Indian Journal of Forensic Odontology

 Forensic odontologist have taken several leaps in recent years to simplify the diversity of dental characteristics to facilitate comparison and identification of individuals particularly following a mass disaster. The first reported computer­aided dental identification system, Dental Identification Package was described by Kogon et al in 1974. Siegel et al (in 1977) proposed quantifying dental characteristics by giving weight to each in a changeable algorithm. This was followed by the introduction of Computer Assisted Postmortem Identification (CAPMI) program by Lorton et al which leads to publication of several programs with different matching philosophies. These computer programs have been assisting forensic odontologist in identifying victims of mass disasters by producing possible matches. This paper describes the different dimensions of computer application in Forensic dentistry. 

Keywords: Dental Identification Package; Disaster Identification; Computer­Aided Anti­Mortem Identification Systems; Forensic Dentistry.

 Violence and crimes against human life, such as bomb explosions, wars or plane crashes, as well as cases of carbonized bodies or in advanced stage of decomposition, among other circumstances, highlight the need to employ ever faster and more accurate methods during the process of identification of victims. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is frequently used in identifying individuals or determining the origin of certain tissues. Teeth are resistant against extreme circumstances such as temperature, humidity and acidity, which is an important advantage in DNA analysis. Furthermore an abundance of DNA can be extracted from teeth. Saliva can be obtained in a simple, painless and non­radical way. DNA analysis has proven its value in forensic dentistry, but ethical and juridical considerations are still a matter of debate and criticism. 

Keywords: Deoxyribonucleic Acid; Genetic Material; Forensic Investigations.

 A race is defined as a morphologically recognizable subset of a species. From time to time many authors have used dental characteristics to determine ancestry and ethnicity. Morphological characteristics of teeth on the basis of which it is possible to differentiate the races were determined by numerous dental anthropological studies involving Carabelli’s trait, Shovel-shaped incisors etc. This article highlights the different methods and morphological variations of teeth and their role in race and ethnicity determination both antimortem and postmortem. 

Keywords: Forensic Identification; Ethnicity; Human Race; Dental Anthropology.

 The first scientific report on bite mark analysis is published by Sorup. He coined the term “odontoscopy” for bite mark identification analogous to the fingerprint identification called dactyloscopy. The exact identification of a living person using individual traits and characteristics of the teeth and jaws is the basis of bite mark analysis in forensic odontology. The bite marks left on a person may be used to identify the suspects. Bite mark identification is based on the individuality of a dentition which is used to match a bite mark to a suspected person. One can exactly match the bite marks to the accused biter’s dentition. The forensic odontologist should be quite careful while giving opinion regarding the origin of the bite mark and the identification of the criminal on the basis of bite mark evidence. The conviction whether the accused is the biter or not is based on the expert testimony of the forensic odontologist after matching a bite mark with that of the dentition of the accused. 

Keywords: Bite Mark Analysis; Bite Mark; Criminal Bite; Forensic Odontology.

 Forensic odontology is the science which utilizes the dentist’s knowledge to serve the judicial system. Dentists may encounter cases of injuries, which could be non­accidental. Detection, interpretation and management are important from a legal point of view. Dentists should be aware of the legal impact those cases have, and should refer them to appropriate authorities for suitable action. Most often the role of a forensic odontologist is to establish a person’s identity. Mass disaster is an unexpected event that causes severe injury and death to a number of people. Forensic dentistry plays a major role in identifying individuals in such disasters who cannot be identified by any other means. The unique nature of our dental anatomy and the placement of custom restorations ensure accuracy when the techniques are correctly employed.

Keywords: Forensic Ododntology; Dentist and Mass Disasters.

 Background: The structure of the human tooth is a great boon in forensics where its seeming invincibility makes it an ideal material for evidence. The structure of the tooth is both an advantage and a disadvantage in the extraction of DNA for forensic examination. While the soft tissue pulp and cellular dentine make ideal reservoirs for the DNA extraction, hard tissue acellular cementum and enamel deny the obtainment of the same. Aims: The present review aims to highlight, analyze and collate the anatomical and histological areas in a tooth that render DNA obtainment possible and also discusses the various procedures and techniques available to carry out the same. Materials and Methods: The literature was reviewed for data relating to the different dental tissues which can yield qualitative DNA material with relation to forensics and odontology. The data were analyzed in and the shortcomings of the various sources will be discussed. In addition the various DNA extraction methodologies will be compared. Results: The paper highlights the facts that the best available sources of DNA in a tooth are the pulp, dentine and to a lesser extent the cellular cemetum. Enamel is useless for DNA extraction. The procedures needed to contain DNA material, avoid contamination and optimally extract DNA are explained. Target tissue and techniques for use of the DNA in forensic odontology is also explained. 

Keywords: DNA; Forensic Odontology; PCR.

  Introduction: Dental identification is one of the most reliable and frequently applied methods for identification of human remains using smile photographs and dental models when there is total or partial loss of soft tissues. The occlusal profiles and special features of anterior maxillary teeth capable of being seen in smiling photographs are evaluated for individuality. Aim: To analyse the utility of smiling photographs in identification of the individuals and the use of anterior dentition and its features in the identification of individuals. Material and Methods: Photographs with broad smile and dental models were obtained from 65 students of the institute. A blind trial was done by four observers to identify the dental models on the basis of photographs. conclusion: This method of using smile photographs for identification can be used as screening method in mass disaster cases and is less time consuming. 

Keywords: Forensic Odontology; Smile Photographs; Mass Disaster.

  Background: Multiple teeth in varied stage of dental development provide sufficient data source for accurate age estimation, but only till the age of 14 years. The difficulty in human age estimation after 14 years of age has greatly shifted the focus on third molar which offers a unique advantage over other teeth because its development tends to continue over a longer period and until a later age. Aim: Aim of this study was to estimate the age of adolescents and young adults based on Demirjian’s method for the development of mandibular 3rd molars using panoramic radiographs. Material and Methods: The retrospective study was carried out on 150 digital orthopantomograms of patients in the age group of 13­23 years obtained from the archives at our institution, MP dental college, Vadodara, Gujarat. Demirjian’s tooth development method was used. Mandibular right third molar was used, if missing, contralateral molar was used. Data was analysed by using SPSS software (STAT IC­13). Results: The linear regression formula was applied which revealed age predilection with mean error of 1.83 year in which 60% cases were estimated within 1 year of actual age, while 40% cases were estimated to be >±1 years from actual age. There was a significant correlation between dental age and chronological age. The predicted age for male was 18.56 ± 1.69 and for female were 18.64 ± 2.21. Conclusion: Assessment of third molar using Demirjian’s method can be used in estimating age for medico­legal purposes. As the Demirjian’s method was based on French population, derivation of population specific formula is recommended. 

Keywords: Age Estimation; Demirjian’s Method; Third Molar; Dental Radiography; Population Specific Formula.

 Background: Digital panoramic radiographs can be used as a simple and reliable tool to assess the sexual dimorphism of skull bones for forensic purposes. Aims and Objectives: To compare the measurements of various skeletal landmarks on maxilla and mandible between the genders using digital panoramic radiographs and to evaluate the role of panoramic radiographs in the identification of sex using these landmarks. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of evaluation of digital panoramic radiographs of 25 male and 25 female patients performed using Planmeca machine and analyzed using DBSWIN software. Various skeletal landmarks were recorded and compared between males and females. Results: Certain variables like height of body of mandible, distance of mental foramen to inferior cortex, inferior cortical width, condylar head width and height, antegonial depth, ramus width and height , articular eminence inclination and height were found to be significantly more in males than females. However, there was no significant difference in variables like gonial angle, fossa depth, maxillary sinus and nasal fossa width. Based on these parameters, a discrimnant functional equation was derived to determine sex. Conclusion: The present study confirms the role of various radiological landmarks on orthopantomograph (OPG) in identification of sex, therefore emphasizing its significance in forensics and research. 

Keywords: Articular Eminence; Discrimnant Function; Orthopantomograph; Nasal Fossa; Sexual Dimorphism.