YOUR TEETH :YOUR IDENTITY



Plane crash site

The identification of an individual in cases of fatalities like plane crash, fire outbreaks, drowning and other disasters is a desirable role that can be played by your teeth. (Forensic odontology).

Although the tooth is not like the finger print which is unique to all however ante mortem dental records when proved to be same to post mortem dental records becomes a useful identification means for unknown remains.

The enamel (outer part of the tooth) is the hardest substance in the human body. Despite burns, mutilation, and rot associated with natural and man-made disasters they remain for years. Hence the use of the teeth physically or by molecular means to retrieve its genomic DNA for identification in forensics.

With forensic odontology both the living and the dead can be identified when the need arises. As much as your dental details can identify you then it can serve various purposes which can either be good or bad.

1. Identification of remains of the dead

2. Identification of the living in criminal cases e.g bite mark identification.

Tools of forensic odontology are the dental records which include:

1.     Models of the jaws following an impression taking of the jaws.

2. Radiographs of the teeth and jaws

a                                                  b

The above radiograph labeled a was taken before the death of the patient

while b was found at post mortem.
The dentist with that record could proof that the remains was that of the patient with same dentition evidenced by the radiograph.
3. Restorations which include amalgam fillings, jacket crowns, dental bridge works and implant used to replace parts of a tooth or a missing tooth.
4. Charts of findings in the mouth are all the information of an individual subjected to mouth examination by a dentist.
Importance of forensic odontology

1. It affords you the opportunity to bury the remains of loved ones and not someone else in case of fatalities.

2. It helps you psychologically knowing that you found your missing relation.

3. Allows you to get a death certificate which paves way for the collection of the deceased entitlements.

4. Aids crime investigation with bite marks

How do you get a dental record?

This is only by a regular visit to a dentist, who has an up to date records of your dentition including restorations, models and radiographs.

Always indicate your dentist's name and address in official forms when necessary.

KEEP AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DENTIST TODAY FOR SAFE DENTAL RECORDS.

For more information contact us: insidedental@gmail.com