Correlation of Oral, Genetic, and Radiological Parameters Involved in Human Identification in Forensic Dentistry

Background: Forensic dentistry plays a major role in the human identification, mainly in mass disasters situations. Forensic odontologist applies several techniques and correlates different parameters to establish an accurate scheme toward identification. Materials and Methods: A PubMed search was carried out for different parameters involved in human identification in forensic dentistry; the results focused on oral and dental correlated factors, genetics, and radiology. 47 articles were included in this review. Results: The main parameters found to be involved in forensic dentistry procedures were divided into four categories: (1) Comparative identification of oral and dental parameters, especially when ante-mortem records are available; (2) reconstructive identification of oral and dental parameters helping in gender and age estimation; (3) genetics and DNA extraction and printing that can be found in dental structures and biological remains; (4) radiographs and computed tomography images included in the matching procedure that is of great help in identification. Conclusion: The results of this study reported the correlation and importance of different parameters to be included in the process of human identification. Key Words: Forensic dentistry, genetics, identification, oral, radiographs Introduction Dentistry plays a significant role in forensic odontology; mainly in human bodies identification.1-3 When natural and man-made disaster situations occur, forensic dentists have always been involved, mainly in mass casualties cases associated with air or sea disasters.4-7 Dental identification includes a comparison between postmortem dental records with the ante-mortem records of an individual; and identification of victims following mass disasters or catastrophes. Different identification techniques are used by forensic dentists that include rugoscopy, cheiloscopy (lip prints), imprints obtention, use of molecular techniques.8-12 Dental tissues (mainly enamel and dentin) are highly resistant to environmental attacks such as trauma, mutilation, incineration, and decomposition.1,4,8,13 Teeth represent an excellent source of DNA for identification mainly dental pulp.11,12,14,15 This biological material can establish the needed link when conventional dental identification fails.1,16 The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows amplification of DNA at specific sites, is becoming more popular with investigators.1,17 One of the most reliable methods for matching analysis is comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem radiographs, by superimposition and subtraction.1,4,7,18 The use of computed tomography (CT) is gaining popularity in oral and craniofacial medicine, for its non-invasive properties in screening dental treatments on completely burned bodies.19,20 The major disadvantage of using CT for dental identification is the presence of artifacts due to metal,18 but metal-free restorations such as resins, fibers, and ceramics are more common nowadays. The aim of this review paper was to evaluate the correlation and use of different oral, radiographic, and biological parameters in human identification in forensic dentistry. Materials and Methods A PubMed-Medline search of the scientific database for the years 1990-2015 was performed. Abstract, case report, clinical research, and review articles were included.