What is forensic odontology? How does it contribute toward criminal investigations?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Forensic odontology (FO) has been defined as the intersection of dentistry with criminal and civil laws. For present purposes, it is a medical specialty relating dental evidence to investigation. FO can make significant contributions in the following circumstances:

1. Identifying missing/unidentified persons: For example, hunters find a human skull, but investigation finds no other remains or a decomposing or skeletonized body is discovered. Human remains found in remote areas, clandestine graves, abandoned buildings, or under similar circumstances may be in very "rough" condition and may have been subject to animal predation and their remains scattered over a wide area. Although teeth are the most durable part of the body, some may become scattered, and investigators should try to find as many as possible. The addition of an experienced forensic anthropologist to the investigative team should be given consideration when buried and skeletonized remains are found.
2. Recognition and analysis of bite marks in sexual assault: In sexual assault, child/elder abuse, domestic violence, and homicide cases bite marks are important in determining what happened. In rare cases, a bite mark may be self-inflicted as part of a staged crime. Children sometimes bite themselves, and that possibility must be considered. Alternatively, another child may have inflicted the bite. Although bite marks are most frequently found on skin and in human tissue, they may also be found on objects at crime scenes, including pencils, Styrofoam cups, food, and other objects.
3. Recognition and evaluation of orofacial trauma in victims of violence: This trauma occurs on the face and mouth. Symptoms appear as a result of blood being outside of a vessel. A new injury usually appears red and scan look somewhat like a rash. It typically fades into a bruise.
Other symptoms include lacerated lips, damage gums, and loosened or lost teeth. It may the result of an accident or violence. Children just learning to walk may exhibit signs from falling or it could also be child abuse.
4. Identifying mass casualties of attacks and natural and industrial disasters: Examples include such as 9/11, the Indian Ocean tsunami (2004) that may have killed as many as 250,000 people, and the 1,836 deaths caused by Hurricane Katrina (2005). In Thailand, 75% of the 2004 tsunami victims were identified by forensic odontology.