The effect of wear on the cheek teeth and associated dental tissues of the lizardUromastix aegyptius (Agamidae)

Serial coronal sections of the teeth and their surrounding tissues in the agamid lizard, Uromastix aegyptius, were examined with the light microscope in order to determine how these structures change as the teeth wear. Because new teeth are added only at the posterior end of the tooth row and older teeth are not replaced, the series of sections included the youngest as well as the oldest teeth. Two types of changes occur as the teeth become older: bone under the teeth changes from cancellous to compact, and the pulp chamber of the tooth is obliterated. Although the labial surface of the dentary lacks a periosteal covering and some of the bone lacks any covering at all, it remains functional throughout the life of the animal.