Describe how is Forensic Dentistry could be useful in the identification of murder victims?
The theory underlying forensic odontology is that no two mouths are alike; an individual’s dentition is believed to be unique.
Death Body Identification Techniques:
Comparison of antemortem and postmortem records,
Antemortem (before death – depends on known characteristics of a missing individual)
Postmortem (after death – depends on recovered characteristics from an unknown body)
at the points of comparison (specific features),
(a) the number, class, and type of
teeth;
(b) tooth rotation, spacing, and
malposition;
(c) anomalies and general
morphology;
(d) restorations and prostheses or
appliance);
(e) caries and other pathology;
(f) endodontic treatment;
(g) implants and surgical
repairs;
(h) bony trabecular patterns
(i)occlusion, erosion, and
attrition.
through the dental radiographs, photographs, impressions and casts.
through the dental radiographs, photographs, impressions and casts.
1.Dental radiographs – accurate dental identification requires point-by-point comparison of set of intraoral radiographs, which can be made as many as 18 to 21 images, in which all points of comparison must match exactly or in which differences must be explained.
Comparison of antemortem
and postmortem radiographs looking for similarities
of restorations and general morphology.
A. Antemortem radiographs
of the same victim demonstrate multiple
dental restorations, unique root and sinus morphology, pulp chamber shape,
interdental bone height, and trabecular patterns.
B. Postmortem radiographs
show consistency in some restorations
when compared to the antemortem radiographs, but note that several teeth have
had restorations placed after the antemortem radiographs were obtained.
Comparison of antemortem
and postmortem photographs looking for similarities
in general morphology.
A. Antemortem dental photograph showing gingival clefting.
B. Postmortem photograph showing similar clefting found in the victim at autopsy.
Similar dental arch form is observed as is the overall morphology of the dental
coronal structure.
3.Radiographs and Photographs
A. These radiographs show antemortem (top) and postmortem (bottom) radiographs of a
homicide victim with orthodontic appliances in place, which are identical to
actual postmortem findings (seen in B and C) and served to confirm the
identity. Note also the restoration of tooth No. 10, a peg lateral that matches
as well.
B.
This postmortem photograph shows the
orthodontic retainer in the mandibular arch as evident in the antemortem
radiographs.
C.
This postmortem photograph shows the
orthodontic retainer in the maxillary arch as evident in the antemortem
radiographs.
reference:Scheid, R.C, Weiss Gabriela. Woelfel’s Dental Anatomy: It’s Relevance to Dentistry. 8th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
reference:Scheid, R.C, Weiss Gabriela. Woelfel’s Dental Anatomy: It’s Relevance to Dentistry. 8th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Wow dental fairies! That's a lot of work... Very good! It may useful to increase your font size with more illustrations! Looking forward to your next posts!
ReplyDeleteOk Dr. Sneha, I'll inform my groupmates. Thnx for the feedback =)
DeleteVery graphic. Good work.
ReplyDeleteThank you! =)
DeleteGood work. well done
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. Vimi
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