Forensic Odontology, a Boon and a Humanitarian Tool: A Literature Review.

Roohi Afshan Kaleelullah,Pousette Hamid

doi:10.7759/cureus.7400

Roohi Afshan Kaleelullah, Pousette Hamid

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.7400

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Abstract

Our society faces fresh challenges in every conceivable way, from an increase in the crime rate to a rise in natural disasters. In spite of the leaps in modern technology, medical breakthroughs in the identification of criminals remain a cumbersome task. The modern-day criminal investigation typically involves many different disciplines to solve a crime. The identification of a person's body is required when it is completely mutilated, disfigured, or beyond recognition -- which might be due to any barbaric crime, accident, war, fire, or any natural disaster. Dental identification is one of the most reliable methods, as teeth and dental structures may survive adverse conditions. The techniques involved in forensic odontology include: bite mark analysis, tooth prints, rugroscopy, cheiloscopy, dental DNA analysis, radiographs, and photographs.

Highlights

BackgroundHistory/past events of victim identificationThe ancient dental identification began with the Agrippina and the Lollia Paulina case in the year 49 AD
The techniques involved in forensic odontology include: bite mark analysis, tooth prints, rugroscopy, cheiloscopy, dental DNA analysis, radiographs, and photographs
The first dental identification from a mass disaster was made for a fire in Charity Bazaar in Paris, here antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) dental records were compared for identification of the dead [4]

Summary

Introduction

The ancient dental identification began with the Agrippina and the Lollia Paulina case in the year 49 AD. The mtDNA displays a pattern of fragmentation across many tissue types, improving the ability to estimate DNA survival in forensic specimens [19] Certain dental indices such as incisor index, mandibular canine index, and crown index have been derived from the linear measurement of teeth that is sexual. Kvaal et al highlighted that the intensity of the fluorescence estimates the color of the human dentin and cementum which plays a role in the "half technique" age identification formula. Their body identification is becoming difficult because of burns and mutilations In this case, forensic odontology can help in the identification of individuals by comparing the dental records collected before the commencements of his or her service. Disaster victim identification (DVI): Forensic odontologists can play an important role in the identification of mass disasters across the world [*]

Conclusions

Disclosures

Henderson CE

Luntz LL

Sansare K