Journal What are three ways that investigators can use Forensic Anthropology (human remains) and Forensic Odontology (teeth) to identify a victim?
Mar 31, 2015
Journal
What are three ways that investigators can use Forensic Anthropology (human remains) and Forensic Odontology (teeth) to identify a victim?
Forensic Odontology
Forensic Odontology
Also known as “Forensic Dentistry”
First “Forensic Dentist” in the U.S. was Paul Revere. He helped identify fallen Revolutionary War soldiers.
The proper handling, examination, and evaluation of dental evidence.
This dental evidence can be used to help “reconstruct a crime scene” or help identify a victim.
Forensic Odontologists
Forensic Dentists are responsible for 6 main areas of practice:
A) Identification of found human remainsB) Identification in mass fatalitiesC) Assessment of bite mark injuriesD) Assessment of case of abuse (child,
spousal, elder)E) Civil cases involving malpracticeF) Age estimation
Dental Evidence
Evidence may be derived from teeth. DNA, Age, Individual Characteristics of Bite Marks
Useful in determining the age and identification of the person to whom the teeth belong.
Bite Marks
Bite marks can be left on the following:A) Victim (by the attacker)
B) Perpetrator (from the victim of an attack)
C) Object at the crime scene
Age Estimation
Age can be estimated using dental records.
Tooth eruption and tooth wear are observed to give an age estimation.
Odontologists examine the cementum: mineralized tissue that lines the surface of tooth roots.
Cementum exhibits annual patterns of deposition.
Four Types of Teeth
Incisors
Canine
Premolars
Molars
Incisors
Flat surfaces
Straight, sharp horizontal edge for cutting and biting
Long, single conical root
Canine
Very strong, pointed “corner” teeth
Larger and stronger than incisors
Used for tearing and shredding
Single root longer than other tooth types
Pre-molars (Bicuspid Teeth)
8 Premolars
Used for chewing of food
Placed laterally behind the canine teeth
1-2 roots
Molars
12 Molars“Back” human teethLarge and flat upper
surface2-4 RootsLargest of the
permanent teethUsed for final
chewing/grinding of food before swallowing
Tooth Numbering System
Anatomy of a Tooth
Tooth enamelDentinDental pulpCementumGumsPeriodontal ligamentAlveolar bone
Anatomy of a Tooth
Enamel
Hardest part of the tooth
Hardest of all the tissues in the human body
Protective tooth structure that covers the exposed part of the tooth (the crown)
Dentin
Also known as “Ivory”
Tissue below the tooth enamel that forms the main mass of a tooth.
Supports the tooth enamel and supports the pressure of eating
Dental Pulp
Soft connective tissue containing nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth.
The most internal structure of a tooth (surrounded by dentine)
Found in the soft center of a tooth (inside the chamber and root canal).
Contains DNA.
Cementum
Covers the dentine outside of the root (under the gum line)
Attached to the bone of the jaw with little elastic fibers.
Cementum is hard as bone but not as hard as the tooth enamel.
Gums
Tough pink colored tissue that covers the bone of the jaw.
Supports the tooth structure inside the alveolar bone.
Periodontal Ligament
Tissue between the cementum and the alveolar bone.
Consists of tough, little elastic fibers that keep the tooth attached to the jaw.
Alveolar Bone
The bone of the jaw.
Keeps the tooth in its place.
Feeds and protects the tooth.
Using Dental Records to Identify Remains
Using Dental Records to Identify Remains
High Profile Criminal Cases
Wayne Boden (first case of Forensic Dentistry)
Ted Bundy
Wayne Boden Case
First case of forensic dentistry.
Canadian serial killer and rapist (1969-1971)
Called the “Vampire Rapist” because he bit the breast of his victims.
Forensic Odontology evidence led to his conviction.
Ted Bundy
American serial killer (1974-1978)Escaped twice from county jails before final
apprehension in February 1978.Confessed to over 30 murders (estimates
range from 26 to over 100)A combination of a witness and tooth
impressions left on one of his victims helped to convict Ted Bundy.