleoanthropological–archaeological sites, as well as isolated permanent dental sample from modern Balinese population. The methods used are visual comparative descriptive method, and browsed through ethnographic and archaeological classic literatures. Result: Chronologically, dental modifications as reference to the pattern of migration and the domination of the culture in the past, and these facts indicate to the biological affinity and indicate to how the culture influences other culture. Conclusion: Some effects of the practices of dental modifications are the emergence of some diseases. Therefore, it is necessary for the agent of health and the traditional practitioner to be aware when they practice the dental modifications. Nevertheless, on the other side, based on explanations the research results, it is clear that dental modifications provide broader knowledge, because it has a very long journey of migration history, occupancy, and culture in this Indonesian Archipelago, which stretches from the period of about ten thousand years ago until now. This knowledge can be used for either practical purposes of medicine and dentistry even forensic. Thus, it is also useful in forensic identification, as guidance with cultural background such as certain patterns of dental modifications cannot be disregarded. In the same way, patterns of modifications either intentional or unintentional can give a guidance to strengthen identification. Latar belakang: Modifikasi gigi geligi adalah salah satu bentuk ritus inisiasi. Tradisi ini