Open AccessExperimental studies of forensic odontology to aid in the identification process
Author(s) -
Susmita Saxena,
Preeti Sharma,
Nitin Gupta
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of forensic dental sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0975-2137
pISSN - 0975-1475
DOI - 10.4103/0975-1475.81285
Subject(s) - forensic odontology , identification (biology) , forensic dentistry , forensic identification , forensic science , forensic engineering , dentistry , medicine , engineering , history , archaeology , biology , botany , veterinary medicine
The importance of dental identification is on the increase year after year. With the passage of time, the role of forensic odontology has increased as very often teeth and dental restorations are the only means of identification. Forensic odontology has played a key role in identification of persons in mass disasters (aviation, earthquakes, Tsunamis), in crime investigations, in ethnic studies, and in identification of decomposed and disfigured bodies like that of drowned persons, fire victims, and victims of motor vehicle accidents. The various methods employed in forensic odontology include tooth prints, radiographs, photographic study, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy and molecular methods. Investigative methods applied in forensic odontology are reasonably reliable, yet the shortcomings must be accounted for to make it a more meaningful and relevant procedure. This paper gives an overview of the various experimental studies to aid in the identification processes, discussing their feasibilities and limitations in day-to-day practice.