Forensic Odontology And Endodontics

Abstract

Dental identification of a deceased individual is a core task in forensic odontology. The accurate recording of clinical dental procedures has become more important over time because of the increasing trend of lawsuits worldwide. Advances in endodontic imaging, root and root canal anatomy, and bio-materials have been consistently emerging in endodontic research and practice. There is an inter-relationship between endodontics and forensic personal identification. Endodontists should be aware of all available dental tools that aid in identification. The four fundamental tools for identification are dental radiographs, hard and soft dental structures, and dental materials. Dental radiographs provide a substantial non-destructive record for estimating age and sex. Moreover, maxillofacial hard and soft structures provide important tools for individual identification as they are considered the strongest structures in the human body and can withstand severe chemical and temperature changes. In addition, endodontic and restorative materials can be identified under different conditions and serve as excellent forensic identification measures. In most disasters, teeth are the only means of positive identification of an otherwise unrecognizable body, as there has been tremendous increase in the use of dental restorations that have different resistance to prolonged high temperature which is an important aid in identifying burned victims. Application of SEM/EDS in forensics was found useful in areas where there is a need for good imaging with high magnification combined with elemental analysis. The objective of this study was to analyze incineration effects on teeth and restorative materials using SEM/EDS. Materials and Method. 128 extracted teeth were collected, 96 were Stored with silver amalgam, composite, and GIC of 32 each, and crown preparation was done in 32 teeth for which metalceramic crowns were prepared. These teeth were subjected to 4 different temperatures (500°C, 700°C, 900°C, and 1100°C) for 20minutes, and they were analyzedmacroscopically and by using SEM for the changes subsequent to their exposure to such hightemperatures.