ABSTRACT
Forensic odontology or forensic dentistry is the analysis of bite mark impressions or dental impressions in order to make an identification. During the course of a person’s life, there are two forms of dentition: primary and permanent. Primary dentition forms around the 1-year mark and continues through childhood until the teeth, sometimes referred to as baby teeth, fall out. Permanent dentition forms after the primary tooth has been extracted and remains with the individual for the remainder of life. When a forensic odontologist analyzes the tooth structure or bite mark for identification purposes, the two structures of the Dental impression https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315721811/276059fb-2575-4c03-9ea9-45b53f7837af/content/fig0104_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Dental X-ray. iStock https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315721811/276059fb-2575-4c03-9ea9-45b53f7837af/content/fig0105_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> jaw must be distinguished. The maxilla, or upper jaw, has different categories of teeth and structure compared with the mandible, the lower jaw. In some instances, the upper or lower jaw may be more prominent in the dental impression left at a scene. Forensic odontology can be used for the identification of a victim or individual where visual confirmation cannot be used due to decomposition of the body. In the case of victim identification, the forensic odontologist obtains an X-ray of the teeth attached to the skull and compares the information to known X-rays from suspected individuals. Once the X-rays are compared for consistencies, such as structure and shape of the tooth, filling location, and/or unique dental structures, a decision on identification can be made.
