Forensic odontology-A review

Abstract

Forensic dentistry may be defined as that branch of forensic medicine that applies dental knowledge to civil and criminal problems. It is the branch of Forensic sciences which utilizes the skill of the dentist in the processing, review, evaluation and presentation of dental evidence with the purpose of contributing scientific and objective data in legal processes. The methods of collecting the data utilizes the developed technologies and have undergone significant transformation. The methods used include, dental imaging techniques, bite-mark analysis, DNA analysis using oral tissues, cheiloscopy, and rugoscopy in addition to facial reconstruction, denture identification, comparison microscopes, and tongue prints which are the recent inputs in the field of forensic odontology. This article provides an overview of the recent trends in conventional forensic methods and also provides an insight into the recent concepts used in this field.