Forensic Odontology Identification Research Articles

Automatic removal of soft tissue from 3D dental photo scans; an important step in automating future forensic odontology identification

The potential of intraoral 3D photo scans in forensic odontology identification remains largely unexplored, even though the high degree of detail could allow automated comparison of ante mortem and post mortem dentitions. Differences in soft tissue conditions between ante- and post mortem intraoral 3D photo scans may cause ambiguous variation, burdening the potential automation of the matching process and underlining the need for limiting inclusion of soft tissue in dental comparison. The soft tissue removal must be able to handle dental arches with missing teeth, and intraoral 3D photo scans not originating from plaster models. To address these challenges, we have developed the grid-cutting method. The method is customisable, allowing fine-grained analysis using a small grid size and adaptation of how much of the soft tissues are excluded from the cropped dental scan. When tested on 66 dental scans, the grid-cutting method was able to limit the amount of soft tissue without removing any teeth in 63/66 dental scans. The remaining 3 dental scans had partly erupted third molars (wisdom teeth) which were removed by the grid-cutting method. Overall, the grid-cutting method represents an important step towards automating the matching process in forensic odontology identification using intraoral 3D photo scans.

Anatomical Variants of Condylar Process, Coronoid Process, and Sigmoid Notch in a Maharashtrian Population: A Radiographic Study.

Background The cornerstone of an individual's singularity is identification. Digital orthopantomography (OPG) helps to illustrate the varying condylar process, coronoid processes, and sigmoid notch found within a population to facilitate individual recognition. This study aims to assess the various shapes of the condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch found using OPG in a sample population of an Indian city. Methodology This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using 1,000 good-quality digital OPG scans to evaluate the different shapes. The scans were evaluated by two experienced oral radiologists and tabulated for statistical analysis. Results The current investigation revealed varied morphological forms of the three entities, with the round shape being the most frequently observed condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch. Comparisons across sides and between sexes revealed differences in all three variables which were found to be statistically significant. We discovered a crooked finger condyle (58.56% on the left side and 41.44% on the right side), a beak-shaped coronoid process (50.0% on the left side and 50.0% on the right side), and a V-shaped sigmoid notch (41.35% on the left side and 58.65% on the right side) in this study. This is a unique finding not reported by other studies. Conclusions Analyzing the shape of the condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch found on an OPG scan can help with gender identification in forensic odontology and anthropology as these anatomical features show strong sexual dimorphism.

Forensic odontology identification in a case of flash-fire death

Forensic dentistry, or forensic odontology is a great chapter in forensic pathology that focuses on the dental remains of unrecognizable cadavers to perform their recognition. In some cases, dental identification is the only method available to make or refute the identification of a cadaver. During a crime scene investigation, human remains were found in a completely burned-out car. At the external examination, the cadaver was unrecognizable. At complete autopsy, the presence of soot in the airways was ascertained as a vitality marker. A forensic dental examination was performed. Dental photos of a suggested missing man were analyzed and showed the same anatomical dental features as those of the cadaver. The comparison of the orthopantomogram (OPT) obtained ante mortem from the missing person with the one obtained post mortem from the cadaver matched perfectly. Hence, forensic odontology proved valuable to identify the cadaver working in conjunction with forensic pathology and forensic radiology.

Comparative manual and digital analysis of gonial angle in lateral cephalograms for gender determination.

Human skull has always been used for victim identification in forensic odontology. The gender-dimorphic bone of the skull is the mandible. The gonial angle has frequently been investigated for gender estimation with variable results and requires further exploration. We aim to compare the efficacy of gonial angle estimation by ancient methods of lateral cephalometric tracing compared with more recent digital analysis methods for gender estimation in the Indian population. Lateral cephalograms of 191 (96M and 95F) cases above the age of 17years were retrieved. Cephalometric analysis of gonial angle on radiographs was done using both manual cephalometric tracing method and digitally using Adobe Photoshop software. The results were subjected to statistical analysis for evaluation. The mean gonial angle was higher in females (125.05; 123.77 and 125.28) than in males (122.583; 121.715 and 122.008) using both manual and digital methods. On applying the logistical regression analysis (LRA), the digital method showed the highest gender estimation accuracy of 60.7% followed by Burstone's analysis (57.1%) and manual conventional analysis (56.5%). Burstone's analysis (57.9%) correctly identified increased females, whereas digital analysis (62.5%) and manual conventional analysis (59.4%) accurately recognised increased males. The present study showed a higher gender estimation accuracy using digital methods as compared to manual methods, but it still lacks the credibility to be used as a sole factor for predicting the gender of an individual. Hence, a cumulative factor must be taken into consideration for gender identification which would provide more promising results.

Validity of postmortem computed tomography for use in forensic odontology identification casework

Forensic Odontology (FO) identification compares antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) dental datasets and is widely accepted as a primary identifier. Traditionally, a PM dental examination is undertaken in the same manner as a dental examination conducted for a living patient. Recently, the increased forensic application of computed tomography (CT) offers an alternative source of PM data. While charting from PMCT is widely accepted as less accurate, the impact on reconciliation is unknown. This study aims to determine if reconciliation outcome differs when PM dental data is collected from PMCT, compared with conventional PM examination. PMCT data was reviewed for 21 cases previously completed using conventional PM dental examination. Operators blinded to original identification outcomes charted from CT images before comparing to AM data to form an opinion regarding identity. Opinions formed were compared with original identification outcomes. Differences in PM dental charting between the two methods and the evidentiary value of AM and PM datasets were assessed to determine driving factors of differences in identification outcome. Compared to conventional PM dental examination, PMCT examination resulted in similar or less certain identification outcomes. Discrepancies in outcome were driven by the quality of AM and PM datasets rather than inaccuracies in charting from PMCT. Based on the results of this study, both conventional and PMCT methods of PM dental examination can reach similar identification outcomes. However, operators remained more certain in establishing identity when conducting conventional PM dental examinations especially when AM data was lacking.

Denture marking for personal identification in forensic odontology: A narrative review

Aim: In certain situations, other forensic aids fail to provide proper personal identification such as changes after death, tissue injury trauma, burns, and insufficiency of fingerprint evidence. Dental identification plays a crucial role in this aspect. However, in edentulous patients, who do not possess teeth and the alveolar bone resorbs very fast, denture marking is a reliable aid for easy identification. This review was carried out to investigate how many methods of denture marking are listed in the literature for personal identification to date and which method is the most reliable?Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA principles, a search of the published literature was conducted electronically in PubMed/Medline, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, without the publication year limitation using keywords such as (“Denture marking,” OR “Denture labelling”) AND (“Prosthesis”), AND (“Personal identification”), AND (“Forensic science” OR “Forensic odontology”). A manual search of all related journals and reference lists of the relevant articles was also performed. Results: The database search yielded a total of 140 articles; out of which 45 relevant articles were selected describing 10 surface denture marking methods and 20 inclusion denture marking methods. Each method is enclosed with a few of its advantages and disadvantages. Conclusion: From this research, it can be concluded that at present, 30 denture marking methods for personal identification have been reported in the literature, but it cannot be stated definitely which method is the most reliable, as the strengths and weaknesses of each method supersede each other. Robust research and a number of population-based studies are required in this context.

“Identified”, “probable”, “possible” or “exclude”: The influence of task-irrelevant information on forensic odontology identification opinion

In a mass disaster situation, identification of the deceased utilising comparison of dental features is frequently heavily relied upon to facilitate rapid and accurate outcomes. The method consists of the comparison of clinical and radiographic records depicting oral structures and dentition to allow an opinion to be produced on a presumed identity. Current forensic odontology identification opinions are expressed as categories of levels of identification. Categories such as “Identified”, “Probable”, “Possible” and “Exclude” are used in various forensic odontology identification scales. The boundaries between the levels of the scales are not fixed; hence, category selection is highly subjective. It is uncertain how extrinsic factors such as exposure to contextual task-irrelevant information or operator experience influence category selection. In this study, forensic odontologist and dentist participants read task-irrelevant context case information containing either strong or weak identification or non-identification suggestions before evaluating and comparing pairs of true matching and non-matching dental radiographs. They were then asked to form an opinion regarding identification using one of four categories from the INTERPOL scale. Context information was found to influence categorical decisions. The magnitude and direction of influence depended on the type of participant, the true match status of the radiographs, and the strength and direction of bias of the context. The results of this study demonstrate the contextual effect and fluidity of the boundaries between the categories on the identification scale and highlight the need for stringent protocols to be developed regarding the use of these categorical scales to enable decision making to be more objective.

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation on the accuracy of three intraoral scanners for human identification in forensic odontology.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of intra oral scanner (IOS) to confirm the applicability of IOS for the recording and analysis of tooth morphology in forensics. The less damaged mandible specimen with many teeth remaining was scanned three times using three types of intraoral scanners (CS3600, i500, and Trios3). For quantitative comparisons of the scanned images produced by these intraoral scanners, root mean square (RMS) values were computed using a three-dimensional analysis program and a one-way ANOVA was conducted with Tukey HSD (honestly significant difference) as a post-hoc analysis (α=0.05). The repeatability of the full scan data was highest with the i500 (0.14±0.03 mm), and the post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between the CS3600 and the i500 outcomes (P-value=0.003). The repeatability of the partial scan data for the teeth in the mandible was highest with the i500 (0.08±0.02 mm), and the post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between the CS3600 and the i500 (P-value=0.016). The precision of the full scan data was highest with the i500 (0.16±0.01 mm) but the differences were not statistically significant (P-value=0.091). Meanwhile, the precision of the partial scan data for the teeth in the mandible was highest with the Trios3 (0.22±0.02 mm), but the differences were not statistically significant (P-value=0.762). Considering that the scanning of other areas of the oral cavity in addition to the teeth is important in forensic odontology, the i500 scanner appears to be the most appropriate intraoral scanner for human identification. However, as the scope of oral scanning is generally limited to teeth in the practice of dentistry, additional discussions of how to apply the IOS in forensic odontology are needed. Ultimately, the results here can contribute to the overall discussion of the forensic applicability dental data produced by intraoral scanners.

Will “selfies” solve the identification crisis in lower socio-economic South Africans? A dental feature analysis of “selfies”

Identification in forensic odontology requires that a known characteristic of an individual’s dentition be compared with the same characteristic of the unknown decedent. In South Africa a number of factors render forensic identification of unknown individuals challenging. Many South Africans do not have access to modern dentistry, and consequently do not have ante-mortem dental records. In South Africa, 22 million people are said to own a smart phone, which accounts for close to 40% of the country's population. The aim of the study was to investigate selfies as a source of dental feature information in a government clinic catering to previously disadvantaged patients. Identifiable dental features were observed in 61 (5.6%) of the collected images (N=1098). The low number of useable selfies collected in this study could be attributed to: a lack of smiles seen in the received images. Individuals with poor dental aesthetics would commonly choose to takea selfie with a closed mouth where their teeth would not be visible. The most commonly identified dental features included: diastemas (49.2%), dental jewellery (37.7%), crowding (16.4%), difference in tooth height (16.3%), discoloured (8.2%) and missing teeth (8.2%). This studyfound that selfies cannot solve the identification crisis in lower socio-economic South Africans. Awareness of the importance of selfies in forensic identification should be increased.

Evaluation Of Tongue Morphology Of Individuals In Nagpurregion For Identification In Forensic Odontology.

Every human has a unique tongue morphology that can be useful for forensic identification. It is possible to make tongue prints by impressions and photographs which are also unique and difficult to forge. The present study deals with evaluation of these morphological features of tongue and its application for identification of an individual.300 subjects were examined for morphological features of the tongue like shape, surface texture, color and apex. Most commonly observed morphological features of the tongue were ‘U’ shaped(65%), pale pink colored(57%), rounded apex(80%) and smooth surface texture(64%). Insignificant distribution of the morphological features of the tongue with that of age & gender was observed.Tongue may be used for identification in Forensic Odontology along with other identification aids.

A Cheiloscopy Study among Students of Different Regional States in Eastern India: An Institutional Study.

Introduction:India is one of the largest countries which is inhabited by diverse populations of different tribes, castes, religious, and migrant groups. In forensic investigation, personal identification plays the greatest importance. Lip prints are considered as one such tool for personal identification. Study of lip prints is referred to as cheiloscopy and they are considered as unique in every individual just like fingerprints.Materials and Methods:Three hundred randomly selected specimens were taken in our study comprising of both the genders and of various regions from Odisha, West Bengal (WB) and Bihar was considered in the study. The age selected in our study ranged from 18 to 25 years comprising of 151 males and 149 females. Lip impression was made and viewed for different lip prints pattern under a magnifying glass of 10X.Results:There was a total of six lip print type identified in the present study. The type of lip print pattern found more in males was Type 2 and in females was Type 1. The type of lip print pattern found more in Bihar and WB was Type 2 and Odisha was Type 1.Conclusion:As the lip print is unique for every individual, Cheiloscopy is considered as a useful method of identification in forensic odontology. The study showed statistically significant difference in gender with a variation in geographical location.

Assessment of the usefulness of morphometric and volumetric analysis of mastoid process for gender determination in forensic odontology: A retrospective cone beam computed tomographic study

Background: Personal identification is crucial in natural mass disasters and in man-made disasters when the body is highly mutilated and fragmented. The mastoid process of the skull is important in this regard for sex determination, since it is one of the most protected region and is resistant to damage. Aim: To assess the usefulness of morphometric and volumetric analysis of the mastoid process for gender determination in forensic odontology. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 60 retrospective CBCT skull images (30 males and 30 females) of known sex within the age group of 17–65 years. Radiographic measurements of the length, width, height and volume of the right and left mastoid processes were made using customized software. Statistical Analysis: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and discriminant functional analysis (DFA) were used to analyze all the collected data. Results: In the present study, the mean values of length, height, width and volume of the mastoid process were found to be higher in males than in females. The height of the mastoid process was found to be a good indicator of gender determination, with a sensitivity of 76.7%, a specificity of 76.7%, and an overall accuracy of 76.7%. Conclusion: We conclude that the mastoid process is a good indicator of gender determination. The volume can also be included as an additional parameter along with length, height, and width. We therefore recommend the use of the mastoid process for gender determination in personal identification in forensic odontology.

Contour- and Texture-based analysis for victim identification in forensic odontology

PurposeForensic dentistry is the application of dentistry in legal proceedings that arise from any facts relating to teeth. The ultimate goal of forensic odontology is to identify the individual when there are no other means of identification such as fingerprint, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), iris, hand print and leg print. The purpose of selecting dental record is for the teeth to be able to withstand decomposition, heat degradation up to 1600 °C. Dental patterns are unique for every individual. This work aims to analyze the contour shape extraction and texture feature extraction of both radiographic and photographic dental images for person identification.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve an accurate identification of individuals, the missing tooth in the radiograph has to be identified before matching of ante-mortem (AM) and post-mortem (PM) radiographs. To identify whether the missing tooth is a molar or premolar, each tooth in the given radiograph has to be classified using a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classifier; then, it is matched with the universal tooth numbering system. In order to make exact person identification, this research work is mainly concentrate on contour shape extraction and texture feature extraction for person identification. This work aims to analyze the contour shape extraction and texture feature extraction of both radiographic and photographic images for individual identification. Then, shape matching of AM and PM images is performed by similarity and distance metric for accurate person identification.FindingsThe experimental results are analyzed for shape and feature extraction of both radiographic and photographic dental images. From this analysis, it is proved that the higher hit rate performance is observed for the active contour shape extraction model, and it is well suited for forensic odontologists to identify a person in mass disaster situations.Research limitations/implicationsForensic odontology is a branch of human identification that uses dental evidence to identify the victims. In mass disaster circumstances, contours and dental patterns are very useful to extract the shape in individual identification.Originality/valueThe experimental results are analyzed both the contour shape extraction and texture feature extraction of both radiographic and photographic images. From this analysis, it is proved that the higher hit rate performance is observed for the active contour shape extraction model and it is well suited for forensic odontologists to identify a person in mass disaster situations. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for individual identification of both radiographic and photographic images with a view to accurate identification of the person.

Palatal rugoscopy: Individuality and gender differences in subset of population of Karachi.

Objectives: To evaluate the individuality of palatal rugae patten and correlate them in males and females in different age groups by using Trobo’s classification. Study Design: Cross Sectional. Setting: Department of Prosthodontics, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences. Period: September 2019 to January 2020. Material & Methods: This study comprised of ninety-four participants with equal number of males and females from 10 years to 70 years, visiting the Prosthodontic department. Study casts included were free of dental abnormality, trauma, malocclusion, orthodontic problems, and deformity in palatal rugae area. Sample size was calculated from software name openepi.com with 95% confidence interval. Data was tabulated and SPSS version 22.0 was used to identify the results. Results: Frequency distribution was performed among age groups in which second group (20 to 39 years) has highest frequency with 52 in number. The cross tab between age group and type of rugae was made which showed group II, having age between 20 to 39 years, had the highest number of palatal rugae configurations amongst all. Conclusion: Sinuous or type E was the predominant type of palatal rugae found in this study. The study did not show significant difference in gender, however number of rugae were found consistently more in young adults with propensity towards individuality. Their use can thus be justified for dental identification in forensic odontology.

Interpretation, confidence and application of the standardised terms: Identified, Probable, Possible, Exclude and Insufficient in forensic odontology identification

Forensic odontology identification scales are used to express certainty of identifications of deceased persons. These standardized scales are assumed to convey unambiguous expert opinions and facilitate communication between forensic odontologists and end users. However, to date no studies have investigated how the experts interpret and use these scales.Forensic odontology identification scales are used to express certainty of identifications of deceased persons. These standardized scales are assumed to convey unambiguous expert opinions and facilitate communication between forensic odontologists and end users. However, to date no studies have investigated how the experts interpret and use these scales.This paper aims to examine the interpretation of the DVISYS forensic identification scale and choices of the levels in the scale subsequent to, and derived from, comparison of pairs of dental radiographs by extending the analysis of the data collected in the study by Page and Lain et. al. 2017.The studied variables: self-reported confidence, forced binary decision of match and non-match, choice of level in the DVISYS scale (Identified, Probable, Possible, Insufficient and Exclude) were further analysed in this study using mixed models for relationships between the choices of level in the identification scale and the fundamental beliefs of likelihood of identification.The results of this further analysis showed that the reported confidence of the decisions was correlated to the difficulty of cases, and as confidence decreased the use of less definitive terms (‘Probable’, ‘Possible’ and ‘Insufficient’) increased. ‘Probable’ and ‘Possible’ were used mainly in underlying beliefs below that of ‘Identified’ whereas ‘Insufficient’ was used mainly to convey a sublevel of ‘Exclude’. The use of ‘Insufficient’ in this study was not consistent with the prescribed definition of the term.The participants of the original study were not aware of the difficulty grading of the cases nor were required to grade them, however the reported confidence was systematically correlated to difficulty. Furthermore, indicated confidence level was correlated with choice of level on the scale in general, but the interpretation of the definition and application of the terms varied.The findings reported here contribute to the foundational knowledge of factors governing the interpretation and application of the DVISYS forensic odontology identification scale and suggest that this scale may need to be modified.

Forensic odontology identification response to terrorist attacks in Paris November 2015

The terrorist attacks of November 2015 led to the immediate death of 129 victims admitted to the Legal and Forensic Medicine Institute of Paris, including 41 unidentified. During the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operations, 22 bodies were examined by the postmortem (PM) dental team with the aim of establishing PM odontograms. At the same time, the dental expert in the antemortem (AM) unit collected a large number of dental files, progressively filtered as the list of missing persons became reduced. Feedback from these events has highlighted the difficulties of implementing the DVI chain principles in a legal framework, published the day before the attacks, and also the technical complexity of collecting dental data on a week end of terror. The return on experience after this event has represented a paradigm shift on previous methods of DVI in Paris and even more in France. Indeed, the victim identification procedure was redesigned, integrating new technical means such as a CT scan directly on spot, allowing the extraction of maxillofacial data as soon as possible in order to support the PM dental examination team. Moreover, the National Dental Council proceeded to the overall remodeling of the dental identification unit, which is composed of trained members, from local, regional and national aspects. These forensic experts are dedicated, at the request of the legal authorities, to DVI operations and deployed throughout the country capable of managing AM and PM data. This unit aims also to share experiences and awareness-raising among health professionals and investigators in order to optimize a better submission of AM elements and also to enhance the major interest of odontology as a primary identifier in disaster.

Evaluation of morphological characteristic and varieties of tongue prints for personal identification in Kanpur communities: An impression-based analysis

Context: The human tongue, a unique organ with complex architecture, exhibits significant morphological variations in the human body consistent with its complex role. Its morphological characteristic features and varieties can go about as proof of life and can be used for personal identification. The morphology and surface highlights of the tongue are qualities of each person, and these characteristics can be utilized as legal distinguishing proof of each person. Aims: This study is aimed to analyze varieties in morphological qualities of the tongue and to find out gender differences. Settings and Design: This study was conducted on 206 (Group I consist of 105 females and Group II consist of 101 male) participants with an age range of 21–30 years for 4 months who had visited the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Subjects and Methods: The tongue was exposed to visual assessment following which alginate impression of the dorsal surface of the tongue was taken to make tongue cast and to assess distinct morphological features of the tongue and its variations in males and females. Statistical Analysis Used: The discrete (categorical) data were summarized in number (n) and percentage (%) and compared using the Chi-square (χ2) test. Results: A total of 206 participants in both groups, the U-shaped tongue, was the most common findings in males, as well as in females followed by a V-shaped tongue with a sharp tip that was observed more in females compared to males. Scalloped borders and multiple fissures were more common in males as compared to females. Conclusions: Variations of tongue shape and surface properties can be used as personal human identification in forensic odontology, and tongue prints can also be used as a standard method for the collection of data. The collected data of tongue prints may be used as a professional recognition database to ease human identification and to avoid future scams.

Perbandingan Pola Bentuk Sidik Bibir Antara Suku Asli Mentawai dan Suku Campuran Mentawai

One of studies that plays a role in human identification in disaster and crime is forensic odontology. There are several methods of identification in forensic odontology, one of the alternative methods is cheiloscopy which is used to identify lip print pattern. Lip print pattern is identical in each person, lip print can identify gender and human race. Mentawai ethnic is a part of Proto-Melayu race which dominates Mentawai island district area. Familial relationship in Mentawai ethnic is patrilineal the tribe is derived from father’s tribe. This study aimed to compare the shape of lip print pattern between Mentawai original ethnic and Mentawai mixed ethnic. This study is a descriptive study with cross-sectional approach. The samples in this study were 16 pairs of Mentawai ethnic and 16 pairs of mixed Mentawai ethnic, the sample were selected using purposive sampling method. Lip print in study models were marked using colour pen, and the shape pattern of lip prints were observed and measured according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification. Results of this study showed that there are differences in the pattern of lip prints between Mentawai ethnic and mixed Mentawai ethnic. Mentawai ethnic has dominan type of lip prints is type I, type II, and type IV while mixed Mentawai ethnic has dominan type of lip prints is type IV, type I, dan type III. The conclusion is there is a difference pattern of lip prints due to racial factors.

Association between Direction Patterns of Palatal Rugae and Thumbprints: Implications for Forensic Identification Thumbprints: Implications for Forensic Identific

Palatal rugae have been proven to be useful as a means of individual identification. As there are no antemortem data about palatal rugae, they have to be connected with other indicators, such as fingerprints with available antemortem data. Objectives: To assess the association of the direction patterns of palatal rugae prints and thumbprints in the Deutero-Malay sub-race to improve forensic identification. Methods: Palatal rugae intraoral photos and thumbprints scans were from 193 Deutero-Malay individuals aged between 18–25 years (170 female, 23 male). ImageJ and Adobe software was used to identify direction patterns of the palatal rugae and thumbprints. Results: An antero-posterior direction was the most common direction pattern among right (64.17%) and left (49.26%) palatal rugae and right (58.12%) and left (56.02%) thumbprints. An association with small effect size was found between first right palatal rugae and right thumbprint (p-value = 0.024; Cramer’s V = 0.181) and with medium effect size between second left palatal rugae and left thumbprint (p-value = 0.000; Cramer’s V = 0.332). Conclusion: There is a significant association between the direction patterns of palatal rugae and thumbprints. This finding may lead to the development of a new effective technique in forensic odontology identification.

Forensic Endodontics

Each human tooth is distinct in itself, which makes dental identification in forensic odontology an integral part of forensic studies. Identification of charred bodies or persons burnt beyond recognition, is next to impossible and endodontics has a very important role to play here, as, in such cases, identification is done with the help of the distinctive nature of human teeth and the study of roots, root canal anatomy and biomaterials with the help of advances in endodontic imaging, researches and practice.