Forensic odontology | Factors affecting dental identification | Role of forensic odontologists

Forensic odontology is the study of dental records and bite marks to aid in legal investigations. The field was pioneered by Dr. Paul Revere, known as the father of forensic dentistry, who contributed significantly through his writings. Key factors for dental identification include unique tooth patterns and restorations that can link individuals to crime scenes or remains. Forensic odontologists play a crucial role in identifying victims and providing expert testimony in court cases.

Forensic odontology is the application of dental knowledge in legal contexts, focusing on how teeth can provide crucial evidence for solving forensic cases. This field involves careful handling, examination, and evaluation of dental evidence to aid in justice by determining a person's age or identifying individuals based on their dental records. Dr. Oscar Amoedo is recognized as the father of forensic odontology; he authored a significant paper titled "The Bazaar de la Charité" and published the first book on this subject in 1898.

Forensic odontology plays a crucial role in identifying victims of mass disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and air crashes. Teeth are the hardest part of the human body and often remain intact even when other remains are severely damaged or decomposed. This resilience makes dental records invaluable for identification purposes in cases involving disfigured bodies from bomb blasts, fires, or vehicle accidents. The ability to analyze teeth allows forensic experts to provide closure for families during tragic events.

Dental identification relies on various factors, primarily the count of teeth present or missing. By comparing the number of teeth in a deceased individual to known records, one can infer identity; for instance, if a person is known not to have certain molars and they are found in remains, it suggests that these are not the same individuals. Additionally, dental restorations play a crucial role as people often restore their teeth due to decay or aesthetic reasons using materials like silver amalgam or gold crowns. The specific types and conditions of restorations provide further clues for identifying an individual based on unique dental work.

Bony patterns and dental prosthetics play a crucial role in identifying individuals. Unique characteristics of the jaw's medullary bone, including trabecular patterns, tooth angulation, root morphology, and changes in pulp chambers can be analyzed through postmortem radiographs. Additionally, factors such as occupation and habits significantly influence dental wear; for instance, workers exposed to abrasive environments often exhibit severe tooth attrition. Chronic behaviors like pipe smoking or playing certain instruments lead to distinctive wear patterns on teeth that further aid in profiling an individual.

Forensic odontology involves identifying unknown human remains through dental records and assisting in mass disaster scenarios. It includes age estimation of both living individuals and deceased persons, utilizing various methods that will be explored further. Bite mark analysis plays a crucial role in cases of physical or sexual assault, aiding in the identification of marks on victims or suspects as well as substances like wood or food items. Forensic odontologists can also identify weapons based on bite marks and serve as expert witnesses while supporting archaeologists with dietary histories.