Tooth- A Key Aid In Establishing Identity Of Deceased Individuals

Abstract

Forensic odontology is the branch of dentistry which aids in identifying human remains after homicides, accidents, wars or natural calamities. Forensic science has long been dependent on fingerprints or some identification mark on the body of a deceased individual. But in the absence of such evidence dental indicators assist successfully in the identification process. The study of teeth and the surrounding tissues of the oral cavity in order to establish the identity of a victim are known as dental profiling. Teeth can play a vital role in estimating the age, sex, race, socio-economic status, personal habits, oral and systemic health, occupation and dietary status of an individual. Various methods like radiographic imaging, dentin translucency, amino acid racemization, chromosomal analysis, barr bodies, amelogenin protein analysis, cementum annulations have made dentist an essential part of forensics.