Dental Records Research Articles

Forensic Odontology and Legality

This paper examines the demonstration of dental evidence and significance of examination of dentistry in law enforcement.

Exploring the feasibility of smartphone cameras for 3D modelling of bite patterns in forensic dental identification

The field of bitemark analysis involves examining physical alterations in a medium resulting from contact with teeth and other oral structures. Various techniques, such as 2D and 3D imaging, have been developed in recent decades to ensure precise analysis of bitemarks. This study assessed the precision of using a smartphone camera to generate 3D models of bitemark patterns. A 3D model of the bite mark pattern was created using 3Shape TRIOSTM and a smartphone camera combined with monoscopic photogrammetry. The mesiodistal dimensions of the anterior teeth were measured using Rapidform Explorer and OrtogOnBlender, and the collected data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 23.0. The mean mesiodistal dimension of the anterior teeth, as measured on the 3D model from 3Shape TRIOSTM and smartphone cameras, was found to be 6.95 ± 0.7667 mm and 6.94 ± 0.7639 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two measurement methods, p > 0.05. The outcomes derived from this study unequivocally illustrate that a smartphone camera possessing the specific parameters detailed in this study can create a 3D representation of bite patterns with an accuracy level on par with the outputs of a 3D intraoral camera. These findings underscore the promising trajectory of merging smartphone cameras and monoscopic photogrammetry techniques, positioning them as a budget-friendly avenue for 3D bitemark analysis. Notably, the monoscopic photogrammetry methodology assumes substantial significance within forensic odontology due to its capacity for precise 3D reconstructions and the preservation of critical measurement data.

About teeth in forensic medicine: 120 years since G.I. Vilga defended Russia’s first doctoral dissertation on forensic dentistry

1923 marked the 120th anniversary of the defense of the doctoral dissertation “On Teeth in Forensic Medicine” by the outstanding Russian odontologist Gilyariy Ivanovich Vilga. The dissertation included an extensive review of foreign literature and the results of his research performed on 160 young healthy men (soldiers) using hand-made instruments.
 The work, performed at the junction of odontology and forensic medicine, was the first in Russia to analyze traumatic dental injuries (dislocations and fractures) from this point of view, describe methods of identification of a person by odontological status, methods of studying bite wounds, and approaches to forensic examination of dental and dental technique errors. For many years, this work remained the only manual for odontologists and forensic experts in Russia.
 Many provisions of the doctoral dissertation of G.I. Vilga “About teeth in forensic medical relation” have not lost their relevance even today; all this certainly allows us to consider G.I. Vilga as the founder of domestic forensic dentistry.

Bitemarks and 3D scanner: An objective comparison for bitemarks. A pilot study

The marks left by the bite of a subject (bitemark) represent an unequivocal character, being useful in identifying the possible perpetrator of a crime. To date, the analysis of bitemarks is mainly based on the direct vision of photographic finds and on the visual comparison with the teeth of the hypothetically responsible person. However, the bitemark also retains three-dimensional characteristics detectable with a 3D scanner. In this pilot study, an innovative method of bitemark analysis, utilizing a three-dimensional scanner and some software, will be introduced, enabling a quantitative comparison of bitemarks and their corresponding human dentitions. For this purpose, 10 complete plaster models (human dentitions) of 10 adult subjects were used to make 20 experimental bitemarks on dentistry wax. All materials were individually scanned with the iTero® 3D scanner and reworked with MeshMixer software. A visual analysis of the characteristics and a computerized analysis with the CloudCompare software were also performed. Study showed a different trend of the distribution curves of the points which were obtained comparing the human dentition and coincident and non-coincident bitemarks. Current results support that the intraoral 3D scanner allows the fast record and the preservation of the three-dimensional characteristics of the bitemarks, and it allows computerized analyses to be carried out.

Survival analysis of posterior composite restorations in National Dental PBRN general dentistry practices

ObjectiveQuantify the survival of posterior composite restorations (PCR) placed during the study period in permanent teeth in United States (US) general dental community practices and factors predictive of that survival. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing de-identified electronic dental record (EDR) data of patients who received a PCR in 99 general dentistry practices in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (Network). The final analyzed data set included 700,885 PCRs from 200,988 patients. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan Meier (product limit) estimator were performed to estimate the survival rate (defined as the PCR not receiving any subsequent treatment) after the first PCR was observed in the EDR during the study time. The Cox proportional hazards model was done to account for patient- and tooth-specific covariates. ResultsThe overall median survival time was 13.3 years. The annual failure rates were 4.5–5.8 % for years 1–5; 5.3–5.7 %, 4.9–5.5 %, and 3.3–5.2 % for years 6–10, 11–15, and 16–20, respectively. The failure descriptions recorded for < 7 % failures were mostly caries (54 %) and broken or fractured tooth/restorations (23 %). The following variables significantly predicted PCR survival: number of surfaces that comprised the PCR; having at least one interproximal surface; tooth type; type of prior treatment received on the tooth; Network region; patient age and sex. Based on the magnitude of the multivariable estimates, no single factor predominated. ConclusionsThis study of Network practices geographically distributed across the US observed PCR survival rates and predictive factors comparable to studies done in academic settings and outside the US. Clinical significanceSpecific baseline factors significantly predict the survival of PCRs done in US community dental practices.

Kvaal’s dental age estimation method applied to Brazilian adults—a cross-sectional test of validity

BackgroundDental age estimation of adults is a challenging procedure in forensic odontology. Radiographic techniques have enabled non-invasive age estimation of adults since the 90’s. Kvaal’s method based on the deposition of secondary dentin has demonstrated broad applicability in several populations. Population-specific studies with this method, however, are scarce in South America. This study tested the validity of Kvaal’s method in a sample of radiographs of Brazilian adults. The sample consisted of 192 periapical radiographs of 106 females (55.2%) and 86 males (44.8%) with ages between 20 and 80 years old. The permanent maxillary right (n = 84, 43.8%) and left (n = 108, 56.2%) central incisors were assessed based on Kvaal’s method.ResultsLin’s coefficient of concordance between estimated (EA) and chronological (CA) ages was 0.800 (IC95% = 0.753; 0.847) (p < 0.001). The mean difference between EA and CA was − 2.84 years (p < 0.001). For females and males, separately, the mean differences between EA and CA were − 3.82 years (CI95% = − 5.38; − 2.25) (p < 0.001) and − 1.86 years (CI95% = − 3.56; − 0.17) (p = 0.031), respectively. Underestimations were predominant and increased with time.ConclusionAfter 28 years of the original publication, Kvaal’s method remains reliable for non-invasive dental age estimation of adults, especially for the analysis of the permanent maxillary central incisors of Brazilian individuals.

Forensic Odontology: The Accuracy and Reliability Behind Bite Mark Evidence

Forensic Odontology: The Accuracy and Reliability Behind Bite Mark Evidence

Credibility of bite mark analysis in forensic odontology: A diagnostic accuracy trail

Credibility of bite mark analysis in forensic odontology: A diagnostic accuracy trail

Dental anthropology and forensics: Answers to questions related to our past: Review of the literature

Dental science is directly correlated to anthropology, which is attributed to teeth's significant advantages and properties. Meanwhile, justice is better and easier served due to the contribution of forensic odontology. The aim of the present literature review is to present the decisive contribution of dental science to the investigation of human species' evolution, as well as to the demystification of criminal cases. A thorough research has been conducted in scientific databases and scientific textbooks related to our review. It is obvious that the assessment of gradual modifications in human dentition as time passes by is indicative of human species' evolution. Nowadays, it is feasible to determine an excavated skeleton's identity and, as far as the ancient civilizations are concerned, to investigate their intercultural relationships, their dietary customs and their oral health's status. With regard to forensics, the structure of cranial bones is of great assistance in demystificating legal cases. Forensic odontology provides forensic medical examiners with the opportunity to faster identify deceased people and more effectively examine abused victims. Certainly, radiographic techniques, such as periapical radiographs as well as modern radiographic methodologies (CT, CBCT, MRI), offer additional diagnostic information in forensics. So, methodologies introduced by dental science have become a remarkable assist in anthropological researches, as well as in forensics. Nevertheless, there can be noticed a limited application of forensic odontology's principles in Greece. This fact may be attributed to the technological capabilities of our country's forensic laboratories rather than the Greek experts' level of expertise.

Accuracy of the London Atlas to estimate the age of legal majority in a sample of the Amazon Regio.

Estimating the age of majority is a challenging task in forensic odontology, especially because the third molars are usually the only developing teeth between the ages of 16 and 21 years. The London Atlas emerged as an alternative to estimate age using dental development, eruption and deciduous root resorption as parameters. The method has performed well in young age categories, while its performance for age estimation via third molars has been disputed. The present study tested the performance of the London Atlas to estimate the age of legal majority in a sample of individuals from the Amazon Region. The sample consisted of 1.256 panoramic radiographs of women (n = 694) and men (n = 562) between 16 and 22.9 years. The method was applied to the maxillary (#28) and mandibular (#38) left third molars. For comparative purposes, the sample was divided into seven age groups: 16├ 16.99; 17├ 17.99; 18├ 18.99; 19├ 19.99; 20├ 20.99; 21├ 21.99; and 22├ 22.99 years. Chronological and estimated ages were compared descriptively by means of mean absolute errors (MAE) and root mean squared errors (RMSE), as well as through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and their area under the curve (AUC). The MAE of the age estimates using tooth #28 was 1.76 years for females and 1.52 years for males. When the tooth #38 was used, the MAE for the females and males were 1.68 and 1.51 years, respectively. The MAE and RMSE increased in ascending order between age categories. Tooth #28 led to 74% of correct classifications around the age of legal majority, while tooth #38 reached 77%. The area under the curve was 0.75 for tooth #28 and 0.73 for tooth #38. The London Atlas should be used carefully to estimate the age of legal majority and not as a single method when the age threshold is 18 years. Key words:Age determination by teeth, forensic dentistry, forensic science, third molar.

Epistemic review amongst the gender binary population in forensic odontology

Epistemic review amongst the gender binary population in forensic odontology

Forensic DNA and the importance of its application in the odontology legal: Narrative review

Forensic medicine is associated with the application of science to legal matters. One of the primary objectives of the judicial system is identifying a piece of evidence or an individual involved in a crime; forensic specialists play a critical role in this process. Legal odontology is one branch of forensic medicine and dentistry that focuses on using dentistry in the legal system. According to Interpol DVI regulations, dental features are one of the main components of identification. Consequently, the identification of unidentified human remains using dental features is one of the principal applications of legal odontology. The use of DNA as a human identifier, particularly in cases of severely decomposed, burned, or mutilated remains, has been made easier by recent developments in DNA technology and the use of saliva and teeth as sources of DNA. These developments also help to connect the criminal to the crime. In light of this, we provide a review of forensic genetics applications from the perspective of legal odontology here. In this review, results were manually extracted from articles indexed in the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases that respond to the search terms that were carried out in English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and French. Such as Forensic DNA, forensic genetics, legal odontology, forensic odontology, and dental DNA, to describe the medical-dental management of legal odontology to date.

Comparison of the Anatomy and Adaptability of Reconstructed Teeth with Natural Teeth: An Innovative Approach in Forensic Dentistry

Abstract Background: Forensic tooth reconstruction is the technique of reconstructing the morphology of a missing tooth from the intra-alveolar morphology of dental sockets from skeletal remains. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of the study are to compare and investigate whether the anatomy and adaptability of reconstructed teeth simulate with the natural tooth and to investigate whether the dental materials have potential in reconstruction of teeth. Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was undertaken on a human mandible. According to the Fédération Dentaire Internationale, charting will be done based on the number of teeth present. The entire study will be conducted in three phases using dental materials. Phase 1 comprised preparation for negative replica, where an impression will be taken, Phase 2 comprised preparation of a positive replica or cast, and Phase 3 comprised tooth reconstruction using the flowable composite. Results: The specimen tooth (which had been taken from its socket) and the newly constructed tooth were compared, and when the length of the newly constructed root was measured using digital vernier calipers, there was a disparity of 0.5–1 mm. The cone-beam computed tomography radiographs demonstrated the necessary flexibility. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that dental information can be obtained even when teeth are absent postmortem by making an attempt to recreate the teeth using dental materials while documenting the intra-alveolar anatomy of the dental root socket.

Accuracy of the third molar maturity index (I3M) for diagnosing the legal majority of young southern Brazilians.

The numerous techniques for identifying adulthood require research testing the accuracy of each method in different populations. This study verified the accuracy of the third molar maturity index (I3M) proposed by Cameriere et al. (2008) for diagnosing the age of majority in a southern Brazilian population sample. Panoramic radiographs of patients with dental element 38 treated at the School of Dentistry of the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), RS, Brazil, were analyzed. The patients were separated into age groups between 15.00 and 22.99 years. The Cameriere (2008) method was applied to each radiograph. The study sample comprised 671 individuals, with 385 women (mean age 19.67 ± 2.05) and 286 men (mean age 19.5 ± 2.11). The original cut-off value of I3M≤0.08 classified individuals younger and older than 18 years. ROC curve plotting resulted in an overall accuracy of 0.69 and 0.84 for women and men, respectively. The most favorable cut-off value for southern Brazilian men was 0.06, and women showed better results with an I3M adjusted to 0.13. The new cut-off values produced an accuracy of 0.78 for women and 0.84 for men. The original cut-off point to the I3M (0.08) was not the most appropriate for the studied sample. Thus, index adjustments to 0.13 for women and 0.06 for men may improve method performance among southern Brazilian individuals. Key words:Molar, third, radiography, panoramic, forensic dentistry, age groups, imputability.

Legal conflicts in forensic dentistry: practice and methods of resolving them.

Aim: To investigate and analyze legal conflicts in forensic dentistry of Ukraine. Materials and Methods: A comparative research method for determining the common and distinctive features of the legal regulation of forensic dental expertise as a subcluster in the legislation of Ukraine. The descriptive (monographic) method reveals the problematic aspects of forensic dental examination through the lens of local normative and general normative connotations. The structural-functional research method made it possible to systematize the peculiarities of forensic medical and forensic dental expert activity. Conclusions: The analysis of legal conflicts made it possible to come to the following conclusions, that in Ukraine today there is no specific legal act that would regulate the aspects of performing dental activities. Forensic dental examination in Ukraine, in accordance with the legislation, is an examination of the actions and inactions of the dentist. The adoption of normative legal acts in the field of dental activity and forensic dental examination in Ukraine would make it possible to determine the specifics of establishing facts and circumstances that indicate a violation of the patient's rights.

Reliability of a forensic odontology method for age-at-death estimation in adults: A Mexican case study

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of an age estimation method based on the pulp⁄tooth area ratio by assessing intra- and inter-examiner agreement across five observers at different intervals. Using the same X-ray device and technical parameters, 96 digital periapical X-ray images of upper and lower canines were obtained from 28 deceased people in Central America, whose age at death ranged from 19 to 49 years. Excellent and good agreement of results were achieved, and there were no statistically significant differences. The R2 value for upper teeth (54.0%) was higher than the R2 value for lower teeth (45.7%). The highest intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.995 (0.993–0.997) and the lowest 0.798 (0.545–0.895). Inter-examiner agreement was high with values of 0.975 (0.965–0.983) and 0.927 (0.879–0.955). This method is adequate for assessing age in missing and unidentified people, including victims of mass disasters.

Awareness of Forensic Odontology in a Sample of Dental Physicians in Upper Egypt

Awareness of Forensic Odontology in a Sample of Dental Physicians in Upper Egypt

The role of dentistry in forensic medicine: the process of human remains identification.

The use of dentistry in forensic medicine has gradually become an indispensable tool in the process of identifying human remains. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the importance of this field in the identification of victims in mass disasters, criminal investigations, ethnic research, and the identification of decomposed and distorted bodies, such as drowning, fire and car accident victims. Dental examinations allow for precise determination of individual identities based on unique dental features. Various methods applied in forensic medicine in the realm of dentistry include dental impressions, radiographs, photographic examinations, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, and molecular methods. Advanced dental analysis techniques make it possible to restore identities even in the most challenging cases. Equally important is the integration of knowledge and methods of forensic dentistry with other forensic disciplines such as molecular genetics and anthropology. Further research and development in this branch of science are crucial for improving investigative processes and ensuring the dignity of mass disaster victims. The aim of this work is to present methods using teeth for the identification of human remains along with the latest advancements in forensic DNA technology, which utilizes dental evidence to aid in the identification of human remains.

Age Identification System with Panoramic Image Processing Digital Molar Dental Radiograph with Adaptive Region Growing Approach Method

Forensics plays a crucial role in legal enforcement, particularly in cases where objects or human victims undergoing forensic identification have suffered significant damage. Teeth offer a robust solution in the identification process due to their resilience to various circumstances. Forensic odontology focuses on dental identification for judicial purposes. One crucial parameter in forensic odontology is age estimation. Generally, an individual's dental development is directly related to age, which can be observed through the dental pulp. The dental pulp tends to narrow or widen with increasing age. In this study, an image processing system using the Adaptive Region Growing Approach (ARGA) method was developed for dental pulp molar radiograph images. Subsequently, the dental pulp images were classified using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method. The research process encompassed data collection, image processing, feature extraction, and molar dental pulp size classification. The results demonstrated an accuracy of over 80% in the system, using specific parameters such as an adjustment threshold of OTSU 1.15, a clip limit histogram Equalization of 0.1, a polynomial kernel type, and one against one coding type for data classification into four classes. This study concludes that the Adaptive Region Growing Approach (ARGA) method and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification can be effectively implemented in age estimation using panoramic radiograph images. This has the potential for significant applications in forensic odontology, supporting victim identification in legal enforcement.

COMPARISON AND ANALYSIS OF BITE MARKS USING WAX IMPRESSION, RADIOPAQUE AND COMPUTER ASSISTED METHODS - A FORENSIC STUDY

Aim: To evaluate the best method of overlay generation out of three methods i.e.,wax impression, Radiopaque and computer assisted method. Material and methods: 50 randomly selected casts from departments of prosthodontics and orthodontics in DivyaJyoticollege of dental sciences and research, Modinagar, Ghaziabad were used to compare three commonly used two dimensional overlay generation methods in bite mark analysis. Overlay production was done by wax impression, Radiopaque and Computer assisted methods. Finally, the overlays obtained by each method were compared. Results: Chi-square test was used for comparison of wax impression, Radiopaque and computer assisted overlay generation methods,the scores obtained being highest in case of computer assisted overlays, thus making it the best method of overlay generation out of three methods. Conclusion: we conclude that the method of computer assisted overlay generation is the best method among the three methods used in our study.