WinID © makes use of dental and anthropometric characteristics to rank possible matches. WinID © is a dental computer system that matches missing persons to unidentified human remains. There are computer identification databases such as WinID © or NCIC that are used today to compare ante-mortem and post-mortem data in the identification of deceased or missing individuals. In addition to anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus, anterior nasal spine, mandibular canal, coronoid condylar processes, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and other pathologies (developmental cysts, salivary gland pathology, trauma, evidence of surgery, metabolic bone disease, reactive/neoplastic, focal or diffuse radiopacities). Other factors to look for when conducting a comparison are the periodontal tissues in regards to gingival morphology and pathology, periodontal ligament morphology and pathology, and the alveolar process and lamina dura. ![]() 12 The root surfaces of teeth have unique shapes and bends that just may be the key to a positive identification. A positive identification is still possible by comparing the pulp chamber and root morphology. 14 Incidents such as plane crashes and explosions can damage the coronal surface of the tooth. The root morphology along with the pulp chambers will assist in determining whether the tooth is from the maxillary or mandibular arch, and distinguishing if it is an anterior or posterior tooth. The pulp chamber can be used to distinguish approximate age of the individual, since the chamber size varies from children to adult teeth. Pulp chamber and root morphology may also be considered valuable information in identification. 13 When conducting a comparison regarding teeth, it is important to determine if they are present (erupted, unerupted, impacted), congenitally missing or lost ante-mortem/post-mortem, tooth type (permanent, deciduous, mixed, retained primary, supernumerary), what the tooth positions are, crown morphology and pathology, and root morphology. There are three categories examined when comparing dental records (ante-mortem with post-mortem) for identification, which are the teeth, periodontal tissue, and anatomical features. 4 The more information documented from the post-mortem examination, the better the possibility for successful comparison. 17 The primary goal of post-mortem dental records is to locate, identify and document anatomical structures, dental restorations and dental appliances that will assist in the comparison process. 4 The following is collected for post-mortem documentation: photographs (digital or film based) which provide the ability to view specific features without having to review the body, radiographs (full mouth series) (Figure 1), and a complete dental record for post-mortem and ante-mortem paperwork (Figures 2A & 2B). For this reason, it is extremely important an accurate and detailed evaluation of the unknown individual is documented to provide the best possibility of successful comparison with ante-mortem records. Teeth have the ability to survive decomposition and withstand extreme temperature changes, which is why dental evidence comparison is one of the most dependable and reliable methods of identification 4 This is made possible by comparing features of an unknown individual (post-mortem dental records) with a known individual (ante-mortem dental records). Therefore, quality radiographs and accurate charting are the FIRST steps in providing a positive identification. ![]() A person’s teeth change throughout life and the combination of decayed, missing and filled teeth is measurable and comparable at any fixed point in time. Forensic dentistry starts with dental professionals and so, dental professionals are encouraged when documenting to utilize universal abbreviations when needed, and to be detailed about the procedures conducted on patients. It is important for dental professionals to document information in the ante-mortem dental record clearly, correctly, and specifically. ![]() ![]() This is done using ante-mortem (prior to death) dental records, radiographs 13 and photographs and by comparing them to post-mortem records. The evidence that can be derived from teeth is the age estimation (i.e., children, adolescents, adults) and identification of the person to whom the teeth belong. Identification of individuals missing for prolong time can bring peace and closure to family members. Many religions require that positive identification be made prior to burial in geographical sites. Payment of pensions, life insurance and other benefits relies upon positive confirmation of death. Individuals from many religious backgrounds cannot remarry unless their partners are confirmed deceased. Investigation in criminal death cannot begin until the victim has been positively identified.
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