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A study of osseointegrated dental implants following cremation
Author(s) -
Berketa JW,
James H,
Langlois NEI,
Richards LC
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/adj.12170
Subject(s) - prosthodontist , osseointegration , dentistry , maxilla , radiography , medicine , implant , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , orthodontics , surgery , botany , biology , genus
Abstract Background The comparison of dental morphology and restorative work for human identification has been well documented. This case study involved documentation of osseointegrated and clinically restored dental implants following cremation. Methods The mandible and the maxilla were excised from a head containing implants and cremated. The remains were retrieved, digital and radiographic images were taken and elemental analysis undertaken. The brand of implants was identified utilizing web based search engines. A prosthodontist, known to commonly use this implant system, was approached to ascertain possibilities that matched the data given. Results Following cremation the implants were identified and a prosthodontist was able to identify the deceased. Two implants in the maxilla had dehiscences on their buccal surfaces, which could not be detected by periapical radiographs. Conclusions Dental implants osseointegrated and restored with a prosthetic superstructure were recognizable following severe incineration. It was possible to trace back the identity of the unknown victim to a prosthodontist. Bone dehiscences discovered in this study highlighted how two‐dimensional radiographs may not reveal lack of bone support.