ABSTRACT
Regardless of whether human remains are visually identiable, decomposed, incinerated, or skeletal, dental evidence is routinely acquired through photographs, radiographs, and dental charting. Jaw resection and preservation of jaw specimens may also be indicated (Herscha et al., 2007; American Board of Forensic Odontology, Inc., 2011). In the course of comparing antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) dental records and radiographs to eect identication, the forensic odontologist relies most frequently on information
5.1 Introduction 129 5.1.1 Purpose and Scope 129
5.2 Radiographic Techniques Used in Forensic Identication 131 5.2.1 Dental Radiographs 131 5.2.2 Medical Imaging 132
5.3 Classication of Radiographic Features Used in Forensic Identication 132 5.3.1 Dental Structures: Abnormalities 134
5.3.1.1 Coronal, Pulpal, and Root Anomalies 134 5.3.1.2 Variations in Tooth Size 139 5.3.1.3 Variations in Tooth Number 139 5.3.1.4 Variations in Tooth Location and Orientation 141
5.3.2 Osseous Structures: Anatomical 143 5.3.3 Osseous Structures: Abnormalities 147
5.3.3.1 Radiolucent 147 5.3.3.2 Mixed Radiolucent or Radiopaque 149 5.3.3.3 Radiopaque 151 5.3.3.4 Other Radiographic Anomalies 151
5.4 Discussion 154 5.5 Conclusions 154 References 156
regarding the dentition and its supporting structures. Similarly, dental records and radiographs are evaluated forensically to identify missing and unknown individuals and victims of a multiple fatality incident.
