Review Article

Year : 2017 | Volume : 2 | Issue : 1 | Page : 27 - 29

Postmortem Identification in Forensic Odontology

Joshua Ng Chor Yang, James David Raj

From the Department of Oral Medicine and Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College,

Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Joshua Ng Chor Yang, E‐mail: ryan.joshng@gmail.com

Abstract

Forensic odontology is that part of dentistry which deals with the identification of a deceased individual by carefully examining and studying dental evidence. Over the years, many methods have been developed to identify the identity of a person. By studying the teeth and oral cavity, a forensic dentist can determine the age, gender, race and quite possible the identity of the individual. The key component in forensic sciences is to identify and compare a particular trait which is unique to that individual. In forensic odontology, a few traits have been identified such as bitemarks, enamel rod patterns, lip patterns, and genetic information embedded within the hard tissue of the tooth.

Key Words: Ameloglyphics, bitemarks, cryogenic grinding, forensic odontology, rugae

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Yang JN, Raj JD. Postmortem identification in forensic odontology. Int J Forensic Odontol 2017;2:27-9.