Identification of human remains through forensic odontology
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Authors
Diaz, Jr., Melanio R.
Issue Date
2007
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic science
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this research study is to show how an Odontologist plays a significant function in identifying human remains and its role in solving crimes. Odontologists are able to identify bodies when they are decomposed or completely mutilated by mass disaster.
Identification of victims is significantly increased in the presence of antemortem records. Comparisons between available antemortem and postmortem records are used for identification. An example is in a homicide case, when radiographic reconstruction of root morphology was reproduced in a skull. For burn and submarine collision victims, the identification was also very high due to the availability of an antemortem record. However, identification was much more difficult in war victims due to a lack of these records.
The tooth pulp was utilized in a DNA analysis which resulted with a match between the victim and his mother. Odontologists can positively match bite mark evidence when compared to the perpetrator’s impression. In the case of Ted Bundy, he was convicted and sentenced to death.