Forensic dentists are highly knowledgeable in dental anatomy and use a variety of methods such as x-rays, pathology, dental materials, and developmental anomalies to identify victims. Teeth are incredibly strong and can be used to identify the deceased even when the body has been destroyed.
Forensic odontology
is a field of science that is used to determine the identity of the dead and obtain information about their habits and lifestyles. If you're familiar with real-life crimes, you've probably heard of a case that was solved by forensic dentistry.Forensic dentistry, also known as forensic odontology, is the application of dentistry within the criminal justice system. It is mainly used to identify unknown victims or perpetrators. In more general terms, it refers to the proper handling and examination of dental tests, which are then presented in a court of law. Forensic odontology is also often used to identify victims of mass disasters. For a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer defending a person accused of murder, the alleged victim's dental records can play a critical role in the outcome of the case.
Forensic odontology is the scientific study of teeth and bite marks. Forensic dentists can help establish the identity of bone remains or of a decomposing or unidentifiable body. By using dental records or other clues from the scene or from the teeth themselves, a forensic dentist can positively match a skeleton with that of a person. Forensic dentists are also commonly used to identify victims of mass disasters and to assist in cases of missing persons. Forensic odontology has been invaluable in identifying the dead, especially those who did not die of natural causes.
For example, it successfully identified the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia in December 2004. Keiser-Neilson defined forensic odontology as “that branch of forensic dentistry that, for the sake of justice, is concerned with the proper management and examination of dental tests and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings. Bite mark analysis is a subspecialty of forensic odontology that focuses on identifying perpetrators by comparing dental records with a bite mark left on the victim or at the scene of the events, for example, on food or chewing gum. While the American Board of Forensic Dentistry is trying to establish strong evidence collection protocols, the preservation of those injuries is likely to remain elusive.
