European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

FORENSIC IN ENDODONTICS

Dr. Mahalakshmi Bakthavathsalam*, Dr. Thokala Dhamodaran, Dr. Geeta I. B., Dr. Vasudhara V.,
Dr. Swetha H.B., Dr. Harshitha Sharma

ABSTRACT

The distinctiveness of human teeth has facilitated personal identification throughout history. Dental identification of a deceased individual is a core task in forensic odontology. It is application of dental science to legal investigations, mostly by recognizing human remains based on dental records, that involves in identifying the victim. Comparing recorded dental features and treatment against those of postmortem dentition is one of its core tasks and considered essential from both humanitarian and judicial reasons. Accurate recording of clinical dental procedures has become more important over time because lawsuits exhibit an increasing trend worldwide, as the teeth are the most indestructible components of the human body and may remain intact for many years after a person’s death. In this context, root/root canal morphology and post-treatment radiographs present rich sources of features that would facilitate individuation. Post-mortem radiograph taken in a way that it duplicates the ante-mortem radiograph are extremely useful in comparison process for personal forensic identification. The expanding knowledge on root and root canal anatomy and the advances in endodontic imaging and biomaterials are at the forefront of endodontic research and practice.

Keywords: Forensic odontology, Endodontics, Root canal, Periapical Radiographs, Pulpal DNA, CBCT.