Indian Journal of Forensic Odontology

Many articles on denture marking have been published. Marking dentures has been well documented as a useful aid, if not an absolutely necessary means in the identification of the following: victims of fatal disasters, misplaced dentures in hospitals, nursing homes, and institutions, as well as patients who suffer from unconsciousness or psychiatric problems such as traumatic or senile loss of memory. In particular, misplaced or mistaken dentures in institutes and hospitals for the elderly can be a considerable problem. On this ground, denture identification systems are important for patients in these facilities. 

Keywords: Denture identification; Inclusion methods; Matrix band. 

Tattoos symbolize individuality, experiences, status, religion, and art. They come in many shapes, sizes, colours, designs, and styles. A tattoo in forensic odontology serves as a secondary physical characteristic displaying highly individual features, and can be used to enable identification of deceased, unknown individuals. A single unique feature is enough to allow confirmation of identity. 

Keywords: Tattoo; Forensic odontology; Identification. 

Introduction: Ante-mortem (AM) post mortem (PM) Comparison of clinically used dental radiographs is a classical method for forensic dental identification. An intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) is the most common tool used for investigation, evaluation and monitoring of dental disease progression. Panoramic radiograph or Orthopantomograph (OPG) is the most commonly preferred extra-oral dental radiograph by dentists and it also provides a wide coverage of both the jaws and teeth. Few studies offered to assess OPGs as a tool of identification in forensic odontology. Aims and Objectives: Verify the usefulness of panoramic radiograph as a tool for identification by planning a simulated ante-mortem (AM) and post -mortem (PM) panoramic radiographic comparison. The objective of this study was to check whether OPGs can be an effective tool of identification in the hands of a common dental practitioner. Materials and Methods: 50 individuals were enrolled for the study , age group of 17 to 25 who already underwent panoramic imaging. After taking consent another radiograph was taken at interval of 4 years.100 pairs of matched and unmatched radiographs were generated and each of the 5 investigators was provided with a set of 20 paired radiographs and were asked to report positive and negative matching according to their observation. Results: Results provided by investigators revealed 66/100 positively matched and 34/100 negatively matched records. Accuracy, Sensitivity and Specificity were 95%, 96% and 91% respectively. Conclusion: Panoramic radiographs have been shown to be an excellent tool in forensic identification in this study in an age group of 17-25.

Keywords: Ante-mortem; Post-mortem; Panoramic; Orthopantomograph; Identification. 

 A significant field of study and analysis in Forensic Dentistry is the recognition and interpretation of marks produced by human bites in human body, foods and other articles founded in crime scenes or in the. The knowledge of human dentition and unique features in the dental arches can provide substantial value to forensic experts. Particularly, in bite marks found in the skin, generally resultant of rapes, fights, assaults, abuses and child violence, this evidence can mean the crime resolution, assuming a decisive role in the criminal identification. In this direction, the DNA technology can be used in the recovery of the genetic material, through the saliva deposited in the skin, after the production of a bite mark. This literature review aimed to stand out the importance of the recognition of bite mark injuries and emphasizing the use of the DNA technology in the briefing of crimes. 

Keywords: Human bite marks; Molecular biology DNA; Forensic dentistry; Saliva.