ORAL PATHOLOGY

Forensic Dentistry/Odontology

James Herrera

Firstly, What is forensic science?

It is the application of science and technology to criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system

Basically, it involves different major sciences

Biology examines biological properties of substances fount at the crime scene Chemistry examines the chemical makeup of substances found at the crime scene Geology examines earths components when important to the csi

Physics examines the movement or impact of materials at the crime scene

Now we can go to Forensic Dentistry

Forensic dentistry, also known as forensic odontology, is a subspecialty within the dental field which focuses on the application of dental knowledge and practice to legal matters. The most famous aspect of forensic dentistry is probably the use of dental records in the identification of human remains, but there are a number of additional applications for this medical and legal specialty.

Most forensic dentists are board certified and members of professional organizations

A brief history

Keiser-Nielson(1967) described forensic odontology as the proper handling and examination of the dental evidence, in the interest of justice, so that the proper dental findings may be properly presented and evaluated

1967 the term odontology became accepted

Short story regarding forensic dentistry..

One of the earliest known examples of forensic dentistry involved Agrippina, the mother of Roman emperor Nero. In 49 B.C., Agrippina ordered the death of her rival Lollia Paulina, who was in competition with her to be the wife of Emperor Claudius. Agrippina demanded to see Lollia Paulina's head as proof of her death, but she wasn't sure that her rival was dead until she noticed Lollia Paulina's distinctive discolored front teeth.

Basically,

In forensic dentistry, these are the basic important topics that our kept in mind:

Charts and Records Tooth Morphology Estimation of Age from the Dentition Color of Teeth and Gums Look, Ask, Listen & Note

Forensic Uses of Patient Charts & Records

The most common element of forensic dentistry that a general practitioner is likely to encounter is to supply antemortem (before death) records to aid in personal identification. The identification is normally carried out by the comparison of ante-mortem (before death) and postmortem (after death) records

This encompasses a large number of situations such as burnt, grossly decomposed or mutilated remains.

Importance of knowing a tooths morphology

A forensic odontologist is required to identify as accurately as possible the natural teeth still present in the mouth.

If it is necessary to identify an isolated tooth

In cases where permanent teeth have been extracted, positions of the remaining teeth will not be necessarily be an accurate guide to their identity.

Significance of the color of teeth

Color of the teeth can contribute largely in forensic dentistry. An example of this is

Identification after fire Teeth would be black and brittle. Identification after drowning, choking may cause pink teeth (Other causes of asphyxia may result changes in pulp causing pink teeth)

Quite often there is a characteristic color at the necks and crowns of teeth which were 1st described by Bell in 1835; now referred to as Pink Teeth.

It is thought to be associated with rapid decomposition in which the hemoglobin from the blood in the pulps forced into the dentinal tubules, thereby producing a pink tooth.

Age Estimation

Determined by:

Appearance of tooth germs involving histologic characteristics of bone, tooth and salivary gland formation Trace of mineralization Degree of completion of the unerupted tooth Dates of emergence of tooth crowns in the oral cavity Degree of completion of root of erupted tooth Degree of attrition of the crown

Look, Ask, Listen and Note

It has been well said that the most important thing to do in any examination is to stand still and look.

Observe for bite marks, color changes, sex, tooth restorations, tooth present.

Ask witnesses for facts or evidences with regards to the incident regardless of its insignificance Listen carefully Note important details